Summertime Sangria

I don't know about you but there are few drinks I love more than some great home-made sangria.  I love a ton of fruit in mine so feel free to lessen the amount if you feel the need, but you will be sacrificing some serious flavor in your finished drink.  This recipe is also easily doubled if you're looking to make a larger batch.

For this recipe you will need:

• 1 bottle Spanish red wine (I always use a Malbec, it doesn't need to be an expensive one)
• 2/3 cup Henessy VS cognac
• 2/3 cup triple sec
• 2/3 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best, but store bought with pulp is okay too)
• 1/2 cup simple syrup (see recipe below)  
• 1 broken cinnamon stick
• 2 lemons cut into thin wheels or wedges
• 2 oranges cut into thin wheels or wedges
• 8 strawberries, sliced
• 7-Up or Sprite (don't add this to the pitcher, add it to individual drinks as needed)

Slice all of your fruit ingredients as directed.  As you can see here one of my oranges was much larger than the other so instead of leaving it in half pieces I cut it into quarters.  Feel free to adjust the slices as needed to make them easy to eat later on.

Once you've got your slices prepared, get your simple syrup ready.  It will need a few minutes to cool down.
  
To make 1/2 cup simple syrup: In a clean container, combine 1/4 cup sugar with 1/4 cup very hot water and stir until completely dissolved.  Let cool completely before adding to your sangria. 

While your simple syrup cools place all of the fruit into a pitcher, alternating between lemons, oranges and strawberries so when you pour it later each glass will have a nice mixture of fruit.  Your pitcher should be looking pretty full right now.

Don't worry, there is still plenty of room for the liquids you still need to add.  Pour the wine in first, followed by simple syrup and orange juice.  Add the liquors last and reserve your 7-Up or Sprite for adding to individual drinks when you are ready to serve.