White Sangria with a twist

Well, here it is. You probably saw this one coming. We cannot talk about Spain and Spanish food without mentioning Sangria. And although it is usually consumed during the summer months in Spain, we thought it would be the perfect drink to serve your guests this Thanksgiving.

The traditional sangria recipe typically combines red wine, some kind of lemon or orange carbonated drink and chopped fruit, usually peaches, apples and citrus fruit.

And because we always like to change things up a little, we wanted to give it a little twist. We’re using white sparkling wine, which is already sweet and fruity, so there is no need for soda. We’re also adding  “non-traditional” fruit, like Asian pears and persimmons  and ice cubes made of orange juice for extra tang… and to make it more elegant.

Hope you enjoy it and Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Vicky and Ruth

• Prep time: 10 minutes plus chilling time
• Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of white sparkling wine like moscato or Sangria wine (it can usually be found on the Spain section of the liquor store)
• 2 small asian pears, peeled, cored and diced
• 2 small firm fuyu persimmons or sharon fruit, peeled and diced
• 1 orange, cut in 12 wedges
• ½ cup orange juice (or enough to fill an ice cube tray)

1. Pour orange juice into an ice cube tray and place in the freezer until completely frozen
2. Combine wine and fruit in a large pitcher and refrigerate until chilled. Serve with orange ice cubes