Blushing Sangria

I was in my local supermarket yesterday, and they had a special promotion for a rose Pinot Noir, and a description saying how great it tasted chilled on a summer afternoon. I have not bought rose wine for a long time, so I purchased a bottle, and started thinking how much more popular rose wine is in Europe. Many of my friends here in the US have indicated to me that rose wine was wine you would drink in college (as if it hadn't quite made it to red and white wine status), and that is probably why I have never been offered rose wine at anyone's house.

The recipe I have for Sangria suggests substituting the red wine for rose because it makes it a lighter, fruitier drink. The Spanish mixture of iced wine and fruit makes a refreshing summer beverage, and the fruit can be varied to whatever is on hand. It would be ideal for a summer barbecue or beach party.

Ingredients

• 1 orange, sliced and seeded
• 1 lemon, sliced and seeded
• 2 plums, pitted and cut into 1/2-inch wedges
• 1 peach, pitted and cut into 1/2-inch wedges
• 6 strawberries, halved
• 6 seedless grapes, halved
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur such as Grand Marnier
• 1 cup fresh orange juice, plus more as needed
• One 750-ml bottle chilled rose wine

Method

1. In a pitcher, combine the orange and lemon slices, plum and peach wedges, strawberries, grapes, and lemon juice.
2. Sprinkle with the sugar and toss to combine.
3. Add the orange liqueur and let stand at least 1 hour.
4. Stir in 1 cup orange juice and the wine.
5. Add more orange juice to taste, if required.
   
6. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours, or until chilled.