Sangria is a festive cocktail at any time of year. During the summer, I like serving white wine sangria featuring the bountiful summer fruits that are in season. Fresh cherries, in particular, are a perfect complement to the white wine.

Traditional sangria contains lots of refined sugars. Not necessary when you use the natural sweetness of the fruit! This drink is so beautiful that I like serving mine in a glass pitcher and in clear glasses. It makes for vibrant table décor.

This cocktail also works great when served at my deconstructed New England lobster bake.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of Chardonnay

• ½ c Cointreau (sub Gran Marnier)

• Juice of 2 oranges + 1 orange sliced

• 1 T honey (optional)

• 1 c fresh cherries (pitted and halved)

• 1 c fresh strawberries (halved)

• Sparkling water (option for topping off drink)

Instructions

Combine wine and Cointreau in a pitcher. In a separate bowl, whisk together orange juice and honey. You can alter the amount of honey you use, or leave it out altogether, depending on how sweet or dry you like your sangria. Add orange juice mixture to pitcher and stir, then add fruit. Keep sangria covered in the refrigerator for at least four hours (you can leave overnight). Serve in an iced glass garnished with an orange slice. Be sure and add some of the sangria soaked fruit to each glass…yum! As an option for a lighter drink you can top off the glass with sparkling water. Serves 4-5.