Rico's HAPPY LAZY SUMMER Sangria

Ah, Summer's here… What says HAPPY LAZY SUMMER better than a nice pitcher of sangria?

This sangria recipe works best when done over two days. Let's say it's for a party on a Saturday night: you do step 1 sometime on Friday, step 2 on Saturday morning, and step 3 just before the party. (IF YOU NEED THE SANGRIA THE SAME DAY, do step 1 right away, and combine steps 2 and 3 just before serving.)

INGREDIENTS:
2 limes
2 lemons
2 oranges
3 apples or pears or peaches (Motivated? Try one each.)
1 cup lemon juice
2 cups orange juice
2 cups sugar
1 cup brandy or cognac
3 bottles red wine* (750ml each)
2 liters club soda
Ice

*About the wine: get a dry and full-bodied red, such as burgundy or cabernet sauvignon, but nothing too fancy. Hint: A good value these days are Chilean and Argentine cabs, merlots and malbecs on sale in the large 1.5 Liter bottles -- get two of those (the equivalent of 4 regular bottles), drink a cup here and there while making the sangria, and enjoy the savings!

Steps:

1. Cut fruit in pieces and put in large container. Add brandy or cognac and 1 bottle wine. Cover and let sit overnight, in refrigerator.

2. In the morning, add the rest of the wine, the juices, and mix. Cover and place in refrigerator until just before serving.

3. Add ice, club soda, sugar to taste, mix and enjoy!

NOTE: On step 3 do taste the sangria and add more sugar or juice, or brandy, triple sec, rum, whatever you have on hand and feels right.

SUBSTITUTIONS: Use Seven-Up or Ginger Ale (even orange pop) instead of club soda -- then you may need to use less sugar, or none at all. (But hey, don't cheat on this one, you need the carbonation.)