1. Bring sugar and 1 1/4 cups water to a boil in a saucepan over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat, and let stand 10 minutes.

2. Combine sugar mixture, red wine, and next 3 ingredients in a large container; cover and chill 4 hours. Stir in club soda and next 4 ingredients just before serving. Serve over ice, if desired.

*1/2 cup orange juice may be substituted.

Note: For testing purposes only, we used Columbia Crest Two Vines Merlot for dry red wine and Grand Marnier for orange liqueur.

Sangría Blanco: Omit orange juice and peach nectar. Substitute dry white wine for red wine, lemon-lime soft drink for club soda, and 1 pt. fresh strawberries for 1 Granny Smith apple. Increase orange liqueur to 1 cup, 1 lemon to 2, 1 lime to 2, and 1 orange to 2. Prepare recipe as directed, stirring in 3/4 cup loosely packed fresh mint leaves with wine in Step 2.