Pregames are a fabulous way to save money and sing along to Ke$ha for hours on end (because the party doesn’t start until you walk in). Unfortunately, hosting a pregame requires you to buy your friends booze. It’s easy to cop out and load up on off-brand grain alcohol, a six pack of Coke, and call it a day. Don’t let your laziness win out, because it’s easy to become a bartender on the cheap. Luckily, unlike the mixologists at super chic bars, you don’t have to grow a beard and wear suspenders. I’m not suggesting you provide a fully stocked bar, but making a delicious sangria will make your friends think you’re so fancy. There’s no need to prepare a full on dinner when everyone just wants to drink anyway. Give the people what they want.
If you’re really trying to impress the masses, invest in some cute (but inexpensive, and most importantly, unbreakable) wine glasses. I personally suggest stocking up on Lilly. The stemless ones are convenient for easy toting while you’re trying on every outfit in your closet (only to inevitably settle on the first one). If all else fails, Solo cups always do the trick (although you can’t see all the fruit that way). The secret to sangria is that people think it’s intricate because it involves multiple ingredients, and because colorful objects are distracting. The truth is, it’s as spensies as you want it to be. This is the perfect way to convince your friends that you love them enough to buy lots of fresh fruit, when the truth is it’s a fabulous time and money saver. Here’s my favorite actual recipe:
1 – 2 bottles of (cheap) Riesling (not crazy sweet)
White Cranberry Juice
A pinch of sugar (or Splenda if you’re calorie counting)
Oranges, lemons, raspberries, apples, strawberries, peaches, kiwis (this is your best chance to let your fruit flag fly)
A splash of Ginger Ale
The best (okay, easiest) way to make sangria is by freezing your fruit. You know how every time you buy a box of raspberries they’re covered in fur after five minutes in the refrigerator? Every time you’re cutting up fruit (say, apples, oranges, or grapes– I’m not talking bananas here, save that for a smoothie), pop them into a Ziploc baggie and toss them into your freezer. If you really don’t feel like shelling out for fresh fruit, you can always buy frozen baggies, as long as you give them enough time to defrost fully. You’ll then need at least one bottle of wine (I suggest something sweet like Riesling or Chardonnay, but that’s because I take my latte with 3 Splendas). While you think a bottle of wine is enough for your crew, you underestimate how thirsty your girls are. If you go with two cheapskate bottles, you won’t regret it. For other liquids try Ginger Ale and Apple Juice. If you’re feeling crazy you can add White Cranberry juice, or even those little Ocean Spray flavor packets if your not big on hauling groceries. Trying to start the night off with a bang (or end it that way)? Pour in Peach Schnapps or a couple shots of vodka. If you’re literally the fanciest girl in the world, a few sprigs of fresh mint from your garden (or the grocery) will make everyone think you’re a professional chef. Once you pop together the ingredients, everyone will be asking for your recipe, and they don’t have to know that you basically threw together every fruit that wasn’t yet moldy. It’s colorful, cute, and with enough alcohol content, it will have you ready to party.
[Lead image via]
Follow @margaretabrams.
This Fruity Sangria Recipe Brings The Pregame
