Sangria

All righty, then. Here's what I'm going with as a sangria recipe tonight:

Ingredients

• 1/4 c. sugar
• 1/2 c. water
• 750 ml. red Italian wine
• 1/2 c. brandy
• 1/2 c. triple sec
• 1/4 c. lemon juice
• 1/4 c. lime juice
• 1/3 c. orange juice
• 2 lemon rinds
• 2 lime rinds
• Lemon-lime soda, or soda water

Preparation

1. Combine sugar and water in a Pyrex container. Heat at high in a microwave for 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
2. Combine all remaining ingredients except the soda in a sealable pitcher. Place in refrigerator.
3. When sugar water has cooled, add it to the pitcher. Refrigerate wine mixture overnight.
4. To serve, pour 1 part soda to about 4 parts wine in a large glass. Add ice.

I'm winging it here, folks, but I think the results will be at least drinkable. Also, kudos to this recipe on AllRecipes.com upon which this experimental recipe was based. Dudes and dudettes... 1/4 cup triple sec? Gutsiest move I ever saw, man. I'll let you know how it turns out.