THIRSTY THURSDAY.

It has been quite hot these past few days and I found the best recipe for one of my most favorite summer drinks. It is perfect for warm days or nights, plus it has fruit in it so it is obviously healthy. You and your drinking buddies won't end up with scurvy! Easy drink for a party because you can just make a bunch of it ahead of time.

WHITE SANGRIA

2 small white nectarines or white peaches

Skip to next paragraph1 small green pear or green apple (I find the apple provides more flavor)

1 small navel orange

1 bottle cava, moscato d’Asti or other sparkling wine

1 3/4 cups apple juice

1 1/3 cups Cointreau

1 cup club soda

Slice fruit into thin bite-size pieces. Place in large pitcher. Pour in sparkling wine, apple juice and Cointreau. If possible, refrigerate an hour or two to draw out sweetness and floral aromas of fruit *definitely do this...makes a big, big difference with the flavor*. Add club soda, and stir. Spoon some fruit pieces into glasses filled with ice, and pour.

Makes about 8 cocktails.