Sangria!!!!

I know alcohol isn't the answer, but sometimes sipping some "mommy juice" is good for the soul on those hot long days. What better way to celebrate summertime and motherhood than a good old fashioned glass of fruity wine? Joyfully dealing with puke, tantrums and boogers should at least earn you a glass or two right?! Here's a great recipe for sangria that you are sure to love!

Image from: www.simlystylishlife.com

Ingredients:
1/2c Brandy
1/4 c Lemon Juice
1/3c Frozen Lemonade Concentrate
1/3c Orange Juice
1 Bottle Red Wine ($2 Chuck from Trader Joe's works great!)
1/2c Triple Sec
1/4c Sugar
8 Maraschino Cherries
2c Sparkling Water/Ginger ale
Dash of cinnamon (or a cinnamon stick)
Dash of Cardamom (or a couple pods if you want)
Lemon, Orange sliced in rounds
Any other favorite fruit you like (pineapple, pear, kiwi, apple, berries etc)

Directions:
Mix all liquids, sugar and spices in a large container. Add fruit and refrigerate overnight if not longer. Stir and serve over ice! (no really I mean it...LOTS OF ICE!) It is strong, but scrumptious! I just made a triple batch for our annual 4th of July block party and it was a hit. Hint: My good friend Natalie told me that freezing the used fruit and spices makes an even more amazing batch the second time around :) I'll take her word for it. She's like Martha Stuart only more hip and gorgeous!