Sparkling White Sangria

Sangria always bring back fond memories of my Uncle Nelson serving frosty glasses of his sangria to the adults on Christmas Eve while the little yule log burned brightly on the TV in his living room.  The memory always brings a smile to my face as I remember the warmth and comfort of those holidays, surrounded by family.

For a recent little festa, I decided to whip up a batch of sangria to beat the summer heat and decided on a refreshing sparkling white sangria. I used a combination of green apples, green grapes, kiwis and lime juice.  I also added a cup of Cointreau, an orange flavored liquer.  Experiment with the fruit you use – given the orange flavored liquer, I will try this next with some orange stone fruit such as mangoes and peaches.  But have fun with this great summer treat and add the fruits that will hit that spot for you on a hot summer day!

Sparkling White Sangria

Ingredients:

1 cup of simple syrup (1/2 cup sugar, 1/2 cup water)

1 bottle of Prosecco

1 cup of Cointreau

1/2 cup of lime juice

1 splash of brandy

White grapes (about a cup or so), Kiwis, peeled (2 or 3), Green apples, peeled and cored (2)

1 bottle seltzer

Ice

Additional kiwi slices or mint for garnish

Directions:

1. Make the simple syrup: Dissolve 1/2 cup sugar with 1/2 cup water in a small, heavy saucepan over medium low heat. Set aside to cool. (NOTE: I do not like my sangria very sweet so use less simple syrup. If you prefer sweeter sangria, just use 1 cup simple syrup (1 cup sugar, 1 cup water)).

2. Put 1 bottle Prosecco and cooled simple syrup in a pitcher large enough to accommodate all the ingredients.

3. Add 1 cup of Cointreau, 1/2 cup of freshly squeezed lime juice and a splash of brandy.

4. Add white grapes, kiwi slices and green apples.

5. Stir to blend. Let sit in refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld.

6.  When ready to serve, top off with 1 bottle of seltzer and serve over tall ice-filled glasses. Garnish with extra kiwi slices or mint. Enjoy!