Cava Sangria

Imagine orchard bubbles dancing in a glass: crisp cava effervescence lifting jewel-toned fruit sun-drenched oranges, blushing berries, and peaches dripping with golden light. Each sip is a burst of summer: crisp bubbles meet lush fruit sweetness, kissed by a whisper of brandy warmth.

Prep Time: 25 minutes minutes
Servings: 8 glasses

Ingredients 

• ▢ 1 red apple thinly sliced
• ▢ 1 cup fresh pineapple diced
• ▢ 2 oranges thinly sliced
• ▢ 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• ▢ 1 cup red grapes frozen
• ▢ ½ cup brandy
• ▢ ½ cup orange liqueur Gran Marnier or triple sec
• ▢ ¾ cup pineapple juice
• ▢ 8 fresh mint sprigs
• ▢ 2 cinnamon sticks
• ▢ 1 star anise optional
• ▢ 2 750 ml bottles chilled cava brut, brut nature, semi-seco, or dulce
• ▢ sugar or simple syrup to taste
• ▢ ice cubes

Instructions

• Place the sliced apple, orange and diced pineapple in a large bowl, then add two tablespoons of granulated sugar and toss to combine. Let the fruit macerate for at least 10 minutes.
• Add the brandy, orange liqueur, pineapple juice, mint, and spices. Use the back of a wooden spoon to gently muddle the mint and fruit.
• Chill the fruit mixture for at least an hour if possible.
• Before serving, add the chilled cava and frozen grapes and lightly stir to combine. Sweeten to taste by adding sugar (superfine is best) or simple syrup.
• To serve, either ladle the sangria into glasses filled with ice cubes, or into a serving pitcher filled halfway with ice. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

• I like to use brut nature or brut cava, which isn’t too sweet, but feel free to use semi-seco or dulce if you’d like something sweeter. You can also try other types of sparkling wine if you can’t find cava.
• Switch up the fruit as desired. Try swapping the apple for halved strawberries.
• Tweak the liquor amounts to your taste. Try using vodka if you prefer, or omit it entirely for a lighter sangria.
• Sweeten the sangria by adding sugar or simple syrup to taste.

Nutrition

Calories: 145.24kcal | Carbohydrates: 21.63g | Protein: 0.51g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 2.87mg | Potassium: 122.4mg | Fiber: 1.63g | Sugar: 18.14g | Vitamin A: 61.57IU | Vitamin C: 15.71mg | Calcium: 18.98mg | Iron: 0.34mg