How to Make a Pitcher of Sangria Under $7

Mix fruit and wine for a summery sangria.

For an easy and inexpensive summer punch, mix a batch of Sangria. You can vary the ingredients according to your taste and budget, but you'll need fruit, wine and a boost of alcohol from rum, brandy or an orange liqueur. Save money by adding only one extra alcohol to the wine and by choosing a sparkling wine rather than adding sparkling water or soda to the recipe.

Things You'll Need

• 1 package frozen tropical fruit, preferably with mango or papaya
• 1 bottle of sparkling wine or 1 bottle wine and 1 bottle sparkling water
• 1/3 cup rum
• 1 orange (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the sangria the night before, if possible, to give the flavors time to blend. If you are using sparkling wine, prepare just before serving so it doesn't go flat.

2. Place the fruit in the bottom of a large pitcher. Add the rum and the wine, if you are using a traditional wine. Leave the pitcher in the refrigerator overnight or until you are ready to serve.

3. About 10 minutes before you are ready to serve the sangria, add a tray of ice. Combine the sparkling wine or sparkling water with the rum and fruit mixture. Garnish with pieces of fresh orange.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have fruit juice, apples or grapes on hand, these can also be added to your sangria.

• Always drink responsibly.

References

• Food Network; Sparkling Sangria; Michael Chiarello
• Food Network; Sangria Recipe; Emeril Lagasse; 2005