This recipe from Julia's hilarious book, But Mama Always Put Vodka in Her Sangria, is perfect to have on hand as spring fades into summer. A refreshing change from rose or white wine, Sangria makes even the simplest cocktail gathering way more festive.  

McGee Memorial Sangria

• 2 bottles Rioja, or any other full-bodied, dry red wine
• 1 cup simple syrup
• 1 cup brandy
• ½ cup Grand Marnier
• ½ cup pineapple juice
• ½ cup orange juice
• ½ cup white rum
• ½ cup vodka
• 2 green apples, quartered, cored, and sliced
• 2 oranges, sliced
• 2 lemons, sliced
• 2 limes, sliced
• 1 pineapple, peeled, quartered lengthwise, cored, and sliced crosswise

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher and refrigerate, tightly covered, for at least 12 hours.

Yields about three quarts.

Serve over ice.