Houstonist Bartender: Sangria

"Summertime and the livins easy" until you mow the lawn and sweat your ass off in the process. Why not relax and let the kid down the street mow your yard? They could use the money to pay for their iPhone service plan and you could use the break. Wouldn't it be satisfying to sit in the shade sippin' a cold beverage while s/he sweats to death? All you need is the perfect drink.

Sangria is a great addition to your usual summer rotation of margaritas, mojitos and caipirinhas. The versatile recipe allows you to be as chi-chi or as che-cheap as you'd like without sacrificing too much flavor. You can also mix it in a bucket for occasions when you need mass quantities such as entertaining large crowds or unwinding after a Monday.

Sangria

+ 1 Bottle of red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rioja, Zinfandel, Shiraz)
+ 1 Lemon cut into wedges
+ 1 Orange cut into wedges
+ 1 Lime cut into wedges
+ 2 Tbsp sugar
+ Splash of orange juice
+ 2 Shots of gin
+ 1 Cup of sliced strawberries or raspberries (may use thawed or frozen)
+ 1 Small can of diced pineapples (with juice)
+ 4 Cups ginger ale

Pour the liquids into a bucket pitcher. Squeeze the citrus wedges to add the juice; try to keep as many seeds out as possible. Add the remaining fruit. Chill and serve over ice.

It's best to mix up the sangria about an hour before you plan to serve it. Gain presentation points by serving in a daiquiri glass and garnish with fruit.

Have a drink we should spread to the masses? Send it along [jason at houstonist dot com], and we just may post it after some extensive testing.

Don't be a dumbass. Drink responsibly or take a cab.

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Photo: flickr user nattywoohoo.