Sippin' on Sunshine and Sangria

A Love Story with a Twist

James walked up to me today, shirtless and sandy, with that boyish grin of his and said, "You got a snack?" Now, most husbands mean chips or a sandwich. But mine? I knew exactly what kind of "snack" he was after.

It was 2 o'clock, the waves were rolling in just right, and the sun was hot enough to melt the sunscreen off your shins. It was time for a little sip sip hooray. So l made him my special beach Sangria, with a LilyLouTay twist, of course.

It's fruity, flirty, and strong enough to remind you you're off the clock. A little wine, some apple juice, oranges, whiskey, and just a splash of soda to keep it light. Garnished with mint I found rolling around in the cooler. (We're classy but not that classy.)

It got me thinking... back when James and I met, we were in our "drink and dance until the lights come on" era. We loved a good dive bar, jukebox blaring, sticky floors, and laughing 'til our sides hurt. We were younger, louder, and constantly trying to outdo each other's pool shots and tequila tolerance. I'm not saying we were wild, but I am saying the bartenders knew our names and what we were drinking before we sat down.

Then babies came. Sleepless nights replaced late ones. Bottles in the fridge meant formula, not beer.

We swapped pitchers for pacifiers, and honestly? I wouldn't trade it. But on days like this, sun on our shoulders, salt in the air, no toddler tantrums in sight, I remember that version of us, too. The goofy, slightly tipsy kids who fell in love over cheap drinks and good music.

Now we sip slow. We drink on special occasions, anniversaries, holidays, beach trips like this, when the kids are off hunting seashells and we can steal a few minutes to clink glasses and giggle like we used to.

We sat side by side on folding chairs, watching the kids dig a hole big enough to become a lawsuit, and we just were. Not "mom" and "dad" or "who's making dinner tonight?" just Hannah and James. A couple who've grown up, calmed down, but still know how to stir a little fun into the cooler.

So here's to the twist, the sangria and the marriage.

Life changes, but love, when it's good, just gets better with time... and maybe a splash of whiskey.

Beach Sangria

A little sweet, a little sassy, and just strong enough to feel like a vacation.

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Serves: 2 beach bums

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Chill Time (optional): 30 minutes, if you can wait that long

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Ingredients:

1 bottle chilled red wine (something fruity, not fussy)

1 cup apple juice (my little secret)

1/2 cup apple whiskey (measure with your heart here)

1 cup orange juice

1 bottle club soda, lemon-lime soda or sparkling water (for the fizz)

splash of grenadine

mint for garnish

Ice

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Instructions:

In a big pitcher, combine the wine, whiskey (if using), apple juice, grenadine and orange juice. Give it a stir and a wink.

If you've got time, let those pretty things mingle and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes or so to let the flavors deepen. But if the waves are calling and James is impatient, go ahead and pour.

When ready to serve, add ice to glasses (or red Solo cups-we're not judging), top each with a splash of soda for sparkle, and garnish with mint if you're feeling fancy.

Clink glasses, kiss your beach date, and enjoy the kind of drink that tastes like sunshine and old love.