A couple days ago I shared a recipe for a light sweet cocktail to get you through those many hours of Super Bowl Sunday, the Turf Runner.  Then I started thinking that maybe you’re going to a Super Bowl party and want to bring something for a group that didn’t come in cans or bottles.  I know plenty of people consider beer their drink of choice, especially when watching football.  But if you’re not a big fan, I have a great option for you.  One word- Sangria!  Doesn’t that word bring to mind sun, fun and festivities?  Even if you’re in a locale where there’s not much sun on Super Bowl Sunday (or at least the temperature isn’t exactly balmy) a pitcher of Sangria can be the catalyst for good times with good friends.  Below is my favorite Sangria recipe, and I’ve tried many.  It’s sweet and fruity and goes down so easily, you will really need to warn yourself ahead of time to pace yourself.

 Red Wine Sangria

1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (such as Burgundy- it can be something cheap, since it gets mixed up with all that other good stuff)

1 cup fresh orange juice

1/2 cup fresh lime juice

1/2 cup superfine sugar (sold in supermarkets next to granulated sugar)

1/4 cup triple sec

 oranges and limes, sliced

 Combine all ingredients except for fruit in a large bowl.  Cover and refrigerate at least two hours.  To add extra flavor to your sliced fruit,  marinate it in some kind of liquor (like peach schnapps) while the sangria is chilling.  Fill a pitcher with ice and add sliced fruit, then serve- delish!

This recipe will produce a pitcher’s worth, which is a decent amount for 3-4 guests.  You can double, triple or quadruple this recipe easily depending on the size of your party.  If you don’t have fresh squeezed orange or lime juice, it will still be yummy. But you have to use superfine sugar, since regular sugar won’t dissolve as well or as quickly.

 Together let’s start a new trend- trade in the beer for Sangria Super Bowls!