Summer Sangria

This wine punch is just right for summer parties. It's such a crowd pleaser, you may want to make 2 batches at a time.

Source: Everyday Food, July/August 2005

Servings

Ingredients

4 oranges, 2 juiced, 2 halved lengthwise and thinly sliced crosswise
1/3 to 1/2 cup sugar
1/4 cup brandy
1 bottle dry red wine, chilled
2 lemons, thinly sliced
2 cups seltzer or club soda
Ice cubes, for serving

Directions

1. In a large pitcher, combine orange juice, sugar, and brandy; stir well to dissolve sugar. Add wine, orange slices, lemon slices, and seltzer; stir to combine. Fill glasses with ice before serving.

Cook's Notes

Chill the bottle of wine thoroughly before using; this will help keep the ice from melting too quickly in the glass and diluting the taste. To allow the flavors to blend, make the punch up to a day ahead of time (and refrigerate), adding club soda or seltzer just before serving.