A Few of My Favorite Things

Here is a YUMMY Summer staple for my Saturday night get-togethers.  I have found some easy shortcuts to making this.  My changes are in BLUE . White Kiwi Sangria Recipe courtesy Ingrid Hoffmann from The Food Network Prep Time:20 min Level: Easy Serves: 4 to 6 servings Ingredients 1/2 cup sugar (I leave this out) 1 cup water (I leave this out) 1 (750 ml) bottle white wine (I usually use Pinot Grigio) 1 cup orange liqueur, see Cook's Note* (I use Cointreau as recommended) 1/2 cup lemon juice (I leave this out) 4 kiwis, peeled and cut in thin slices (save a few slices for garnish ) 2 green apples with skin, cored and cut in 1/2-inch cubes 1 1/2 cups green seedless grapes 1 bottle soda water (1 liter) (I use Sprite Zero.  Any lemon-lime soda will work) Ice cubes Directions In a small saucepan , heat the water, add the sugar and stir to dissolve to make a simple syrup.  (If you use the lemon-lime soda, you can skip this step.) In...