There’s something about summer that always makes me crave a refreshing sangria… especially on those hot days when the only thing that makes sense is the prospect of finding a patio on which to sip a cold one.In Spain and Portugal, sangria is served during summer – and year-round in the southern and eastern parts of the countries.

Among the Spanish, informal social gatherings are usually the place for sangria, where it is typically served like punch – from a punchbowl.

Bottled sangria can be bought in some countries, but that’s less entertaining than making it yourself, don’t you think? In the EU, products like this are referred to as “aromatised wines.”

There are countless sangria variation, so if you’re up for making some yourself this weekend here’s a basic recipe to get you started:

* 3 1/4 cups ( 26 fl. oz) dry red wine
* 1 tablespoon sugar
* Juice of 1 large orange
* Juice of 1 large lemon
* 1 large orange, sliced thin crosswise
* 1 large lemon, sliced thin crosswise
* 2 medium peaches, peeled, pitted and cut into chunks
* 1 cup (8 fl. oz) club soda

Combine all the ingredients except for the club soda in a large punch bowl or serving pitcher, mixing well. Refrigerate overnight. Immediately before serving, mix in the club soda for added fizz. Ladle into cups with ice cubes.

And… enjoy! Of course, if you want to go straight to the sangria source, here are some fantastic hotels to try out:

Portugal:

Spain: