Sangria Recipe

In conjunction with the posts on traditional Mexican food and drink, I wanted to include a tasty sangria recipe -- nothing says "I do" like a customized drink, and this purple palliative ought to do just the trick!

1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup lemon juice
1/3 cup frozen lemonade concentrate
1/3 cup orange juice
1 (750 ml) bottle dry red wine
1/2 cup Grand Marnier
1 lemon, sliced into rounds
1 orange, sliced into rounds
1 lime, sliced into rounds
1/4 cup white sugar (optional)
8 maraschino cherries
2 cups carbonated water (optional)

In a large pitcher or bowl, mix together the brandy, lemon juice, lemonade concentrate, orange juice, red wine, Grand Mariner, and sugar. Float slices of lemon, orange, and lime and maraschino cherries in the mixture. Refrigerate overnight for best flavor. For a fizzy sangria, add club soda just before serving.

Blood Orange Margarita

Now here's a fun idea for a signature cocktail for your beach wedding. This blood orange margarita not only sounds delicious, but adds a great festive look for a wedding drink! Serve these at your beachside reception, and you're sure to see some happy faces!

Ingredients
2 oz tequila
2 oz orange liqueur
2 oz fresh-squeezed lime juice
4 oz fresh-squeezed blood orange juice (~3-4 oranges)
1 oz simple syrup

Instructions
Mix tequila, orange liqueur, lime, and orange juices well. Taste for sweetness and add simple syrup if desired. Pour over two small glasses of ice.

Yields: 2 servings

Source: Confections of a Foodie Bride