Fort Belvoir, Va. –
Editor’s note: This is one of several articles celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. We asked people to share recipes with Hispanic heritage roots and short stories about their lives.
A quick ticket to the beach
My name is Faranette Billoch and I grew up in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, on the west side of the Island. I also went to college there and often go back to visit my family. After learning about DCAA at a college job fair 20 years ago, I moved to Virginia for work and have been with the Agency ever since.
Even though I visit Puerto Rico every year, being from the west of the Island, I especially miss the beautiful beaches. Today, I want to share a family recipe that instantly transports me back to those clear waters, the sunny days, and the happy times of my childhood and college years. Puerto Rico is where many of my fondest memories and my family still live. This drink helps bring me closer to them when I’m still on the mainland. This is a quick and simple recipe, but the best part is its flexibility to adjust it to your own personal taste and make it your own.
Salud!
Tropical Sangria
Ingredients:
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2 bottles of red wine (1.5L / 50 oz) (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot work well)
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12 oz can of frozen orange juice concentrate
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12 oz pineapple juice
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12 oz guava juice
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Juice of 2 limes
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5 oz of red grapefruit juice
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1 cup of rum (adjust up or down to taste)
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Mixed frozen fruit of choice (optional)
Instructions:
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Start with a pitcher or large bowl.
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Add the red wine, orange, pineapple, guava, lime and grapefruit juice; mix well.
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Add the rum and adjust to taste.
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Refrigerate.
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Add the frozen fruit 30 mins to an hour before serving and keep refrigerated.
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If you are adding ice cubes, add them right before serving.
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Make it pretty and enjoy!