Mason Jar Sangria

Mason jars.

I'm not sure you get to call yourself southern unless you have one or two tucked in a cupboard or a cabinet somewhere.

They're good to hold green beans or pickled okra, homemade sauces and jams, and they've even been known to hold some sweet tea during the day and moonshine at night.

I was considering this last usage of the multi-purpose Mason jar tonight as I rattled around in my wine fridge looking for something fun to toast the beginning of the weekend.

I found a neglected bottle of Muscadine wine - yet another Southern familiar - and after tasting it alone, I decided to tweak it into a bit of a Down Home Sangria. But I needed something to mix it in. And that's when it hit me: what better vessel to hold this concoction but a big ol' Mason jar?

So I dubbed this Mason Jar Sangria, and thought I'd share the results with you. I don't have exact measurements, but that's ok, because then you can play with the amounts to make them most palatable to you. And note: This actually would overflow a Mason jar if you used the whole bottle of wine, but nothing stops you from drinking it out of one!

Mason Jar Sangria

• 2/3 bottle Sweet Red Muscadine Wine - Mine came from White Oak Vineyard near where my family lives.
• 1-12oz can of Sprite (or Gingerale)
• 2 shots of Amaretto - I used Disaronno
• 1 shot Kirsch - I actually used some purchased in Austria from Sporer, which was featured in one of Rick Steeve's books. But I'm sure any nice Kirsch would do.
• 1 shot of Grenadine
• 3 shots of white rum - I used good old Bacardi!

Pour liquors and grenadine together in the Mason jar. Add can of Sprite. Top off with Wine. Stir to combine. Pour into a glass over ice. If you're feeling fancy you could garnish with cherries. If you're not feeling fancy, skip the ice and the glass and take a swig straight from the jar*.

This is a great patio/porch drink, and would be awesome for parties.

* I did use a glass.