June 12, 2012
Watermelon Mint Sangria for Summer Entertaining
Mark Thompson READ TIME: 1 MIN.
Espadrilles and boat shoes are about to make their 2012 debut in anticipation of the year's most exciting trek yet-to the back porch. The temperature won't be the only number rising, as increased RSVP counts beckon summer's serving size of choice: the pitcher.
Knowing that the host deserves just as much sun time as everyone else, Sandeman, the world's leading port and sherry company, created a time- and energy-saving Watermelon Mint Sangria. Lazy summer days can linger on with this easy recipe, which was designed to be quickly crafted and guaranteed to prompt a unanimous refill request.
Sandeman Watermelon Mint Sangria embodies everything the season has to offer-thirst-quenching watermelon, energizing mint and bright red fruit flavors, all of which balance the citrus zest of the lemon and lime. Be sure to unpack the citronella candles-this summer offering will have neighbors filling the deck chairs well into the evening.
Sandeman Watermelon Mint Sangria
1 bottle of Sandeman Founders Reserve Porto
12 oz lemon-lime soda
1/4 watermelon, muddled and strained for juice
20 mint leaves, muddled
10-15 strawberries, halved
Directions
Slice strawberries in half and set aside. Slice watermelon, muddle and strain for juice.
Mix Sandeman Founders Reserve Porto, lemon-lime soda and watermelon juice in pitcher.
Add strawberries and let sit for 8-12 hours (or overnight).
Muddle mint leaves and add to pitcher before serving.
A long-term New Yorker and a member of New York Travel Writers Association, Mark Thompson has also lived in San Francisco, Boston, Provincetown, D.C., Miami Beach and the south of France. The author of the novels WOLFCHILD and MY HAWAIIAN PENTHOUSE, he has a PhD in American Studies and is the recipient of fellowships at MacDowell, Yaddo, and Blue Mountain Center. His work has appeared in numerous publications.