sixty seconds with david reamer: 'Blueberry Fields Forever’ Sangria

This year I was tasked with putting some serious effort into the Union Wine Co. FIELD NOTES This is a part of their site that tells employee stories, showcases recipes and cocktails as well as a few cool How To’s…

This is one of those posts. Check them all out in the above link.

The Perfect Summer Afternoon Drink:

'Blueberry Fields Forever’ Sangria

As Portlanders, we often forget that a gorgeous river runs straight through our fair city. We get so distracted crossing from one side to the other, that the simple act of sitting on its banks and enjoying an afternoon with a friend can get lost in the shuffle.

There are great hidden (and not so hidden) parks all along the Willamette River from St. Johns to Lake Oswego to Oregon City. We recommend this summer that you do a little exploring and rediscover a few of these locales. We would certainly be remiss if we were to send you out on a Lewis-and-Clark-Style-Pacific-Northwest-Expedition without an appropriate beverage to enjoy once you’ve found your spot.

So allow us to introduce our new favorite summertime punch, the ‘Blueberry Fields Forever’ White Wine Sangria. We know that life is hectic, and sometimes the best plans are made at the last minute, so this recipe should fit those situations perfectly. With just a little prep the night before, you can be enjoying a colorful and fruity glass of this Sangria by the following afternoon.

STEP ONE:

In a large Mason Jar, combine:

3/4 C of white rum

1/2 C simple syrup

Juice of 2 limes

Juice of 1 large orange

1 C frozen blueberries

1/2 C orange slices cut into small triangles.

3 sprigs of mint

Let this macerate in your fridge overnight. Call a friend and tell them where to meet you the next afternoon….

STEP TWO:

Once you’ve found a suitable spot, pull out your Mason jar and add 2 cans of Union’s Underwood Pinot Gris. For our less coordinated explorers, feel free to add one can at a time. But since we are pros….

STEP THREE:

Fill two smaller Mason jars with ice.

Pour each about three quarters full of the sangria and then top off with sparkling water or club soda. Mix well, making sure you get plenty of blueberries and orange slices in each glass. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig.

While you are making up the sangria, have your friend shuffle and deal the cards…. and you are all ready to settle in to a fun round of Go Fish with a beautiful view.