As always, the Air & Water Show in Chicago was a hit. It is truly my favorite event of the summer.  Every year our friend heads out to stake out our claim to arguably the best spot on Chicago’s lakefront around 5:30 in the morning.  The rest of us lazy folk head there hours later, dragging coolers full of food & drink and folding chairs (and as of the last 3 years, toys for the kids!).

We lounge around in the sun all day, watching planes and shootin’ the… well ya know… gabbing.

It’s become a sort of tradition for me to make my “famous” white Sparkling Sangria.  The recipe was given to me by my mother.  She was at the grocery store many years ago and this recipe was printed on the back of the receipt.  She thought it sounded good and shared it with me.  I made it for a party that I threw at Easter, and well, the rest is history.

Every year I have this igloo cooler that has a small tapper.  I quadruple (yes, really) the recipe and place it in there.  I keep the club soda separate and chilled until we get to the lakefront.  I bring a soup ladle with me to scoop out the fruit to add to everyone’s glass.

So, here’s the recipe! It’s also in my cookbook as well.

Sparkling Sangria

1 cup light corn syrup
1 each – orange, lemon, lime, apple – cut into slices or cubes
3/4 cup triple sec or gran marnier
750 milliliters dry white wine
2 tablespoons lemon juice
12 ounces club soda, chilled

In a large pitcher, combine corn syrup, fruit slices, and liqueur. Let stand for 20 – 30 minutes. Stir in wine and lemon juice. Refrigerate. Just before serving, add soda. Serve over ice and garnish with additional fruit. Enjoy!

~M