5 sangria recipes for a cool summer

It’s Friday. You’ve made it. Time for a cocktail.

We’ve compiled five of our favorite sangria recipes for your imbibing pleasure. Whether you prefer a rich red sangria or something on the lighter side, you can have a pitcher ready to go in minutes, made even more colorful with all the fresh summer fruit to be found in the markets right now. Because somehow adding fresh fruit to a cocktail -- or anything -- at least makes it feel more virtuous. And even healthful.

So celebrate with a cold glass -- or pitcher -- of sangria. Or two.

Sangria No. 27: Fresh peaches, blackberries, orange and lime slices, thyme, lavender and mint are combined in a large pitcher, along with vanilla seeds, orange juice, wine, Cognac, Grand Marnier, vermouth and bitters. Serve over lots of ice.

White hot peach sangria: Fresh and bright with flavor, this smooth sangria combines a touch of vanilla with just a hint of heat.

White sangria: Notes of orange, lemon, apple and grape come together along with dry white wine, orange juice, triple sec, brandy and a hint of vanilla.

White peach-Riesling sangria: Peach fan? It’s the dominant flavor in this sangria, combining the fresh fruit along with nectar. The supporting cast includes dry Riesling, lemon, oranges, raspberries, club soda for a little fizz and fresh mint sprigs.

Strawberry sangria: Pinot noir, vodka and Grand Marnier pack a subtle punch in this sangria, lightened with fresh strawberries, lime juice and a touch of aged balsamic vinegar. You can find the recipe below.

FRAICHE’S STRAWBERRY SANGRIA

Total time: About 20 minutes | Serves 4

Note: Adapted from bar chef Albert Trummer at Fraiche. This makes slightly more sweetened lime juice than is called for in the recipe; the remainder can be covered and refrigerated for up to 1 week.

Juice of 2 limes
2 teaspoons sugar
16 ripe strawberries, cut in half
1/2 teaspoon aged balsamic vinegar
4 ounces Grand Marnier
4 ounces premium vodka
8 ounces California Pinot Noir

1. Combine the lime juice and sugar in a small heavy-bottom saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then immediately reduce the heat to very low and simmer about 1 minute. Remove from the heat and set aside.

2. Divide the strawberries among 4 old-fashioned glasses. Sprinkle equal amounts of balsamic vinegar over them (it’ll be just a few drops in each, about one-eighth teaspoon). Divide the Grand Marnier among them, and muddle the ingredients in each glass.

3. Fill each glass about two-thirds full with ice, then pour equal amounts vodka over the ice in each. Add one-half ounce of the simmered lime juice to each glass. Pour equal amounts of the wine into each glass, then stir gently and serve.

Each serving: 235 calories; 0 protein; 21 grams carbohydrates; 1 gram fiber; 0 fat; 0 cholesterol; 6 mg. sodium.

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