Because every pregnant mama deserves a delicious virgin sangria, right?!
I tell ya, when you’re pregnant, you sure do get some funny cravings. And once you start thinking about something, it’s pretty hard to stop. For example, I’ve been craving doughnuts virtually my entire pregnancy, but have yet to satisfy my craving. I don’t know why I haven’t, maybe because I’m trying to be “healthy”? (Says she who has been baking the likes of cinnamon rolls and Chocolate Cherry Bread basically nonstop.) But perhaps if I DID give in to my craving and just go to Dunkin’ Donuts already, I’d be able to stop thinking about them! Anyone out there have some insight on this?
But anyhow, one of the other things I’ve been really thinking a lot about in this day of pool parties and beach days is fruity, refreshing sangria. Sure, my Spindrifts and La Croix’s get me through an afternoon lounging in the sun, but sometimes I want something just a little more special (and, let’s be honest, I REALLY miss the wine.)
I got this idea for a virgin sangria when I was looking for some glasses of wine to use as props for one of my photo shoots. Since I’ve been on the wagon, the hubs hasn’t been opening too many bottles of wine because he’d then have to drink the whole bottle himself….womp womp. TBH, I’ve been totally okay with this because (a) I would be really bummed if he opened a bottle I really wanted to taste/enjoy with him and (b) that’s basically every bottle of wine we own.
So, in lieu of opening a bottle of wine which I would subsequently get to enjoy no part of, I turned to my refrigerator and realized that the bottle of cherry juice I had stuck in there would look JUST like red wine. And I could drink it up afterwards! This got me thinking, what else could I make that used cherry juice as a red wine substitute? Some sort of fruity sangria was the first thing that came to mind.
On top of the sangria inspiration, my local Trader Joe’s just happens to be popping with just about every type of stone fruit imaginable, and every time I go I just want to eat it all up. I decided a Virgin Stone Fruit Sangria would be the perfect way to satisfy both my wine and stone fruit cravings and, let me tell ya, I’m so pleased with the result!
I used fresh cherries, apricots and plums in my recipe, but you could really substitute any stone fruit that looks or sounds good to you. That’s half the fun!
And aside from the cherry juice I already mentioned, you’ll also want to have ginger beer and club soda on hand. The ginger beer adds a nice zest to the mix, while the club soda adds even more fizz and dilutes the mixture slightly so it’s not overly sweet.
Mix your stone fruit and your liquids together in a big pitcher, let chill for a bit (you definitely want that fruit to marinate!) and, finally, serve over ice in a big wine glass. Your Virgin Stone Fruit Sangria is served, wine headache not included.
A fun, virgin take on classic sangria, this recipe utilizes fresh cherry juice, zesty ginger beer and summer's best stone fruits for a truly refreshing drink.
- 2 cups fresh cherries, pitted and cut in half
- 3 small apricots, sliced
- 2 plums, sliced
- 2 cups cherry juice
- 2 cups ginger beer
- 2 cups sparkling water or club soda
Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to a few hours.
Serve in wine glasses filled with ice and enjoy!
