Memorial Day Sangria

When my friend invited me over for a cookout for Memorial Day, I just knew I had to bring something special and different. You see, I like to bring things that are unique, whether they be a drink, an appetizer or a special desert. I like something that has to do with the theme of the day. So for a Christmas party, I will scour the internet and Pinterest to find something that just reminds people of the holiday. One year for Fourth of July, I even did the chocolate covered strawberries in red, white and blue, complete with festive sprinkles. They were a hit and they were almost a pain to make, but they were worth it, because they looked festive and tasted good also.

So, it is Memorial Day and I need to bring something fun. I begin to look and decide on a signature drink. I decide to make a Memorial Day themed drink, one that will just completely go with the holiday. I found this great sangria and I kind of put my own spin on it. It was good, but strong! I am going to give tips after I post the recipe about how to not make it as strong! Of course, some people might like it strong. If that is the case with you, then you can just leave it alone!

Ingredients:

1 Bottle Sparkling Lemonade

1/2 C Vodka

1 Bottle Pinot Grigio

Strawberries

Blueberries

Raspberries

Granny Smith Apples (not pictured, because you need to cut them into star shapes with a cookie cutter and that is the one shape I do not have!)

Basically, this is very simple. You pour the lemonade, vodka and wine into a pitcher. Then you add the fruit.

Here are my tips to make it better:

If you want a sweeter drink, use Moscato instead, I might also add a little more lemonade

I made this right before the party, I would actually make it earlier and let it refrigerate a little bit. I might even add the fruit or some of it and let it infuse the drink.

I might even add a little orange juice, but that is up to you. The orange juice will give it a little more of a citrus zip.

So, once this great drink is made, how do you serve it? You go to Target and hit the dollar section and find the cutest cups, straws, napkins and serving container you can find. I love different holidays and the Target dollar section makes it easy to love every one of them. You can find decorations for them and not have to spend a fortune. Also, the Dollar Tree has some great stuff too! I spent about $20 on items that I can use for Fourth of July and keep for next year!!!

It was supposed to rain all weekend, so I really did not do too much. We were waiting on storms that did not even get here until late Monday afternoon. So, it was a weekend of hanging with friends, internet shopping and getting ready to eat much more clean and healthy. Oh, and cleaning my dog every time he came in from playing in the mud when he was outside! Ugh!!! What did you do for Memorial Day weekend????