Friday, July 23, 2010

Cheers to the Weekend!

Alas, Friday is upon us and it could not have come soon enough! In the spirit of celebrating the weekend, I want to share one of my favorite summer beverages, perfect for afternoons lounging by the pool (or if you're psycho like me, on the couch in front of the TV watching Lifetime flicks).

Friend, meet Peach Sangria. Peach Sangria, meet friend. I'm sure you'll get to know each other quite well this summer. [Recipe adapted from The Gourmet Foodie Blog]


Living in Texas, peaches are a summer staple. Side note - Remind me to post my favorite Peach Brownie recipe at a later date (peaches, cinnamon, cakey goodness - best. dessert. ever). We can incorporate them in almost every meal! Pancakes with peach chutney, peach jam, peach cobbler, grilled peaches with vanilla bean ice cream, pork chops with peach salsa...the list is endless and my mouth is salivating. But nothing is more refreshing than a big ole' pitcher of white sangria to ward off the Texas heat. To create this delicious concoction, you'll need the following ingredients:
  • 6 peaches skinned and sliced (canned will work if you're feeling lazy)
  • Fresh squeezed juice of 3 Lemons
  • 2 Sliced lemons
  • 2 Cups of chopped strawberries
  • 1 cup peach schnapps (rum and vodka are great substitutes - a cup of each gives it a kick)
  • ½ cup fine sugar
  • 750ml bottle of Pinot Grigio
  • 4 cups Club Soda
  • 1 cup rose champagne (again, no harm in pouring in more! No point in wasting the bottle)
Step 1: Start chopping up your fruit! The recipe calls for sliced peaches, but I prefer cut up chunks as to make it more edible and delicious. Juice 3 Lemons and slice up the other 2 in rounds. I also like to add in a couple cups of chopped up strawberries for heightened flavor.


Step 2: Dump the fruit mixture and juices into a large pitcher or drink dispenser. If you're obsessed with kitchenware like I am, check out Pottery Barn's Acrylic Drink Dispensers. They are the shiz and for your reference, it's on my wedding registry - just sayin. Now for the good stuff. Pour in the wine, club soda, sugar, and liquor - hold off on pouring the champagne! Stir it up and let it sit in your fridge for a few hours- the longer the better! Give the fruit some time to soak in the booze. However, if you're impatient to get your drink on, skip the soaking and move on to Step 3!

Step 3: Right before you're ready to imbibe the fruits of your labor, pour in the champagne - make it rain on them peaches! Stir in some ice, top off the biggest glass you can find, and sip away the week's stress.


Happy Drinking! Err...I mean, weekend.

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