Blood Orange Sangria

Ingredients

• 1 stalk of lemongrass, outer layer removed and finely chopped
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice
• 2 cups blood orange juice
• 6 tbsp. grapefruit juice
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 cups Champagne

Instructions

• Muddle the lemongrass and lemon juice together in a pitcher.
• Stir in riesling, blood orange juice, grapefruit juice, and lime juice.
• Chill together for at least 30 minutes.
• Strain into a clean pitcher.
• Pour 3/4 cup citrus mixture into wine glass and add 1/4 cup champagne.
• Garnish with a graceful sliver of fresh blood orange.

Growing Lemongrass in a Pot

• Lemongrass can be grown year round in our area, but protect it from a hard freeze.
• Choose a pot that will provide excellent drainage and that you can easily move.
• Put broken ceramic shards in the pot’s bottom to keep the draining hole clear.
• Place the pot where there is plenty of sunlight and ready access to water.
• When to water? A reliable old-fashioned way to check for potting soil that is too dry or too wet: Sharpen a classic Number 2 Pencil and push it down as far as possible into the pot. If any bits of soil cling to the pencil when you pull it out of the pot, Do Not Water! There’s moisture down there! Thanks to our old friend Seth!!!
• Use an excellent growing medium such as Arbor Gate Organic Soil Complete and fertilize periodically with Arbor Gate Organic Food Complete.
• Cut well-developed leaves often for cooking and to promote continual growth.