It's going to be HOT, HOT, HOT today so why not try something really cool. I'm posting this early so you can go out and get the ingredients you need and be ready for cocktails when it is 5 o'clock somewhere.
Last weekend, we started the evening with this pineapple sangria when our friends, Jim and Maria, came for dinner. I found this recipe on Epicurious and decided to tweak it a little bit because I couldn't find all the ingredients it called for. The original 1 cup of pear brandy was split into 1/2 cup of peach brandy and Patron Citronge (or Triple Sec/Grand Marnier). I added a bit of sweetness (2 tablespoons of sugar) and used soda water instead of pineapple soda. I'm not sure how the original should taste but this adaptation was incredible. It was very refreshing and light and the pineapple chunks were delicious as we sipped the sangria.
If you are looking for a refreshing cocktail for a few or even a gathering, this is worth serving all summer long.
Ingredients:
3 cups of pineapple juice
1 bottle dry white wine, such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc
1/2 cup of peach brandy
1/2 cup of Patron Citronge or any orange liquor (triple sec)
1 ripe pineapple, cut into 1-inch chunks
2 tablespoons of sugar
1 cup of pineapple-mango soda water (or use orange soda water)
1 bunch of fresh mint, roughly chopped
1 orange, sliced
Preparation:
In a pitcher, combine the juice, wine, brandy, citronge, pineapple, sugar and stir. I let it sit for a few hours in the refrigerator before we served it. Add the soda water right before you get ready to serve. Pour into large wine glasses, with ice, and garnish with the mint and orange slice.
Yes, 5 o'clock somewhere!
