Tasty Sangria

It is not necessary to use expensive wines to make exquiste sangria. Look for a wine in the $8- $10 category. These are some good choices.

Red Sangria- Shiraz, Zinfandel, Red Rioja, Spanish rose. Gewirztraminer, Avoid wnes with heavy tannins, such as Cabernet or Merlot.

White Sangria- Pinot Grigio White Rioja, Riesling, Spanish Cava, Asti Spumante.

Sweet Cherry Sangria

1 750-milliliter bottle red wine such as Beaujolais or Zinfandel

1 quart freshly squeezed orange juice (about 12 oranges)

1 1/2 cups fresh dark sweet cherries, pitted and halved

3/4 cup cherry beverage-flavoring syrup

1/2 Triple Sec or other orange-flavored liqueur

Combine all ingredients; stir. Cover and refrigerate at least 4 hours to allow flavors to meld. Serve over ice. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

Peachy Sangria

1 750-milliliter bottle dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio

1 cup peach-flavor vodka

1/2 of a 12-ounce can frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed (3/4 cup)

1/3 cup superfine gradulated sugar

4 large peaches, pitted and sliced

1 1/2 cup seedless green grapes, halved

Combine all ingredients. Stir until sugar dissolves. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to meld flavors. Serve over ice. Makes 8 to 10 servings.

It's Margarita time...

Margarita on the rocks

4 large limes
2 cups water

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup tequila

1/4 cup orange liqueur

Lime slices or wedges (optional)

Coarse Salt (optional)

Ice Cubes

Finely shred the peel from four limes (you should have about 2 tablespoons). Stir lime peel into water. Let stand for 30 mintues. Strain lime peel mixture through a sieve; discard peel.

meanwhile, squeeze limes to make 1/2 cup juice; set aside. Stir sugar into strained lime peep mixture until dissolved. Stir in reserved 1/2 cup lime juice, tequila, and orange liqueur.

If desired, rub glass rims with limes slices or wedges and dip into coarse sald. Pour tequila mixture over ice cubes. Garnish with additional lime slices. Makes 6 (4- ounce) servings.