Orange Sangria

This is a nice alternative to red or white sangria.

1 medium orange
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)
1 bottle of dry red wine
1/2 cup Cointreau

Cut the orange in half. With a vegetable peeler, cut off the thin outer peel of one of the orange halves, avoiding the bitter white layer beneath it. Slice the other half of the orange; use for garnish.

In a bowl, using a spoon, mash the sugar into the orange peel so the sugar absorbs the oils. Stir in the orange juice, wine and Cointreau. Cover and chill for 15 minutes.

Remove the orange peel with a slotted spoon or strainer. Chill well. Serve sangria in a pitcher, garnished with reserved orange slices. Add ice cubes to individual servings, if desired.

Makes 6 one-cup servings.