Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Happy Birthday to us and Sangria


It’s birthday time!

Andy and I are birthday celebrators. None of this, “I’m getting old and I want to ignore my birthday so please don’t make a big deal of it” business. We say: Bring on the big deal! That means whole birthday weeks and lots and lots of celebrating.

With our birthdays only two days apart, there is a fair amount of hoopla. Since my birthday is on Cinco de Mayo (making Andy’s on Tres de Mayo, which doesn’t exactly have the same ring to it), I believe that sangria is a proper way to celebrate. (Never mind the fact that I think any occasion at any time of the year is better off with sangria. This time it actually makes sense.) Last year, I shared my favorite sangria recipe of all time and I wanted to keep the yearly tradition going. Also, testing sangria recipes does not hurt my feelings.


For this year’s extravaganza, we will be heading off for a birthday road trip, although Andy doesn’t want me to say that because of the would-be burglars. So, burglars be warned, I’ve set up booby traps all over the house for you. It will be like Home Alone all over again and we know how that ended for Joe Pesci and Daniel Stern, so don’t even think about it. (Although that means I’m Macaulay Culkin, which is unfortunate for me.) But seriously, we do have a house sitter and a rabid dog. Okay, maybe we don’t have the rabid dog…or do we?

No, I haven’t been sipping the sangria yet…why do you ask?


White Wine-Berry Sangria

1 bottle dry white wine (I used Sauvignon Blanc)
1 cup lemon-lime soda
1/2 cup raspberry vodka
1/4 cup brandy
chopped strawberries
raspberries
blueberries

In a pitcher, combine wine, soda, vodka and brandy.
Put a few raspberries and a small handful of chopped strawberries into the bottom of each glass and muddle. Fill glass with ice, then top with sangria and a few blueberries. Stir.

This is a party in a glass and since it’s my birthday, I can say silly things like that. Just drink a couple of these and it won’t sound so silly anymore. It’s tart and sweet and goes down easy. Perfect for any celebration, especially a Cinco de Mayo birthday…


Since you can never have too many sangria recipes, I made three more! Check out these other fruity cocktail concoctions I made with options for classic red wine with citrus, white wine with pear, and rosé with limoncello sangrias. Click here for my recipes, pictured above.

28 comments:

  1. Happy Double Birthday! I can't think of a better way to celebrate than with sangria!!

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  2. Happy birthdays! Hubby and I are three days apart so I know what you mean by sharing. I should have made this sangria instead of whatever it was that I did do. I'm not at the level of ignoring my b-day; I just don't make a deal of it at all.

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  3. Love it! My favorite wine glasses are the stemless ones, I think they make everything look even more beautiful!

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  4. Happy birthday! I say you're right, celebrate!

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  5. Happy birthday to you both! It's fun that you get to celebrate on cinco de mayo - what a wonderful way to spend your bday. Your sangria recipes look delicious - so colorful, fruity and sweet!

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  6. You know that I'm all about the sangria...and t his is lovely!! Can't wait to try it...and Happy Birthday to you and hubby!! My BFF's birthday is also Cinco de Mayo...small world!

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  7. The house sitter and your rabid dogMay 2, 2012 at 3:01 PM

    Happy Birthday to both of you.

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  8. Happy Birthday! This sangria (and the other 3 versions for that matter) looks beyond delicious! And it is so pretty too!

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  9. Happy Birthday Karen! I love your sangria. YUM! I wish I could have a glass, raise it high and cheers you and your birthday! :)

    xo

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  10. Happy b-day to the both of you. Have some sangria for the rest of us:)

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  11. Happy happy birthday birthday....A double birthday greeting and a triple Sangria treat! That is fantastic. Cheers!

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  12. Happy birthday to you both! Now, that's the way to celebrate, too -- with something pretty, tasty and buzz-worthy. ;)

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  13. Kathleen and DaveMay 3, 2012 at 5:18 PM

    Happy birthday to Andy!

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  14. I love the colors. Looks like it would be great to serve at a 4th of July party.

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  15. Happy birthday Baby!

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  16. Hope you are enjoying your birthday! Love those drinks.
    Rita

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  17. Oohh..that glass of Sangria look amazing...wonderful color..feel like having a sip..and happy b'day!

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  18. Love this, it is beautiful... some times we can use that term to food after girls... :-)

    First time here, very lovely space and creative recipes, Kareen. Happy to follow you...

    And Happy Birthday to you.. :-)



    -Mythreyi
    Yum! Yum! Yum!

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  19. happy birthday to both of tyou! I love your attitude haha and I hope you are having a great time

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  20. Aww.. Wish and Andy a belated happy birthday! What a perfect way to celebrate! This sangria looks to die for. Keep a pitcher ready and I'll be over soon! ;)

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  21. I'm currently pregnant, but as soon as this baby's born, I am *so* mixing one of these up! Pinning it now. :)

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  22. thank you for the information provided, we are waiting for the next info at cara mencegah kehamilan

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  23. Why do we sometimes forget to say the right words to ourselves?  Yet we keep the date of our loved one or our acquaintance by celebrating their birthday, we cover them with romantic birthday messages and wishes. I think I should take the time to celebrate myself because body and soul need this love and care. joyeux anniversaire

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