the sangria solution

The sun is shining. It is eighty degrees outside. We're still in Florida doing stuff like this:

Though, sadly, in a couple hours, we'll fly back to forty-degree Dallas to face this mess: my daughter's move to Brazil in progress. Much sorting and packing to go.

Oh my goodness. To get us through all of that work, we will need a lot of this: 

My world-famous Sangria. Here is the recipe for you to enjoy. It's great for parties.

Best Sangria Recipe Ever

1 1.5 Liter bottle inexpensive red wine

1 750 Milliliter bottle sweet red wine

1 cup simple syrup (boil equal parts water and sugar till sugar dissolves, then cool mixture)

2 cups brandy

1 cup Grand Marnier, or other brand of orange liqueur

Shaved pith (orange part only, do not include the white part) from 2-3 oranges and 1 lime

A few slices of lime

2-3 sliced oranges and 1 lime, skins and center membrane removed

2 Tablespoons grated cinnamon and 1 teaspoon grated clove wrapped inside of a cheesecloth or piece of clean linen or cotton.

Put all of the above into a large glass container and let marinate for a few days. Remove spice packet and rinds. Mix with equal parts club soda and serve over ice. If you want it sweeter, you can use lemon lime soda (or diet lemon lime soda, like sprite) in place of the club soda, or half of each.