Basic Sangria RecipeA very simple, basic sangria recipe. While this sangria is delicious as is, this recipe intentionally leaves ample room for improvisation and additions, and should therefore be used as a springboard to create your own unique sangria recipes. The unaltered basic sangria recipe below, however would meet with the approval of strict sangra traditionalists.

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Makes 4 glasses Difficulty: Very easy Preparation time: 10 minutes

Ingredientsy y y y y y y y3 1/4 cups ( 26 fl. oz) dry red wine 1 tablespoon sugar Juice of 1 large orange Juice of 1 large lemon 1 large orange, sliced thin crosswise 1 large lemon, sliced thin crosswise 2 medium peaches, peeled, pitted and cut into chunks 1 cup (8 fl. oz) club soda

PreparationCombine all the ingredients except for the club soda in a large punch bowl or serving pitcher, mixing well. Refrigerate overnight. Immediately before serving, mix in the club soda for added fizz. Ladle into cups with ice cubes.

Cranberry and Strawberry SangriaThis playful sangria is sure to become one of your party staples. It is only slightly more tedious to prepare than the other sangrias, but well worth the extra little effort. This fruity, delicious sangria is practically a fiesta in itself but with sangria like this, why wait for the guests?

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Makes 8 glasses 15 minutes preparation + 5 minutes cooking Difficulty: easy

Ingredientsy y y1 cup (8 fl. oz) water 2/3 cup (5 oz) sugar 3 cloves

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medium lemon slices medium lime slices cranberry herbal tea bags 1/4 cups (26 fl. oz) dry red wine cups (16 fl. oz) cranberry juice tablespoons brandy tablespoons Triple Sec 1/4 cups (5 oz) fresh strawberries, trimmed cup (8 fl. oz) club soda

PreparationCombine the water, sugar, cloves, and lemon and lime slices together in a saucepan and set over medium heat. Mix well, and allow to simmer for a couple of minutes. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer for a further 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add in the tea bags. After allowing the tea bags to infuse for five minutes, remove and discard the tea bags and the cloves, and transfer the mixture to a large serving pitcher. Add the wine, cranberry juice, brandy and Triple sec. Mix well and drop in the orange chunks and strawberries. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours. Immediately before serving, mix in the club soda for extra fizz. Serve chilled, over ice.