Glittering Valentines Sangria
Ingredients:
1 bottle 750ml red wine medium-bodied, like Merlot or Garnacha
1/4 cup orange liqueur Cointreau or Triple Sec
1 cup sparkling soda lemon-lime or club soda
2 tablespoons granulated sugar optional
1 orange, sliced into thin rounds
1 apple, cored and cut into heart-shaped slices
1 cup strawberries, sliced into heart shapes
Edible glitter food-safe, for garnish
Directions:
Prepare the Fruit: Slice the apple and strawberries into flat pieces about 1/4 inch thick. Use a small heart-shaped cookie cutter to create heart shapes or carefully carve them by hand. Slice the orange into thin rounds.
Mix the Sangria Base: In a large pitcher, pour the red wine and orange liqueur. If using sugar, dissolve it in 1 tablespoon of warm water and stir it into the wine mixture.
Add the Fruit: Gently place the prepared fruit slices into the pitcher, ensuring even distribution.
Chill: Let the sangria mixture sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld. If short on time, 30 minutes will work.
Add Sparkle: Just before serving, pour the sparkling soda into the pitcher. Stir gently to maintain the carbonation.
Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle a pinch of edible glitter over the sangria, stirring lightly to distribute the shimmer. Pour into glasses, ensuring each serving includes some fruit slices. Garnish with a final sprinkle of glitter for a magical touch.