Summer's End

LOS ANGELES, CA
Current Conditions
66°F
(19°C)
Sunny

Summer’s last call means an impromptu Friday night happy hour with friends. Serve pitchers of Sangria with tortilla chips and guacamole (recipes following.) Sit out on the patio, share your favorite memories of the summer, and move inside before the night gets too cold.

Sunset Sangria
3 tablespoons sugar
3 shots spiced dark rum or brandy
3 shots Triple Sec or Grand Marnier
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
2 ripe peaches, cut into wedges
2 ripe pears, chopped
2 cinnamon sticks
1 bottle Rioja or Spanish red wine
Sparkling soda water, for topping off glasses of sangria at table

Combine all except soda water into a large pitcher. Chill or serve over ice. Top glasses of sangria off with a splash of soda water

Classic Guacamole
2 medium avocados, peeled and pitted
2 Tbsp red onion(s), chopped
4 Tbsp cilantro, fresh, chopped
2 Tbsp fresh lime juice
Few dashes Tabasco or hot sauce
Salt to taste
Mash avocado and mix with all other ingredients. Add chopped tomatoes or bell peppers for variety.