Takin' The Piss Crisper Sangria

If you're not British, you may be curious to learn that “Takin' The Piss” is an old phrase that means to mock or express disbelief.

My sister, Michelle Johnson’s, best friend Martin Poyser, a Canadian Brit, passed away suddenly a few years ago from an undiagnosed heart condition. Michelle and Martin were a marvellous two-some, supporting each other's ups and downs, and always laughing boisterously through it all. Michelle always said that Gordon Ramsey, the “Hell's Kitchen” chef, was remarkably similar to Martin. Their energy, passion, fiery tongues and British accents along with their physical similarities were uncanny.

Michelle has said, “Martin Poyser was a dear friend, a keeper of secrets, a partner in crime and expert when it comes to ‘Takin' the piss.’ This recipe for Crisper Sangria is one of the lessons I learned from him.”

1. Invite everybody over to your house - trust me, it'll be fine.

2. Throw out your vegetables.

3. Clean your fridge crisper drawer so it gleams a welcoming shine.

4. Line the bottom with fruit - raspberries, strawberries, oranges, pineapple, lemons, kiwis, blueberries, plum, grapes.

5. Add some spirit - cover the fruit with brandy or whiskey, add a splash of triple sec.

6. Let that sit for an hour or two... resist the urge to nibble or the guests will be hungry and you will be too tipsy to care.

7. Add your favourite cheap and cheerful red wine to fill the crisper 2/3's from the top.

8. Add some sparkly water or lemony pop to add some fizz.

9. If you are a bitter person, add sugar.

10. Using a soup ladle, serve, toast, sip and ... at every chance you get, lovingly "take the piss."

When Carla Johnson was a teenager, her Mennonite grandmother caught her mom pouring red wine into a pan of chicken cacciatore and scolded, “Cooking with sin, are we?” That delightful moment was the inspiration for Carla’s blog and award-winning book “Cooking With Sin: Great Recipes Dipped in Alcohol and Wrapped in a Wonderful Story!”

Complementary Wines: Brandy, Cocktails: fruity, Fruit Wine: Strawberry, Kirsch, Whisky: Canadian & Scottish

If you'd like more delicious recipes and wine pairings, join my newsletter.

Visit Carla Johnson's wine and food blog Cooking With Sin.

If you liked this recipe, you may also like these fruit-based dishes and wine recipe pairings:

Return to recipe homepage.

You get my Free Newsletter with articles and tips just for signing up below. But for $2.10/mth, the cost of an incredibly tiny coffee at Starbucks, your wine drinking pleasure will soar.

Natalie who?
Yes, I'm a certified sommelier and was named the World's Best Wine Writer at the World Food Media Awards. Blah, blah, blah. What really matters is that I know which wines can increase your hedonistic happiness... a lot. Don't worry, spam doesn't pair well with wine!

Already one of our thirsty clan? SIGN IN

Want the best wines for your taste and budget?

Try my premium service...

FREE FOR 30 DAYS

welcome back!

Need to register? Click here
Forgot your password? Reset

Already one of our thirsty clan 151,579 strong? Sign in here:

You can get my tips on the best wines & bargains in VA liquor stores ...

Takin' The Piss Crisper Sangria

Natalie's Wine Reviews...

About Natalie...

Natalie's Website...

Email:
Password:
	Remember Me