What else says "summer" more than a pitcher of white sangria with a friend on a shady back porch overlooking the garden? Ok, I'm sure there are many things that say "summer" more than that, but this is one I really like, so don't steal my thunder. Work with me. You in? Okay.

White Sangria is extremely easy to make. All you need is chilled white grape juice, fresh fruit, and a chilled white wine. Seriously, that's it. You can also throw in some liqueur, but that's optional. Here's how I would make it:

1. Cut some fruit and put it into an empty pitcher. The list of fruit that would go really well in White Sangria includes pineapple, pears, peaches (and other stone fruit), oranges, honeydew melon, white grapes, and canteloupe.

2. (Optional) Add about half a cup of liqueur, such as melon liqueur or Grande Marnier, and stir gently. You want to keep the integrity of the shape of the cut fruit. The small amount of liqueur is only for flavor, a hint of flavor that suggests flowers and fruit to the nose. This is no place for Jack Daniels or Jagermeister. Let sit for about an hour, stirring occassionally.

3. After soaking the fruit for about an hour, add the chilled white grape juice and wine. For wine, you don't want too sweet and you don't want too dry. A Reisling, such as a Kabinett or Spatlese, would be nice. A "Trokken" would be too dry for me. You could also try a "halb trochen" or "semi-dry". You could also add a Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Fume Blanc. Any drier than that and the fruit in the recipe won't "open" in your mouth.

4. Stir all ingredients and place in refrigerator or serve.

5. Serve in tall foo-fee glasses as you debrief with your coworker about all the crazy happenings of the day.