summer sangria

We are in the midst of the sweltering dog days of summer. According to the calendar, there are 22 days before the official change of seasons and it is so hot the dogs look for any shade they can find when they go out. In fact, they don’t even much want to go out when it is so hot.

When we come in from the outside during the day and then turn around to go back out, Sunshine has been known to lift her head after settling in to snooze in the AC and give a look that clearly says, “Thanks, but I’m good here, go on outside without me.” So, for dogs that prefer staying in the shade and don’t want to get off the porch, it’s the dog days of summer. Of course, it also has to do with Sirius the Dog Star and it’s position to the sun for those who prefer celestial markers, but Sunshine’s behavior is a reliable indicator of the temperature and humidity in late August/early September for me.

When it is so hot, and the summer stone fruits are locally ripe, we love a summer white sangria. Of course we also love the traditional red sangria, but can really drink it anytime. Our summer sangria is best when peaches, plums and nectarines are in season. My bubble glass pitcher always looks like it holds enough to share with the entire neighborhood, but somehow it is easily emptied with just one or two good friends. Here’s the recipe; it’s readily adapted to what’s available ~~~

Summer White Sangria

Chill all ingredients – liquids and fruits
1 bottle pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc
1 liter lemon or lime sparkling water
and simple syrup to taste
– or- approx 1.5 liter lemon-lime soda

1/2 cup blueberries – rinsed
1 peach – medium sliced
1 plum – medium dice
1 nectarine – medium dice

Add the fruit to a pitcher large enough to hold all the liquids. Pour the wine over the sliced/diced fruit and refrigerate four to six hours to allow the flavors to blend. When ready to serve, add the sparkling water and simple syrup to taste (or lemon/lime soda) and serve. In a pinch you can pour over some ice ~ or even skip the refrigerating step if the ingredients are all chilled ~ and it will still be refreshing, but the best flavor comes from allowing time for the wine and fruit to really blend.

I like to serve this sangria with some appetizers in the afternoon or before a casual dinner. Be sure to have some long handled spoons on hand to enjoy the fruit with the wine ~ it’s delicious! Any remaining fruit is great spooned over grilled pound cake, or sorbet, or ice cream. I love things that do double duty ~ drinks and dessert! Enjoy this in the waning weeks of summer while the grilling is good. Hey, it’s almost Labor Day and three day summer weekends are one of my very favorite things ~ and this sangria also makes the list of summer favorite things. Enjoy!