Making Sangria
Nothing says summer like a good pitcher of Sangria. Here are a few tips and hints to help you with your next pitcher.

• The wine: For white sangria, try using an inexpensive bottle of Chablis or Pinot Grigio. For red sangria, use an inexpensive bottle of Rioja, Burgundy or Merlot.
• The fruit: There's no right or wrong ingredients, but some suggestions... For white: nectarines, granny smith apples, honeydew melon, anjou pears. For red: Macintosh apple, orange, and strawberry.
• The Liqueur or liquor: You can add cognac or brandy (1/3 c per bottle of wine) and a few tablespoons of sugar... or some liqueur (1 cup per bottle of wine, no sugar). Good liqueur choices include Triple Sec, Peach Schnapps, or Apple Schnapps.
• Mix It Up: Wine first, then liquor and sugar or liqueur, then fruit (sliced and seeded)
  

Another suggestion: Sangria is best if it's made a day ahead of time so the the flavors of the fruit, wine and liqueur or liquor can blend together.

• Carbonated Beverage: You'll want to  mix a carbonated beverage with your sangria. The mixer can be added to the whole pitcher (2 cups per bottle of wine) or individual glasses. Good mixer choices include: ginger ale, lemon-lime soda, or flavored seltzer water. Wait to add the carbonated beverage until right before you serve it.

For more sangria recipes and unique, festive variations, visit About.com