Springtime Rosé Sangria

Is it spring or what? My garden is planted, I’m getting berries from the farmers market, but then it freakin snows and makes me rethink if I want to make a light and airy smoothie bowl or if I need to put a batch of chili in the Crockpot. Ugh, what is life? But I guess in the time of quarantine, a blizzard in May is the least unusual thing going on.

We could all use some distractions right about now, huh? How about a lovely rosé sangria to wet your whistle? This is one of my favorite drinks because I’m a wine lover, so any time I get to enhance my wine, is a net positive for me. This easy breezy sangria uses rosé wine for a little bit of a floral touch, along with freshly squeezed lemon and orange juice, making it a perfect brunch cocktail. Akin to a fruity mimosa, this cocktail would be a breakfast in bed treat or the perfect touch for a spring time garden party – whenever we’re allowed to see other humans again.

To start, I slice my oranges and lemons in half and then juice using a little ceramic juicer my grandma had back in the 60’s. A good rule of thumb is that each piece of fruit yields about an ounce of juice, so you may need a few oranges to make this. You can also opt for juice from the bottle if that’s easier.

Pour your juices, wine, and gin, into a shaker, and get started on simple syrup. If you have store bought, that works just as well. Pour in an ounce and shake away. If you’d like to make a simple syrup, boil equal parts sugar and water for about 5 minutes or until liquid and evenly distributed and becomes a light, clear, amber color. It’s important to stop before it starts to caramelize, otherwise it might burn or turn into a solid. I usually use 1/2 cup sugar and 1/2 cup water and have extra leftover to store in my refrigerator (or double/triple the recipe to make a pitcher of drinks for your gal pals).

Add the simple syrup and club soda to the shaker and shake your heart out, sister. Pour over ice and add fresh fruit; I like strawberries, raspberries, rose petals, and orange segments.

Modifications:

• Swap selzer or tonic for club soda if you prefer.

• Swap grapefruit juice or blood orange juice or the oranges and lemon juice.

• Pour all ingredients except for the club soda into a large pitcher with a cup of fruit and let soak overnight. Add the club soda when you’re prepared to serve it, for an added infusion of fruit flavors.