Back in the days of the ancient Greeks and Romans, wine wasn’t nearly as delicious as it is today; as a result, it was usually mixed with water, juices, spices, and even fruits to make it drinkable. In 15th century Spain, red wine or “sangria” (which comes from the Spanish word for “blood”) mixed with spices, fruits, and water began to gain popularity – after a couple thousand years and a whole lot of partying, sangria has evolved into the boozy, fruity beverage we all love today! This fairly traditional version is heavy on the citrus along with apples, brandy, and cinnamon and makes a great party punch.

It’s the cherry-on-top for Summer: Cherries are back at Oliver’s! These tartly sweet, dark red beauties are the perfect healthy snack or dessert all on their own, but there’s so much more cherry goodness to explore. A simple, fresh salad is great way to enhance the flavor of fresh cherries without completely transforming them. Paired with fresh goat cheese and a deliciously spiced crumble, it’s the perfect Summer side dish for weeknight dinners and weekend barbecues alike.

As summer marches on, finding new ways to use watermelon can be a challenge. Try our grilled watermelon recipe to spice things up a bit!