Fresh Fruit Soda Sangria

I look for any excuse to celebrate with friends and family in the summer.  And now, summer is in full swing, the sun is bright and hot, and the flowers are in full bloom.

But I know summer in Michigan is short lived, so I make sure to spend time enjoying it as much as is humanly possible.  This means that though I want to entertain my friends and family, I don’t want to spend a bunch of time cooped up in the kitchen, wistfully looking at the beautiful weather outside while I’m stuck inside.

However, I know all my guests expect some amazing food and drinks any time we get together.  Luckily, I find compromises that save time but leave me with outstanding dishes that everyone loves.  One of those recipes is Fresh Fruit Soda Sangria.

I love making different riffs on sangria because it’s so versatile and the quintessential summer beverage.  This version may just be my favorite.

It all begins with soda which is so fizzy and refreshing.  I can’t remember a summer without soda in my life.  Playing out in the sun on those hot days and turning to a bottle of my favorite soft drink as a cold treat.  While you could definitely just stick with soda, I made this an adult beverage by adding  some cherry vodka to complement the black cherry juice.  

If you are feeling creative, feel free to use your favorite fruit flavored vodka.  I personally love how cherries pair with soda so that was a winning combination for me.

Finally, I loaded it up with fresh fruit.  This is where you can get creative by adding any kind of fruit you like and have on hand.  I added grapes, blueberries, and some oranges.  I love that these didn’t take much time to prep before I added them, making this recipe a true summer time saver.

I know you want to entertain all summer long, so make sure my Fresh Fruit Soda Sangria is on the list at every party.  Cheers to the summer!

 

Fresh Fruit Soda Sangria

1 liter soda, chilled

1 cup cherry vodka, chilled

1 cup black cherry juice, chilled

1 cup green grapes, chilled

1 cup blueberries, chilled

2 small or 1 large orange, sliced or diced

Pour soda into a pitcher or punch bowl.  Add cherry vodka and cherry juice, followed by  fruit.  Stir to combine.  Serve immediately over ice, if desired.  I find if the ingredients are cold it doesn’t need ice.  Enjoy!