As I write this to you dockside from Northern Minnesota (a highly recommended spot for consuming the below beverage), I have come across something we must discuss. Though it will be a brief discussion, it is dire. I am shook.

Why are kids “tubing” on floating chariots in the year 2017? They are gliding along on living room furniture nicer than what I had in my college dorm room. When I was a kid you were belly down on a disc-shaped raft, trying not to chip a tooth anytime you went over a wave, constantly fearing for your life and fighting your tube partner for extra handle space.

Okay back to imbibing.

Summer is here and you and I are going to enjoy the f*ck out of it. June through September is about basking in life’s simple pleasures. It’s about doing what makes you happy and letting your basic bitch flag fly sky high if that’s what pleases you and it’s about being a little extra when it feels right. This rosé sangria is a well-balanced mix of all the above. And sure, you could concoct this regardless of season or temperature, but it just tastes better in the summer because, well folks, that’s science.

Besides some subtly labor-intensive fruit cutting, this shouldn’t take you more than ten minutes—and feel free to remix the heck out of the produce I call for; use any seasonally appropriate fruit you want. I think this would also be great with plums or watermelon.

Enjoy my beautiful summer babies.

Rosé Sangria

Ingredients

• 1 (750ml) bottle crisp dry rosé
• A glug and a half of Grand Marnier (like 1/4 cup)
• A glug of brandy (like 1/8 cup)
• 3 T honey or agave nectar (honey doesn’t always stir up super well in cold drinks)
• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• ½ cup sliced nectarines
• 2 limes, thinly sliced
• A squeeze of a half a lemon (optional)

Directions

In a large pitcher, combine rosé, Grand Marnier, brandy, honey or agave, and lemon juice. Add the raspberries, strawberries, nectarines, and limes. Gently stir to combine. Chill for at least two hours or up to eight.

Album you should listen to while you prep (I’m taking a page out of Fred Smith’s book): “EMOTION” by Carly Rae Jepsen.