Cava Sangria with Brandied Fruit and Garden Mint…Let’s call it SUMMER!

Cava Sangria with Brandied Fruit and Garden Mint

If this drink could talk it would say, “I has hoping you would swing by!”  This is a toast to AJ and some of our most fun times together, laughing and making plans for our future over Cava Sangria at Pipa in NYC.  While I tried to weasel the exact recipe from the bartender without luck, this comes dangerously close…Dare I say, we may have just beaten Pipa at their own game!  The key to a stellar pitcher is to give the fruit time to infuse with the Brandy, Peach Schnapps and Mint- I like to combine those ingredients in the AM.  I add the Cava just before serving so it stays nice and bubbly!

INGREDIENTS:

• 1/2 cup Brandy
• 1/2 cup Peach Schnapps
• 1 cup diced mango
• 1 cup sliced strawberries, plus more for garnish
• 2 beautiful sprigs of mint, plus more for garnish
• 750 ml of Cava, I like Cristalino Brut Cava which you can find for around $7.99 a bottle

PREPARATION:

• Combine brandy, peach schnapps, mango, strawberries and mint in Pitch up to 12 hours in advance.  Chill, allowing to infuse.
• Just before serving, add Cava to brandy mixture.
• Serve over ice with a sprig of mint and whole strawberry!