How to Make Sangria Splash

Although Sangria is, in itself, considered to be a punch, this red wine can be purchased ready made with sweeteners and other things already blended in. For this recipe a bottle of Merlot serves as the base for the Sangria Splash. Merlot-based wine has a medium body with hints of berry, plum, and currant. This wine is a nice base for making Sangria.Of course, if you choose to purchase a bottle of ready made Sangria you will not need the Merlot but will still want to add the other ingredients.This drink makes a nice addition to a party or gathering of friends.

Things You'll Need

• 1 Bottle of Merlot or other red wine depending on how sweet or dry you like your wine.
• 1 Two litre bottle of gingerale, Sprite, Seven-Up, or other lime or lemon based pop. (A large bottle of club soda will work, also if you prefer).
• 1 Lemon cut into wedges
• 1 Orange peeled and separated into sections
• 1/2 Jar marachino cherries drained
• (May substitute or add other fruits of your choice)
• Chilled wine glasses, or six ounce glasses
• Punch bowl with dipper or large pitcher
• Ice cubes

Instructions

Prepare the Fruit

1. Prepare the fruit by peeling the orange and separating it into sections, cut the lemon into six wedges, and drain any juice from the maraschino cherries. (Some people prefer to process the orange and lemon into juice before mixing with the Merlot).

2. Open and pour the bottle of Merlot into the punch bowl or large pitcher. Add the pop, gingerale or club soda and stir.

3. Add the fruit pieces and stir, mixing well.

4. Cover and refrigerate for an hour so that the Merlot and pop, or soda, will absorb the flavor of the orange, lemon, and cherries. This will also give the Sangria Splash time to chill.

5. 

   Put the six ounce glasses in the freezer to frost.

6. 

   Serve: When you are ready to serve the Sangria Splash, remove the glasses from the freezer and add ice before filling with the punch.

Tips & Warnings

• You can add twizzle sticks or little umbrellas, or put thin orange slices on the edges of the glasses for decoration.

• You can use a variety of fruit, whether it is raspberries, kiwi slices or strawberries.

• As with any alcoholic beverage, keep out of the reach of children, and do not serve to minors.