Description

This beautiful sangria is a copycat version of one served at the famous Columbia Restaurant in Sarasota, Florida.

Ingredients

• 1 oz. (2 T.) brandy or cognac
• 1 oz. (2 T.) orange liqueur, like Grand Marnier
• 1/3 c. superfine sugar or less, if desired*
• 1 orange, halved
• 2 limes, divided
• 1 small apple, Fuji or Honeycrisp, peeled and chopped
• 1 nectarine, chopped
• 1 bottle chilled sparkling wine, Cava, Prosecco or Champagne
• 1 c. chilled lemon-lime soda
• a few bunches frozen grapes
• ice cubes

Steps

1. In a large pitcher, combine brandy, orange liqueur and sugar; stir. Squeeze juice from a lime and 1/2 of an orange into the pitcher; stir until the sugar dissolves.
2. Slice the remaining orange half into thin slices; add to the pitcher; add chopped apples and nectarines; add sparkling wine, soda and a large bunch of frozen grapes.
3. Place ice cubes in glasses (don't add them to the pitcher or they’ll water down the drink) along with small bunches of frozen grapes. Pour the sangria on top.