There are so many ways to make a normal night on the deck something a little more special. What is even better there is a way to gather with small groups of family and friends safely. One addition to my outdoor parties is this super simple DIY Sangria Bar. It takes little prep time with big results!

Try grabbing some fresh cut fruits from the grocery store. Or maybe exploring the farmers market for whats its in season. You can use anything from mango to pineapple, to watermelon, and mixed berries the options are plenty. For this particular DIY bar I chose mixed berries and pineapple. Both of these fruits pair well the white wine. However, you could also opt for using Rose or white and adding to the choose your own adventure vibe! For the white wine I added 1/2 cup of the mint simple syrup to one bottle of white wine. I suggested my guests pair it with some fresh pineapple in their glasses along with a mint leaf. If they wanted to add a little fizz, I had bottles of limonata, which a light and fizzy Italian soda available.

For the Rose wine, I suggested adding the fresh berries, and a touch of brown sugar simple syrup to compliment the berries. I had plain seltzer water on hand for a little fizz. Or they could opt to just make a spritzer using the blood orange Italian soda with their wine! Other options that would work well are watermelon pieces, and infusing a simple syrup with jalapeno for an interesting kick. Or using the fresh cut honeydew melon, juicing it, then offering that as addition.

I also had fun straws and individual stirring sticks available for guests to use. These things are functional as well as decorative. If you do not have outdoor wine glasses, opt for using 2-3 different color cup combinations to add some color to the spread.

Below is an easy recipe for mint simple syrup. This an easy way to elevate your pitchers of water, or wine spritzers all summer long!

Mint Simple Syrup

• 1 c water

• 1 sugar

• 1 sprig mint

1. Meanwhile in a saucepan, over medium heat, boil the sugar, sprig of mint, and water until the sugar dissolves.

2. Let the mixture simmer for about 7 minutes. Then turn off the heat, take the sprig of mint out, and let the syrup cool completely before using it.