As far as we could tell from the label (which is fascinating!) and bottle (stamped 1978, check out the old shape) this was a Cabernet Sauvignon from California Italian Swiss Colony (how about that for a combination). It was light bodied for a cabernet, with a little strawberry, and some smoky depths. Overall tasty, not the best wine I’ve ever had, but certainly one of the most fascinating!

Ingredients:

• 1.5 litre shiraz (but you could use other red wine)
• 1 juicy orange cut into chunks
• 1 ripe mango cut into chunks
• 1 quart sweet strawberries cut into chunks
• 1 cup packed brown sugar
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/8 tsp cayenne
• dash white pepper or a few white peppercorns (optional)
• Note: If I had cloves I would have added those.
• Note: I probably would have added a splash of brandy if I had that too.

That is a lot of sugar, but you need it all! Put it all together and let it sit overnight.

We started cracking into chips, salsa and guacamole at 11am so we figured we better add the Sangria! Yes, that’s Sangria served in a coffee mug (whatever works!) We streamed in a little mariachi bands on last.fm for the occasion. I think you’re supposed to serve the Sangria with a splash of soda water or other bubbly over ice, but we just drank it chilled. And enjoyed it immensely.