Last night we went to a family-style New Years’ Eve party. Family-style means it started at 4:00 and we left by 7:30. I did bring a pitcher of sangria from a recipe Jennifer got from a friend who got it from a Barcelona hotel. Everyone absolutely loved it, saying such things as “Is that iced tea?” and “This is really good! Is there alcohol in it?” and “Good Lord, what did you put in this?” and “I can’t feel my lips anymore.” I was designated as playgroup bartender and invited to bring a pitcher of sangria to any future playgroup event. Thus, I present you Hotel Arts Sangria so that you may be the hit of your next party.

• 1 bottle cheap red wine. We used Lucas Vineyards Tugboat Red, which is so sweet and fruity that anyone who knows anything about wine probably hates it.
• 1 cup very fine sugar
• 1 cup brandy
• 1 cup cointreau
• 1 cup vodka
• 1 (12 oz) can lemonade concentrate and 2 cans water
• 1 lemon, cut up
• 1 orange, cut up
• 1 apple, cut up

Dump everything into a one-gallon pitcher and stir. Fill rest of pitcher with ice. Pour into cups and exchange for car keys. Stay away from open flame.