Sangria - the perfect "punch" for summer

I love wine and things to do with it in the kitchen. This bit is a citrus based punch using wine as the alcohol to bring on the "punch". I got the basic recipe from a Spanish exchange student that was with one of our neighbors a few years ago so it is pretty authentic. What I like about it is the citrus snap without it being overly sweet.

As far as the wine goes, chose a red you'd drink straight up as it does make a difference in the final product. There are plenty of decent $5-10 bottles that would work well. I generally use a shiraz or cab, even a blended red and get good results every time. The key is to use a red you'll like and you can't go wrong.

As this needs some sitting time to allow all the flavors to intermingle this is a great make ahead for a party that can be done the day before. One less thing to do on the day of the party always makes life a little easier.

Sangria

• 2 bottles red wine
• 1 large grapefruit
• 2 oranges
• 2 lemons
• 5-6 key limes

Slice the grapefruit, oranges, lemons into 1/2" slices and add to 2 qt pitcher. Slice the limes in half and give them a squeeze over the pitcher and add to the rest of the fruit. (Limes are stingy with their juice so you have to do the squeeze to get their juices flowing). Add red wine. Refrigerate at least 8 hours or overnight. Serve chilled with fruit for garnish in the glass.