Sparkling White Sangria

bubbles, bubbles, bubbles, bubbles...

I don't suppose anyone would want me to make a drink or dessert out of mussels. So, instead, I've made a drink that will pair well with mussels. My Aunt L made this delicious Sparkling White Sangria for my wedding shower a couple years ago. It's crisp and clean allowing the mussels to shine through even as you enjoy this drink. And, just as so many other recipes I've posted, it's super easy to make!

This drink can be made up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerated. It's great for a party or half the recipe for a smaller group - say 2 (ha!). As summer is just around the corner, I'm sure you'll find plenty of occasions to make this drink. Here's how...

Ingredients - Serves 8-10
2, 750ml. Sparkling White Wine (suggest Prosecco)
1 1/2 C Cointreau
1 C Apple Juice (light okay)
1/2 C Orange Juice (no pulp)
1 Orange, thinly sliced
1 Red Apple, thinly sliced
1 Green Apple, thinly sliced
Fresh Mint for Serving

Directions
Combine all ingredients, except for the mint, in a large service. Chill for 1-4 hours. When ready, serve over ice with torn fresh mint. Cheers!

Frozen Sangarita

fresh and fruity on the tongue

To finish up this first rainbow series I thought it would be fun to stick with the flavors and style of my last two posts - Southwestern/Mexican. So, my husband, Steven, helped me come up with a fun riff on a margarita. He is more of the mixologist type than me.

Sangria is such a beautifully colorful drink and I thought it would be delicious to mix in the flavors of a margarita. The sweet fruity flavors of the lime, orange, cherry, and grape juice balance the salty flavor of the tequila. This drink takes me away from the incessant grey skies of Cincinnati to a beautiful tropical beach. Come away with me...

Recipe - Makes 1 Drink
2oz. Silver Tequila (such as 1800)
1 Lime, juiced (approx. 1 oz.)
1T Orange Liquor (such as Cointreau)
1T Maraschino Cherry Juice
9 Cranberry & Concord Grape Juice Ice Cubes
Garnish with a slice of orange & lime and a Maraschino cherry

Directions
A day ahead make the Cranberry & Concord Grape Juice ice cubes. Simply fill a standard ice cube tray with the juice and freeze overnight. You can use light juice if you would like. You can also just use concord grape juice, but I like the tartness given by the cranberries in the blended juice.

Let's make the drink! Put the tequila, lime juice, orange liquor, maraschino cherry juice, and cranberry & concord grape juice ice cubes into a blender. Blend until smooth.

Pour the frozen drink into a margarita glass and garnish with a slice of orange and lime and a Maraschino cherry.
Sip and sail away...