Dear June,

I like to make sangria in warm weather. Here's my standard recipe:

Mix
3/4 cup brandy
1/2 cup cointreau
4 cups red wine
juice of 3 lemons
sugar to taste

Add
2 thinly sliced oranges
1 thinly sliced lemon
3/4 cup seeded sweet cherries
1 cup sliced fresh or canned peaches

Add cold club soda to taste.

I also make a non-alcoholic beverage for my non-drinking (or dieting) friends.

Fill a pitcher with water. Add several sprigs of mint (crushed), a sliced orange, a sliced lemon, a peeled and sliced apple, and if you have it, a few slices of cucumber. Allow to chill for about 2 hours. Add ice and serve. This is absolutely delicious!