Red Wine Sangria with Fruit

Wash the oranges, lemon, and apple, dry thoroughly, and remove any seeds. Slice the oranges and lemon thinly, cut the apple into small pieces, and the peach, if used, into wedges.

Place all the chopped fruit into a large bowl or jug, sprinkle with brown sugar, and gently mix to release the juices. Add the cinnamon stick, pour in the brandy and orange juice, and stir well until most of the sugar dissolves.

Pour in the red wine and mix again. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors of the fruit and wine to blend.

Before serving, taste the sangria and adjust sweetness as desired by adding more sugar or extra orange juice for freshness. Remove the cinnamon stick if you prefer a milder taste.

Fill each glass with ice cubes and pour the sangria through a strainer, allowing some fruit pieces to enter the glass. Add sparkling water to the jug or glasses to lighten and refresh as desired.

Serve well chilled. remove the cinnamon stick before serving if you want a milder flavor without spices.