If you haven’t yet tried our recipe for Rose Geranium Sangria, it is a must. It is perfect for weekend barbeques, family gatherings or even a wedding shower. It is really just a simple twist on the traditional recipe. One taste of this sangria and your guests will be coming back for more.

Rose Geranium Sangria

6-8 Servings

Ingredients:

1 ½ cups of water
½ cup of sugar
24 medium organically grown rose scented geranium leaves*
2 bottles of chilled dry rose wine - I recommend Silver Mountain Vineyards Rose of Pinot Noir
1 blood orange, thinly sliced
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 pint of fresh raspberries or blackberries, or a combination of the two, washed
1 pint of strawberries, washed, hulled and thinly sliced
6-8 cups of sparkling water or club soda if desired

Method:

Bring the water and sugar to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in the rose geranium leaves, cover and remove from heat. Let steep for 20 minutes. Strain and press liquid out of leaves using a wooden spoon. Chill infused syrup in an ice water bath or refrigerator until cool.

In a large glass pitcher or medium size punch bowl, combine the chilled wine, syrup, orange and lemon slices, and fresh berries. Chill for a minimum or up to several hours to let the fresh fruit infuse their flavors. Before serving add the sparkling water or club soda if desired. Serve chilled.

* You can find organically grown rose scented geraniums at a local nursery or farmers market. They must be pesticide and chemical free in order to be fit for consumption.

Note: Because you follow an organic lifestyle, OrganicAuthority.com recommends using certified organic ingredients, when available, in all recipes to maximize flavors and nutrition while minimizing your risk of exposure to pesticides, chemicals and preservatives.

I’m always on the lookout for beat-the-heat beverage recipes that incorporate fresh fruit. Here’s a lemonade that features ingredients you can readily find at your local organic food store. It combines two summertime favorites: watermelon and kiwi.

Watermelon Lemonade With Kiwifruit Splash

Makes six 1-cup servings

• 2 kiwifruit, peeled and cut into fourths
• 1½ teaspoons sugar
• 4 cups cubed seedless watermelon
• 1 12-oz. can frozen lemonade concentrate
• 2 cups water

1. Place kiwifruit and sugar in blender; cover and blend on medium just until smooth. Pour into another container; freeze 1 to 2 hours or until firm.
2. Place watermelon in blender; cover and blend on medium until smooth. Place frozen lemonade concentrate and water in large pitcher. Add watermelon mixture; mix well.
3. Pour watermelon lemonade into glasses. Spoon a dollop of frozen kiwifruit mixture on top. Serve immediately.

Recipe and photo courtesy of Suddenly Salad