Who says you can't serve your friends watered down, cheap wine and still be classy? Certainly not anyone we know! They're all too busy sipping on some sangria. That's right. This tasty wine-based concoction is just meant for cheapo, alcohol-lovin bums like you. So this Memorial Day when someone asks you to bring a beverage to the BBQ, whip up some sangria and prepare for the compliments.

Sangria is basically wine punch that came from the Spain/Portugal region. Some places make it better, some worse. We figure you'll just have to do a lot of tasting to get your personal version just right.

Basic Sangria Recipe

2 bottles of your favorite cheap red wine (Cab, Merlot, Rioja, Zin, Shiraz, whatever)

2 Lemons cut into wedges or thin rounds

2 Oranges cut into wedges or thin rounds

4 Tbsp sugar or honey or simple syrup

2 Shots of brandy

4 Cups ginger ale or club soda

Get a big jug (or a pretty pitcher is a nice touch) and empty in those wine boxes (who are we kidding?). Squeeze the citrus into the wine and then throw the peels into the mix. Stir in the sugar and brandy. Throw that sucker into the fridge for some quality overnight cooling. Then, just before you wow the crowd, pour in the ginger ale or club soda

Note: If you don't have chilling time, try to use cold wine and serve over a whole lotta ice.

Suggestions: When we're feeling fancy we like to throw in some apple cubes, maybe sliced peaches, blueberries or blackberries. Pretty much almost any fruit would taste good chopped up and tossed in.

A shot of gin and/or triple sec and/or Grand Marnier usually doesn't go awry either. Some people even add bitters.

For an unexpected twist, try using white wine instead of red. Vermouth or Cointreau is a nice addition to this one. It's easier on the white carpet and still delicious.

(Side Note: No this is not our grandmother's recipe. Luckily we found a good one on About and adapted it.)