Summer Sangria: A Sweet Treat

I'm just gonna put it out there: in the South, we drink. I'd have to say probably more than people in the North. See, up north, in my beloved New Jersey, people mostly drink at special occasions or with friends-social drinkers. But down south? There's ALWAYS family around. There's always time for a celebration. Every night is a night to relax. And boy, is the wine down here fantastic. I don't know what it is, but North Carolina wine is just so smooth, and sweet, but not too sweet. One of the best things to make is a nice summer sangria to drink on the porch with friends.

Summer Sangria

• 1 bottle of (local) red wine
• 1 lemon cut into wedges
• 1 orange cut into wedges
• 1 lime cut into wedges
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• Splash of orange juice
• 1 cup strawberries (may use thawed or frozen)
• 1 small can of diced pineapples (with juice)
• 4 cups ginger ale

Pour wine into a large pitcher and squeeze the juice wedges from the lemon, orange and lime into the wine. Toss in the fruit wedges (leaving out seeds if possible) and pineapple then add sugar, orange juice and gin. Chill 2 hours or overnight (overnight is best). Add ginger ale, berries and ice just before serving.