In my more ‘youthful’ years…my summers were spent driving from Sacramento to Fresno, or Bakersfield, or Reno…with NO air conditioning of course back then…When we would arrive there would be these LOVELY poolside vignettes with lovely tanned ladies lounging and chatting, while frolicking little ones (and big ones!) were having a blast off the diving boards, splashing eachother and playing Marco-Polo. One thing I always ‘envied’ were the ladies that were seemingly having so much fun, laughing, patting each other on the shoulders and adjusting umbrellas for shade.I just thought it would be the perfect ‘grown up’ thing to be doing when and if I ever get to have a giant sized pool like this and have friends over.

Now while you can BET I was COVERED in sunscreen, hat, and coverup to protect my lily-white NorweigianFrench skin from the sun, I made a permanent image in my mind of pretty drinks, pretty glasses, table linens and fun summer sandles!  Well, It’s all true today, as a grown up, thankfully ( and I’ll keep working on a way to do ‘shots-o-sunscreen’ )

Below is my recipe for Sexy Sangria Blanca…. It’s a family recipe and hope you enjoy! Cheers!

Mel’s Recipe for Sexy Sangria Blanca – ZinLif!Style

**This can be prepared 2-3 days in advance

-Segment 4 oranges (no peel) and soak in 1 cup Citrus or Vanilla Vodka & 1/2 cup Triple Sec(you can also use mandarin oranges)

-Slice 4 Oranges for garnish

-Slice in half 1 lb of fresh strawberries for garnish

-Mint Sprigs for garnish (Lemon Basil works really well too)

1btl pinot grigio, 1btl sauv blanc,

1/2 btl of apple wine (optional)

1 btl pelegrino (or bubble water)

1 pkg of frozen strawberries or peaches (optional)

*Blend wines and bubble water in large plastic pitcher.

*Add frozen fruit to quick-chill the sangria

In wine glass or tumbler, fill 1/3 with ice, add 2-3 pre-soaked vodka orange segments, pour sangria into glass – garnish with slice of strawberry, orange slice, and mint.You can also add 1 bottle of champagne to stretch the recipe, add bubbly, to the beverage!  Enjoy and REPEAT as often as necessary & desired!