For several years my parents were expatriates in Saudi Arabia. People living there even for a short time become accustomed to the fact that no alcohol of any kind is permitted in the Kingdom. However, as children we enjoyed when we were out to dinner, a sangria-like drink called “Saudi champagne.” Since then I’ve wanted to make it with real wine. Thus began this recipe. The non-alcoholic version of this is based on a 1 to 2 ratio sparkling water to sparkling Apple Juice, but here we will use sparkling wine.
Serves: 5
Time: 30 Minutes
For this fun summer drink, you will need:
1 bottle of inexpensive brut (dry) sparkling wine, such as Spanish Cava or Italian Prosecco (keep chilled)
6 or 7 fresh mint leaves (washed)
1 golden delicious apples (or your favorite red apple)
Half a small lemon
A handful of halved red grapes
Ice
Slice your apples into very thin wedges and place in a bowl.
Crush the mint leaves with your hands to unlock their fragrance and toss them in with the apples before dropping them into a pitcher.
Slice the lemon into three wedges and add to the pitcher along with the grapes without squeezing them.
Using a towel over the top, open your sparkling wine carefully; firmly holding the cork and turning the bottle to uncork.
Slowly pour in your dry, sparkling wine, stopping and taking care that it does not overflow.
After about 10 minutes pour into glasses (no champagne flutes necessary) with a couple ice cubes
Author’s note: No bottles of vintage Champagne were harmed in the formulation of this sacrilegious recipe
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