A brief moment of respite in this very crazy, very difficult time brought to you in the form of Thirsty Thursday and Rose Sangria.

I am struggling with a lot of what is going on in the world right now. I like to try and keep it light here at the blog, but the truth is the realities of the last few months are taking their toll on how I’m feeling, how my children are feeling and how I see my place in the world.

I will share my present guiding light with you today as it comes in the form of a quote and it is helping me to find perspective each time I am overwhelmed with what surrounds me.

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world” -Mahatma Gandhi.

And now as promised- back to something lighter. MUCH lighter. And boozy. And Bubbly.

Rose Sangria. I am hoping that despite the troublesome times you all are remembering to enjoy the nicer weather, longer days and hopefully increased time with family and friends that make up summer. Perhaps you would even like to delight some of them with this absolutely stunning cocktail punch? Maybe you would like to just delight yourself and have the whole thing- I’m not trying to judge right now.

I felt totally compelled to make this when I saw the outrageous display of pale fruits sitting in the produce section at my local grocery store. I had to have it all and I had to soak it in brandy- logical, right?

I love how the fruits impart their subtle refreshing sweetness into the punch and simultaneously absorb the flavors of the rose water, brandy and sparkling wine. The entire combination is light, breezy, lightly sweet and so tantalizing to the eye! I feel like this would also be the star of a wedding shower or a fun summer dinner party.