White Sangria (aka Drunk Fruit swimming in a sea of love)

For our annual 4th of July BBQ, I decided to make a pitcher of Sangria but I wanted the white Sangria like the kind you get at Olive Garden. (I love that stuff...yumm) I was inspired by the fruit that I picked up at the Farmer's Market and the wonderful bottle of Sauvignon Blanc that the wine fairy delivered the day before. So the following is the concoction that was light and fruity and perfect for the afternoon by the pool with friends and family.

• 2 Bottles of white wine (Riesling, Albarino, Chablis, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 cup white sugar
• 3 oranges (sliced) or may substitute 1 cup of orange juice)
• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 1 lime (sliced)
• 5 strawberries (sliced)
• 1 cup of fresh pineapple
• 1 peach (sliced)
• 2 oz. brandy (optional) ( I used the Apple Brandy that we brought home from Normandy, France and wow is it strong)
• 1/2 liter of ginger ale or club soda (ginger ale for those with a sweeter tooth!)

Preparation:

Pour the sugar in the pitcher and follow it with the Brandy. Pour the wine in the pitcher and cut the fruit into slices. Chill overnight. This allows the fuit to get nice and drunk.  Add ginger ale or club soda just before serving.

If you'd like to serve right away, use chilled white wine and serve over lots of ice.
 
Addition ideas:  handful of fresh blueberries, raspberries, kiwi, a shot or two of gin, brandy or rum, a cup of citrus-flavored soda pop.

This is light and refreshing and I served it in a large red wine goblet full of fruit from the pitcher. Enjoy and Happy 4th of July!!