Signature Sangria...and more!

Signature cocktails have been all the rage the past few years. While I've seen them featured mostly at weddings, I actually think that they are a great, personalized feature that any host/hostess can implement into their event to make it memorable.

At my own apartment warming in 2008, my roommate and I decided to go a bit crazy and have two signature drinks..one drink was a delicious passion fruit, white wine sangria, complete with delicious summer citrus and green grapes while the other was a variation of a margarita using a pre-made mix purchased at Bed, Bath and Beyond and infused with various juices and of course tequila...

Not only did we have the signature drinks, but I also "hired" one of my sister's college friends to serve the drinks to our guests for "cocktail hour"..These drinks were somewhat simple to make, VERY tasty, and took the hum-drum out of the regular "wine and beer" fare so often served at intimate gatherings. Having a server also added a special touch because we were able to allow guests to avoid crowding around a makeshift bar, jostling for a glass of wine, and instead spend time engaged in great conversation and laughter...

So for your next home event, I think it is a great investment of time to create a signature cocktail to wow your guests. Some great cocktail options are flavored margaritas, mojitos, martinis, rum punches and of course sangrias, white and red...Don't be afraid to invoke your inner bartender and have fun with different recipes. The internet has made DIY projects easier than ever before and trying them out is the best part :)

I've had many a glass of sangria since touching feet upon New York City....concrete...but this recipe is one of my favorites. Here is my personal go-to recipe for some scintillating sips...

Taheera's Go-To Sangria

Ingredients:

1 Bottle red Riunite (for fizz)
1 Bottle of your favourite red wine
1 Orange
1 Lemon
1 Red apple
1/4 cup of Chambord or Cointreau (any fruity liquer)
1 cup Orange Juice

Other items you may need:

1 Large pitcher (glass pitchers make for a better presentation)
1 Wooden spoon
Ice
1 College student eager to make some extra cash ;)

How-to-prepare:

First cut the orange and the lemon into round slices. Cut the apple in half, core it, then slice (N.B. not too thin to prevent breakage later on). Place the fruit in a large pitcher and pour the entire bottle of Riunite over it. Next, add the liquer and the orange juice. Mix with the wooden spoon then cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or foil and leave in the fridge to soak for at least 2 hours...When the event is about to start, remove pitcher from the fridge and add as much red wine as it takes to fill the pitcher. Mix with the wooden spoon carefully without muddling the fruit. Add some ice and stir, right before you serve... Voila!! A delicious fruity cocktail!

Of course, this is just one take on sangria..there are many other recipes that are equally as yummy!!! Here are a few other options you may consider from About.com:

http://wine.about.com/od/howwineismade/a/sangriaessentia.htm

Happy planning (and drinking :)!!