Harlequin Intrigue novels, including DANGER IN DADE, are packed with action and suspense. But in between that danger, there is time for romance and getting to know each other moments. I can definitely see that in one of special times, Chef Anita might make her popular Champagne Sangria to accompany one of the tasty meals she’s making for old flame Brett Madison, the K-9 agent that South Beach Security has assigned to protect her until they solve the mystery around the murder of a hotel owner. This recipe is adapted from a fabulous sangria we had at the Columbia restaurant in Tampa! Columbia is a fabulous Cuban restaurant, is Florida’s oldest restaurant, and is still family-owned and operated! If you’re ever in Tampa or in one of their seven other locations, you must go eat there! P.S. OMG, I can’t believe there are only 4 days until the release of DANGER IN DADE (and Christmas Eve)! Pre-order it today at https://amzn.to/4dt8sk3. Grab your copy of KILLER IN THE KENNEL too if you don’t already have it!
Ingredients
1 bottle chilled champagne (you can also use prosecco or an Asti spumante)
1/4 cup ounce brandy
1/4 cup ounce orange liqueur
1/2 can lemon-lime soda
2 oranges
1 cup frozen strawberries
1/2 cup grapes
Directions
Cut oranges into slices and save some for garnish. Cut grapes in half. Cut frozen strawberries in half.
Place fruit in a pitcher and add brandy and orange liqueur. Let the fruit and alcohol macerate for at least 10 minutes in the refrigerator. The flavors will be better if you can wait longer.
Add chilled champagne to fruit and alcohol mixture. Add the can of lemon-lime soda.
Remove some fruit from this mix and place in individual glasses. Pour champagne mixture into the glass and serve.
What I like about this mix is that the addition of the soda and orange liqueur adds extra fruitiness and sweetness, and you don’t have to add sugar to achieve that sweetness.
Some recipes call for lemon but I find that the lemon makes the mix too acidic and the soda provides the needed pop of lemon-lime. For a change of pace, cube some apples and toss them in, or go tropical with some pineapple and mango. You can also change the champagne to a red or white wine. A white sangria is great on a hot summer day or a tropical Miami night.
Hope you enjoyed today’s Foodie Friday!
