I had the guys over the other day for a dinner party.  I wanted to keep it simple, but still have a decent menu. So instead of making a variety of cocktails, I decided to make sangria.

The secret to a good sangria is the wine. For this recipe, I chose a bottle of SOLAZ Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon. This bottle retails $11.95 at any BC Liquor store.

This Spanish wine comes from the Tierra de Castilla region. Blessed with rich clay soils and an unique microclimate and sunlight, it produces a wine that is elegant, clean and brilliant, with an elegant, fruity, bouquet.

Ingredients:

1 bottle of Solaz Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon

2 oz Duff Gordon Brandy

2 oz Cinzano sweet red vermouth

1 cup pineapple juice

1 cup passion fruit juice

slices of oranges, lemons and limes (seeds removed)

Add all ingredients into a pitcher and gently stir. Refrigerate for 4-10 hours. Add ice and stir gently before serving.

This recipe is easy and creates a delicious, crisp, cocktail. You can pair it with any white meat, or Mexican dish.

Cheers!