We LOVE our wine… and we love Spanish cuisine.  Jaleo, a restaurant in DC by the amazing Chef Jose Andres, is one of our absolute favorites.  They have the best sangria we have ever had – hands down. So of course we had to try to replicate it at home.  It took some serious test tasting (darn the luck!), but we finally came up with a recipe that we think might even be just a smidge better… give it a try!

1 750 ml bottle red wine (Malbec or Tempranillo work really well)
2 oz Cointreau or Grand Marnier
3 oz Orange Juice
1 oz Lime Juice
3 oz 7up or Sprite
3 oz Sugar
1 oz Vodka (optional)
2 oz Brandy
1 Cinnamon Stick
Diced fresh fruit – apples, pears

Variations:
Instead of Orange Juice, use Pine/Orange or Pine/Orange/Banana
Substitute 6 oz Ginger Beer for the 7UP or Sprite – the ginger adds a nice spiciness!
Use Agave or brown sugar instead of regular sugar

Mix all ingredients except the diced fresh fruit in a large pitcher.  Refrigerate for about 30 minutes so the flavors can blend.  Just prior to serving remove the cinnamon stick and add diced fresh fruit.  Serve over ice.

NOTE: If you double the recipe, do not double the sugar right away. Add the 3 oz to start, then add more sugar 1 oz at a time to taste.  I tried doubling it once and adding 6 oz of sugar and it was too sweet for me – your taste may differ.