We had some lovely sunny days here in the PNW. And then all the sunshine went away and it’s been raining and cloudy for days and days. Fortunately, cherries and strawberries are now both in season and sangria can be enjoyed even when it’s raining. My patio garden is very happy about the rain – I couldn’t resist seeing what I could do with some of the lemony herbs and dry white wine. This recipe calls for a simple syrup with lemon verbena and lemon thyme steeped until the simple syrup cools.
Herbed Spring Sangria
Lemony Simple Syrup
1 sprig lemon verbena
2 or 3 sprigs lemon thyme
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup water
Bring the water, sugar and herbs to a boil. Take off heat and let steep until the syrup is cool.
Herbed Spring Sangria
1 bottle of dry white wine
1/4 cup orange liquor (curacao or similar)
1/4 cup lemony simple syrup
8 – 10 sweet cherries, pitted
6 – 8 strawberries, hulled and sliced
1/2 orange, sliced thinly
Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and stir. Refrigerate and let sit for several hours for flavors to develop.
