summertime fun...in our backyard!

We are gearing up for summer around these parts - especially since we moved into our new place which boasts tons of outdoor space (a private deck as well as a semi-private backyard!!!)! I'm anticipating bbq's and birthday parties and generally enjoying having our friends and family over for some summertime fun! With that said, we've been testing some fun, summery beverage recipes: sweet tea, perfect lemonade and white peach sangria.

Sweet Tea - Serves 8

1 pinch baking soda*
2 cups boiling water
6 tea bags
3/4 cup white sugar
6 cups cool water

*the baking soda apparently takes the bitterness out.

Perfect Lemonade - Serves 10

3/4 cup and 2 tablespoons white sugar
4 cups water
3/4 cup lemon juice

White Peach Sangria - Serves 10
1-1/3 bottles dry white wine
1 cup peach flavored vodka
1/2 cup frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
1/3 cup white sugar
1-1/4 pounds white peaches, pitted and small diced
1 cup apples, small diced
1 cup seedless green grapes, halved