Summer has officially arrived, bringing with it long days, warm nights, and endless opportunities for relaxation and fun. This season always seems to hold a special kind of magic—the kind filled with impromptu gatherings, lazy afternoons, and delicious refreshments shared among friends and family. And what better way to celebrate summer than with a festive, refreshing drink in hand?
This year, our summer kicked off in the most celebratory way possible. My daughter graduated from middle school, a milestone that marks the transition from childhood to teenage years. Meanwhile, my youngest wrapped up elementary school, officially leaving behind the early learning years and stepping into a new adventure. With these big changes, our home is brimming with excitement, pride, and a touch of nostalgia. But above all, it’s buzzing with the promise of a summer filled with spontaneity and fun!
Instead of filling our calendar with structured plans and endless commitments, I’ve decided to embrace an UNDERscheduled summer. I want my kids to experience boredom—the kind that breeds creativity. I want their days to unfold naturally, filled with unplanned playdates that turn into sleepovers, breakfast that morphs into dinner, and movie marathons that stretch late into the night in a makeshift family fort. After all, these are the memories that truly define summer.
Weekends away by the lake or the ocean, evenings spent tossing a frisbee in the yard, cheering on baseball and lacrosse games, and simply lounging on the deck with loved ones—these are the moments we’ll treasure. There’s something incredibly special about the simple joys of summer, and I can’t wait to soak it all in.
One of the highlights of our summer will undoubtedly be our upcoming trip to Cape Cod for the Fourth of July. There’s nothing quite like celebrating Independence Day with good company, ocean breezes, and, of course, an ice-cold glass of sangria. This year, I’ll be bringing a batch of my go-to Red, White & Blue Sangria—a refreshing and visually stunning drink that captures the essence of summer in every sip. The combination of crisp white wine, fresh berries, and a touch of citrus liqueur makes it the perfect beachside companion.
Red, White & Blue Sangria Recipe
This sangria is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, heading to a picnic, or simply unwinding on the porch after a long day, this drink is sure to become a summer favorite.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work best)
- 1/2 cup Chambord (raspberry liqueur), Grand Marnier, or Triple Sec (orange liqueurs)*
- 1 tablespoon fine (confectioners’) sugar
- 1 pint fresh strawberries, plus extra for garnish
- 1 pint fresh blueberries, plus extra for garnish
- Ice
Instructions:
Prepare the fruit:
- Slice the strawberries and set them aside.
- Rinse the blueberries, then place them in a bowl. Using the back of a measuring cup or a drinking glass, gently press down on them. The goal isn’t to mash them entirely—just to break the skins slightly, allowing their sweet juice to infuse the sangria.
Marinate the fruit:
- Add the sliced strawberries to the bowl of blueberries.
- Pour in the Chambord (or your preferred liqueur) and sprinkle in the confectioners’ sugar.
- Give everything a good stir and let the mixture sit for a few minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Combine with wine:
- Transfer the fruit mixture to an airtight container.
- Pour the bottle of white wine over the fruit, ensuring all the fruit is submerged.
- Refrigerate for at least one hour—though for the best results, let it sit overnight. This allows the flavors to deepen and the fruit to become wonderfully infused.
- The sangria can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. If you happen to have any leftover after that time (which, let’s be honest, is unlikely), remove the fruit and continue storing just the liquid.
To Serve:
- Place a spoonful of the marinated fruit at the bottom of a wine glass.
- Add ice to the glass.
- Pour the chilled sangria over the ice.
- Garnish with additional fresh strawberries and blueberries for an extra pop of red, white, and blue.
- Sip, relax, and enjoy the taste of summer!
Cheers to a Summer of Spontaneity and Joy!
There’s nothing quite like a perfectly chilled sangria on a sweltering summer day. The mix of crisp wine, sweet berries, and citrusy liqueur makes for a drink that is as refreshing as it is flavorful. But beyond just being delicious, this sangria is a celebration in itself—a tribute to the easy, breezy days of summer and the moments spent laughing, relaxing, and making memories with the people we love most.
As June draws to a close and we dive headfirst into July, I can’t help but feel excited for everything ahead. From impromptu gatherings to lazy afternoons spent reading in a hammock, this season is all about embracing the simple joys of life. And of course, I’ll be toasting to it all with a glass of Red, White & Blue Sangria in hand.
Join the Fun!
Speaking of celebrating summer, I’d love to see what fun projects and activities you’ve been up to! Whether it’s a home makeover, an outdoor transformation, a creative craft, or a delicious recipe, share your latest and greatest with us.
Tomorrow, join me and some incredibly talented ladies for our monthly Best of the Nest party! Link up with us in the morning on any of our blogs, or join the fun via Pinterest or Instagram using the hashtag #bestofthebestparty. I can’t wait to see what you’ve been working on!
So here’s to a season filled with sunshine, laughter, and, of course, plenty of sangria. Cheers to a summer well spent!
