strawberry sangria ~ two ways!

Welcome to our fun recipe blog hop ~ the Ultimate Recipe Challenge ~ and this month we’re all about summer and strawberries! I used beautifully ripe, local berries in Strawberry Sangria ~ two ways, traditional and frozen!

I love strawberries. Cakes, pies, shortcakes, ice cream, jams, ~ even sliced over cereal. And now I have to say this strawberry sangria is moving way up the list ~ it’s REALLY good! 🙂

I first had frozen sangria out at a restaurant, and it was not an instant hit. I love good sangria and thought their frozen version lacked flavor and had an artificial after taste.  I’m happy to say my version is all fresh flavor and berry goodness ~ and the key is using ripe, frozen berries! I froze some cleaned and sliced local berries, and they made such a difference ~ so much more flavor than frozen berries from the grocery freezer case.

Check out my recipe details below, and visit the other awesome blogger links for more strawberry inspiration!

strawberry sangria ~ two ways!

ingredients ~ makes a pitcher of traditional style sangria
   1 bottle Rosé wine, chilled
   1/2 bottle Prosecco or similar sparkling wine, chilled
   1/2 cup Cointreau or similar orange liqueur
   2 pints ripe strawberries ~ topped and quarter sliced 
   1 peach ~ peeled and medium dice
   simple syrup to taste {equal amounts sugar & water heated until dissolved, then cooled}

directions ~ traditional style sangria
   combine Rose, Prosecco, and Cointreau into a pitcher, large jar or carafe
   add sliced strawberries and diced peach
   add simple syrup to taste
   chill combined ingredients 1-2 hours to marry the flavors
   garnish with your favorite fragrant herb ~ I used rosemary, and mint or basil would also be nice!

directions ~ frozen sangria
This is a great way to use any left over traditional sangria the day after. Of course that would assume you have any left over ~ hey, it could happen!
   add a glass of sangria with fruit to a blender {single serving, increase for multiple servings}
   add 4 to 5 frozen strawberries, depending on size
   add 3 to 4 ice cubes
   blend until smooth, taste, add simple syrup for desired sweetness if needed
   garnish with festive fruit pick and enjoy!

This is a perfect summer pitcher to share with friends ~ on the deck, at a picnic table, or anywhere you want to raise a glass and toast to summer! For other options check out my Summer Sangria and Sunset Sangria too!  Cheers y’all ~~~