With all sorts of friends and family visiting over the holiday season it's always good to plan ahead and have an easy crowd-pleaser to break out when company arrives. I love sangrias because they cater to almost any palette. No fumbling with cocktail mixers and martini shakers - just a little bit of prep work the day before and you're all set when company arrives.

Sangria is a wine based punch from Spain and Portugal that is sure to get your holiday gathering off on the right foot. I got the recipe below at a recent PR event and served it up to a houseful of happy house guests.

The Bottom's-Up Sangria

Ingredients:
1 bottle Spanish red wine (750ml)
1 bottle of POM Pomegranate Blueberry Juice (473ml) 
1 small bottle San Pellegrino soda (250ml)
1 lemon, sliced in 6

Preparation:

  1. Combine ingredients in a large pitcher and refrigerate overnight.
  2. Before serving fill pitcher with ice. 
  3. Enjoy!