White Sangria Sparkler

In honor of Independence Day, I present to you: White Sangria Sparkler. Drink to your health in more ways than one with this pleasing potion! My version of Sangria is simple: white wine, sparkling water and some fruit. This is an immediate show stopper when entertaining. It’s also incredibly crisp and refreshing, an absolute must to help cool you down on those sticky summer nights. Though we don’t get many of those type of nights in Ireland, I know at home in Iowa right now temperatures are in the upper 90s. I look forward to sipping on a few of these when I’m home for a visit next week.

Control and moderation are part of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and, as long as you don’t go nuts, there are drinks out there, such as this one, which won’t put too much of a dent in your healthy aspirations. Actually, one recent study suggests that adding alcohol to fruit may increase its antioxidant power. If you prefer to drink a virgin cocktail, I’ve included a non-alcoholic “mocktail” version of the recipe as well, so either way – cheers!

White Sangria Sparkler

Ingredients:

1-2 bottles of crisp white wine (I used 1 bottle Sauvignon Blanc)

1 orange, sliced

1 pint raspberries

2 nectarines, sliced

2 kiwis

1 liter sparkling water

ice

several sprigs of mint

Directions:

Place all fruit in a large pitcher or bowl, add wine and refrigerate for 3 hours (or longer) for the flavors to meld. When ready to serve, add sparkling water and ice. Garnish with fruit and mint.

Sangria Sparkler Mocktail

Ingredients:

1 bottle sparkling water or sparkling grape juice

1 orange, sliced

1 pint raspberries

2 nectarines, sliced

2 kiwis

ice

several sprigs of mint

Directions:

Combine sparkling water/juice and fruit in a large pitcher or punch bowl. Serve in wine glasses or champagne flutes with plenty of ice and fruit for garnish. Top with mint.

Cool tip: Freeze some of the fruit and add it right before serving so they act as ice cubes in the Sangria.

To my readers in America, wishing you a very happy and safe 4th of July! I hope you enjoy your time spent outside sipping on this drink, relaxing and catching up with friends.