Summer Fruits for fresh Summer Sangria

Servings may vary

1 cup white grape juice
1/2 cup cognac OR brandy
lemon juice from 1 whole lemon
1 tablespoon superfine sugar (baker’s sugar)
1 cup water, cold

1 cup grapes, halved
1 cup cherries, stemmed & pitted
1 firm peach, sliced into wedges

1 bottle sparkling wine, cold

Combine the white grape juice, cognac, lemon juice, sugar and water in a pitcher.

Add the prepared grapes, cherries and peach. Chill for at least 3 hours or overnight.

Before serving, pour in a bottle of cold sparkling wine. Serve in glasses, generously distributing the fruit in each serving.

• Easily substitute Brandy for the Cognac.
• 1 cup = about 20 medium-sized grapes.
• 1 cup = about 20 cherries.
• Cut the sugar down to 1 tablespoon.
• Use baker’s sugar if you have it on hand for the superfine sugar.
• Use Rainer cherries to brighten up this festive drink.
• Used Ballatore Gran Spumante for the sparkling wine.
• For a non-alcoholic version, try using Seltzer or other lemon-lime flavored soft drink.