Classic Red Wine Sangria

Sangria, with its ancient roots in Spain, has become a party mainstay around the globe. The folks at America's Test Kitchen, after much experimentation, decided that they preferred a simple formula. They tested versions with untold collections of fruit and settled on this classic red wine rendition that incorporates simple citrus — just oranges and lemons.

For white-wine based Sangria, they preferred the addition of apples or pears. For a rosé-based version they suggest two cups of mixed fresh berries. Recipes for these variations appear at the end of the Classic Sangria recipe.

Makes 12 cocktails INGREDIENTS

2(750ml) bottles fruity red wine, such as merlot 4 ounces orange liqueur, such as Grand Marnier 4 ounces simple syrup

3 oranges (2 sliced thin, 1 juiced to yield 4 ounces) 2 lemons, sliced thin

DIRECTIONS

Combine all ingredients (except ice) in a serving pitcher or large container. Cover and refrigerate until flavors meld and mixture is well chilled, at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.

Stir Sangria to recombine, then serve in chilled wine glasses half-filled with ice, garnishing individual portions with macerated fruit.

Variations:

White Wine Sangria: Substitute a fruity white wine, such as riesling for the red wine, brandy for the orange liqueur, 8ounces apple juice for the orange juice, and 2 apples or pears — thinly sliced — for the orange and lemon slices.

Rosé Sangria: Substitute a rosé wine for red wine, elderflower liqueur for the orange liqueur, 8ounces pomegranate juice for orange juice, and 2 cups of mixed berries for the orange and lemon slices.

— From “How to Cocktail” by America's Test Kitchen (America's Test Kitchen, $24.99)

The best sangria recipe is a simple one, using just fruity red wine, orange liqueur, simple syrup and slices of oranges and lemons.