Non-alcoholic Sangria

Sangria evokes visions of white sand beaches, floral umbrellas, lounging chair and a glass of this elixir in hand :) It's the quintessential summer drink - make a pitcher and drink on!

Sangria can be made with any fruit combination. The original recipe calls for wine, liquor and juice along with fruit. However this version is non-alcoholic. I wanted a light and crisp drink so I chose apple juice as my base. I used canned pineapple slices (in its own juice) as it already has sugar - I also used the same soaking juice. Instead of pineapple you can add plum, pomegranate or grape juice to it also. Do add orange slices for the fresh burst of citrus in every sip.

Ingredients:

3 cups (~750 ml) apple juice

3/4 cup pineapple juice (from can)

1 medium apple, cored and sliced thin

1 orange, sliced thin (with rind)

1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

4-5 canned pineapple slices, chopped into pieces

1 stick cinnamon

Juice of 1 lemon (~2 tablespoons)

1/2 liter lemon- lime soda (I used sprite)

In a big pitcher, add the lemon juice. Next add the apple slices to it and make sure they are coated in lemon so they don't turn brown. Next add the sliced orange, pineapple and pomegranate along with the cinnamon stick. Add chilled apple and pineapple juice. Mix with a spoon and let this sit for at least an hour till upto 12 hours in a refrigerator. If you like it sweeter you can add powdered sugar or a simple sugar syrup. (Artificial sweeteners are fine too)

When serving add ice and soda. Serve chilled!