I always like to have a special drink for our guests when we entertain. Recently, we had some good friends over for dinner before the four of us went to see a musical being performed at our neighborhood playhouse. We saw The 25th Annual Putnam Country Spelling Bee. Mr. Right and I saw it in New York City a while back and enjoyed seeing it again. It’s really cute, poignant, and funny all at the same time. The drink I mixed up for us was a peachy summer sangria, and I found the recipe in the Chevy Chaser, a monthly magazine published for residents in our neighborhood. Both men and women like sangria, and I hoped it would be a hit, and it was.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle white wine (Chardonny or Pinot Grigio)
- 1/2 cup bourbon
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur
- 1 peach, halved, pitted, and cut into small wedges
- 1 orange, halved and cut into thin slices
- 1 pint blackberries
- 1 lime, thinly sliced into rounds
- 1/4 cup sugar (more if you want it sweeter)
- A splash of club soda
- Mint leaves for garnish
Instructions
- Cut all fruits and add to a large pitcher. Lightly muddle to release the oils from the fruit.
- Add wine, orange liqueur, sugar, and bourbon.
- Cover sangria and place in refrigerator to chill at least four hours; overnight is best
- When ready to serve, add ice to glass, fill with sangria and a few slices of marinated fruit, then top with a splash of club soda and mint.
- Serves 4

Sangria is great with any meal. It doesn’t need to be served with a Mexican feast. Since we were having a quick meal before the play, I served beef barbeque, spicy Asian slaw, corn and tomato salad, and homemade chocolate pudding for dessert. We all loved it.
Take care.
One year ago yesterday, we signed the final papers & sold our house in Lexington. We had been there since 1988 so we left with heavy hearts. I enjoy reading your blog when I’m feeling “homesick”, your recipes & decorating tips, travel adventures & especially Little Miss! Can’t wait to see her sweet face.
Now that I’ve gone all fan girl, have a great week-end!!
Kathy, Lexington would be hard to leave. I hope you are enjoying your new city.