One Foot in the Grape & Sangria

Author Carlene O'Neil is here today matching her new book, One Foot in the Grape with the perfect recipe for Sangria.

One Foot in the Grape is the first in the Cypress Cove Mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime. The books are set on a winery along the central California coast and feature amateur sleuth, Penny Lively. After losing her job as a photojournalist, Penny is trying to get her life back in focus. Returning to the family winery may be the fresh start she needs, but it doesn’t take long for Penny’s innate curiosity to get her in trouble. Someone’s been spoiling the wine. Penny hunts for the culprit, but her search for answers sours after she finds a body on the neighboring winery.

A discovery like that demands a refreshing beverage. Sangria is the perfect drink for Penny, because it’s uncomplicated, and you can use the less expensive stuff. Owning a winery may sound glamorous, but it’s barely out of the red ink, and Penny needs to watch her resources. Plus, it could be considered a serving of fruit. At least, Penny thinks it qualifies, so pour yourself a glass, or maybe two…

Cheers!

White Sangria

1/2 cup peach schnapps

1/2 cup cognac

1/3 cup white sugar

2 limes, sliced into rounds

4 oranges, sliced into rounds

2 mangos, peeled and sliced (frozen mangos may be used)

4 (750 milliliter) bottles dry white wine, chilled

1-liter ginger ale, chilled 

Directions:

Combine the peach schnapps, cognac, sugar and fruit. Chill for at least one hour. Just before serving stir in white wine and ginger ale.

You can find Carlene on Facebook at facebook.com/CarleneONeilAuthor