Peach Strawberry Cherry Summer Sangria

Peach Strawberry Cherry Summer Sangria

This vibrant and refreshing sangria is the epitome of summer in a pitcher, brimming with sweet peaches, juicy strawberries, and tart cherries, all infused with a delightful blend of wine and spirits.

Yields: 6-8 servings Prep time: 20 minutes Chill time: Minimum 4 hours, preferably overnight

Ingredients:

• Fresh Fruit:
  • 2-3 ripe peaches, pitted and sliced (about 2 cups)
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced or quartered
  • 1 cup fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• Wine:
  • 1 (750ml) bottle dry white wine (e.g., Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or a dry Rosé for a slightly different color profile)
• Spirits & Liqueur:
  • 1/2 cup brandy or peach brandy (for deeper fruit flavor)
  • 1/4 cup peach schnapps or Cointreau/triple sec (for added sweetness and fruitiness)
• Sweetener & Enhancers:
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar or simple syrup (adjust to taste, based on fruit sweetness)
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (adds brightness)
• Sparkling Topper (Optional, for serving):
  • 1 cup sparkling water, club soda, or prosecco
• Garnish:
  • Fresh mint sprigs

Equipment:

• Large pitcher (at least 2-quart capacity)
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board
• Cherry pitter (highly recommended for cherries)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Fruit:

   • Wash all your fresh fruit thoroughly.
   • Pit and slice the peaches into wedges or chunks.
   • Hull and slice or quarter the strawberries.
   • Pit the cherries and halve them.
   • Place all the prepared fruit into your large pitcher.

2. Combine Liquids:

   • Pour the entire bottle of white wine into the pitcher with the fruit.
   • Add the brandy (or peach brandy), peach schnapps (or Cointreau/triple sec), fresh orange juice, and fresh lemon juice to the pitcher.

3. Sweeten (if needed):

   • Add the granulated sugar (or simple syrup) to the pitcher. Stir well with a long spoon until the sugar is dissolved. Taste the mixture. If your fruit isn’t very sweet, or if you prefer a sweeter sangria, add a bit more sugar or simple syrup, stirring to dissolve.

4. Chill and Infuse:

   • Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. For the best flavor, allow it to chill overnight. This chilling time is crucial as it allows the fruit to release its juices and the flavors to meld and deepen.

5. Serve:

   • When ready to serve, give the sangria a good stir.
   • Pour the sangria into individual glasses, making sure to get plenty of the fruit in each serving.
   • Optional: Top each glass with a splash of sparkling water, club soda, or prosecco for a bit of fizz.
   • Garnish each glass with a fresh mint sprig.

Chef’s Notes & Tips:

• Choosing Your Wine: A dry white wine works best here as the fruit and liqueurs will add plenty of sweetness. Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc are excellent choices, or a dry Rosé for a beautiful pink hue.
• Ripeness Matters: Use ripe, fragrant fruit. The riper the fruit, the more flavor it will impart to the sangria.
• Don’t Rush the Chill Time: The longer the sangria infuses in the refrigerator, the better the flavors will develop. Overnight is ideal.
• Adjust Sweetness: Always taste and adjust the sweetness to your preference. The sweetness of your fruit will vary.
• Other Fruit Additions: Feel free to experiment with other summer fruits like raspberries, blueberries, nectarines, or even a few slices of orange or lime.
• Make Ahead: Sangria is a fantastic make-ahead cocktail for parties!
• Serving Suggestions: Serve in large wine glasses or tumblers. A long spoon is handy for scooping out the fruit.
• Alcohol Adjustment: You can adjust the amount of brandy or peach schnapps to your liking. For a lighter sangria, reduce the spirits slightly.