To celebrate the start of Summer, we asked plantbased RDN, Jaime Bachtell-Shelbert, the creator behind Wholly Nourished, for a fresh summer cocktail recipe. She headed out to Getaway Starved Rock to craft this amazing French Press Peach Berry Sangria while she reconnected to nature and her family. Read on for her recipe.
Ingredients:
- ½ medium navel orange, sliced into half moons
- ⅓ cup raspberries
- ⅓ cup blueberries
- ¼ cup fresh mint leaves
- ⅓ cup peach schnapps
- 2 ½ cups (20 ounces) white wine such as Pinot Grigio, Riesling or Sauvignon Blanc *see note
- Optional: sparkling water
Method:
- Add the orange slices, raspberries, blueberries and mint leaves to the base of a French press.
- Add the peach schnapps and wine.
- Place the lid on the French press and push down slowly to gently press the fruits to release their juices. Pump the press up and down a few times. **
- Pour the sangria into glasses, adding the fruit if desired. Optional to top off with sparkling water.
Notes:
- These amounts are what work in a 34-ounce French press. The last bit of wine can be added to the press after the first glass of sangria is poured.
- The sangria can be refrigerated for a few hours, if desired, to allow the fruits to infuse the wine. However, it can also be enjoyed right away.
What makes the perfect comfort cocktail or mocktail?
A comfort cocktail/mocktail is one that is easy and familiar. Sangria is a classic, and making it with fresh mint from my garden upped the enjoyment factor.
How will you be enjoying the long Summer days this year?
Summer is filled with lots of pool days, family time and always a long beach getaway. My family loves winding down in the warm, summer evenings enjoying an outdoor patio dinner.
How did you recharge on your escape to nature?
During this getaway, the weather was perfect and I took full advantage by hiking a nearby trail surrounded by the natural beauty of the river, forest and sandstone bluffs. Time in nature is always rejuvenating. When I wasn’t hiking I was reading or cooking by the campfire…two of my favorite things.