White Sangria

I always love me a red wine sangria, but during those languid, sweltering dog days of summer, a white wine sangria is especially refreshing. For this recipe, feel free to add whatever fresh fruit is in season - I like to use seedless green grapes and slices of peaches or nectarines, apples, pears, and lime. A splash of sparkling wine to each glass before serving really perks it up.

Ingredients:
2 750-ml bottles of dry white wine
1/2 cup granulated sugar (super fine sugar, if you have it)
1/2 cup brandy, armagnac, or Calvados (an apple brandy)
2 tbsp. apple juice or apple cider
1 cup seedless green grapes
1 green or red apple, cored and sliced
1 pear, cored and sliced
1 peach or nectarine, sliced
1 small lime, sliced

1 750-ml bottle sparkling wine or champagne

Mint sprigs & strawberry, lemon and/or lime slices for garnish

1. Pour the wine into a large glass bowl or container. Stir in the sugar until dissolved. 

2. Add all the remaining ingredients, cover, and refrigerate at least 4-5 hours (preferably overnight), stirring occasionally.

3. To serve: Add ice (about halfway up) to each glass, fill with sangria, and top with a splash of sparkling wine or champagne. 

4. Garnish with mint sprigs, strawberries, lemon and/or lime slices and fresh fruit from the sangria mixture.