This is a GREAT drink! So good in fact, that I had to wait for the after effects (and the memory of the after effects, lol) to wear off enough for me to stomach writing up the recipe for you guys, haha. The good news is as long as you don’t let these go down like water (as we did on our girl’s night) they shouldn’t give you any trouble but I will warn you it’s difficult because MAN are they delicious! This drink was my effort to create a fruity and fun “girl’s night” cocktail while keeping the calories at bay (the sugar content is still a factor but at least it’s from fruit and fruit juice, we do what we can right? haha). I love getting together with my girls for drinks but especially during the winter those extra calories hiding in your cocktails can definitely do some damage to the waistline. While it’s no secret that the best way to keep healthy and fit is to eliminate alcohol altogether, you’ll feel a little bit better about your decision to have a drink or two knowing that you were able to lighten them up even just a little bit! This is a great big-batch drink to make for a crowd and would be super fun for a bridal shower or summer event. That being said, cheers to warmer weather hopefully being on the horizon for us NOVA folks (but if not I can always warm up with this cocktail).

Like my champagne glasses? They’re available here on Amazon in sets of four (“toast”, “sparkle”, “cheers” and “celebrate”) – so cute!

INGREDIENTS

• 1 bottle Sparkling Brut Rose (if you prefer a sweeter drink try a sparkling moscato or regular sparkling rose but I felt plenty of sweetness came from the fruit and cranberry juice)
• 1/2-1 cup Berry Vodka (depending on how strong you want your sangria)
• 1 cup berry or raspberry seltzer
• 2 cups light or diet cran-raspberry juice
• 1/2 cup each strawberries (sliced), raspberries and blueberries
• frozen mixed berries for serving (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Combine the fresh berries, vodka and cran-raspberry juice in a pitcher and allow to refrigerate for at least an hour.
2. When ready to serve pour in seltzer and brut rose and stir. I served mine in champagne glasses with frozen mixed berries in lieu of ice cubes!