Pandemic aside, outdoor dining is still one of the warm weather hallmarks, and nothing says outdoor dining like a deli cious glass of sangria.

Sangria, a traditional Spanish drink, goes back hundreds of years, evolving over time. It is an excellent option for anyone who wants something cold and fruity.

Some would argue that sticking to specific wines is the only way to make the best sangria. I, however, would argue that if you use a wine you really enjoy, you’re far more likely to be enamoured with your creation. Sangrias, which originally were made with red wine, have now been propelled forward to include various wine choices. I did some sleuthing, so you don’t have to, and put together five fantastic recipes, and even included one non-alcoholic option. And yes, I tried every one of them.

TRADITIONAL RED WINE SANGRIA (This recipe is an original though there are many similar ones)

INGREDIENTS

1 bottle of red wine (your favourite will do)

2 oranges, sliced

1 lemon, sliced

1 cinnamon stick

4 tbsp. sugar

1 apple, sliced (your favourite will do)

1/4 cup of brandy, triple sec, or Grand Marnier

Carbonated water (any flavour) or 7up

DIRECTIONS

In a pitcher, toss in the fruit and cinnamon stick. If you are going to use carbonated water but want some sweetness, bring the 4 tbsp of sugar and 2 tbsp of water to a boil and pour over fruit. If you want your sangria less sweet or want to make it easier, either omit the simple syrup and use just carbonated water or omit the carbonated water and use 7up.

Add in the 1/4 cup of your liquor of choice and wine, top with carbonated water or 7 Up and serve.

WHITE WINE SANGRIA (This one has been modified from the original recipe on Delish.com)

INGREDIENTS

1 cup sliced strawberries

1 mango, cubed

1 peach, sliced

1/4 cup granulated sugar

1/4 cup Grand Marnier

1 apple, sliced

1 orange, sliced

1 lime, sliced

1 bottle white wine, chilled

1 cup seltzer

DIRECTIONS

In a pitcher, combine fruit, sugar, and Grand Marnier, then place in the fridge for an hour.

Add the white wine and seltzer, mix and serve.

SPARKLING WINE SANGRIA (This recipe has been modified from the original recipe on foodnetwork.com)

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup brandy

1/4 cup orange liqueur

1/8 cup sugar, super fine

1 orange, thinly sliced

1 pint raspberries

1 lemon, thinly sliced

1 bottle of chilled sparkling wine

DIRECTIONS

Add brandy, orange liqueur, and sugar to a pitcher mix together until the sugar dissolves.

Add fruit and top with sparkling wine, then stir and serve.

ROSÉ SANGRIA

INGREDIENTS

1 bottle rosé wine

1/4 cup brandy or peach brandy

1 cup peach juice or nectar

3 peaches, pitted and sliced thin

1/2 pint raspberries, washed

Sparkling water

DIRECTIONS

Add wine, fruit and brandy to a pitcher and refrigerate for an hour.

Pour fruit and liquid into a glass, add carbonated water and serve.

NON-ALCOHOLIC SANGRIA

INGREDIENTS

Your choice of fruits, enough to fill a pitcher (Apples, oranges, lemons, limes, blackberries, or mangos, etc.)

1L fruit juice of your choice. I highly recommend a mix of a few (apple, grape, orange, lemon, etc.)

2 cups carbonated water or 7up

DIRECTIONS

Slice your chosen fruits and layer them in a pitcher,

Add your mix of juices and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Try all of them through the spring and summer and pick your favourite. If none of them quite meet your taste, play with the recipes and make it your own. After all, adventure, even if solely in the kitchen, should be the theme of your summer dining experience.