I had noticed Cava as an ingredient in various cocktail recipes, and knew it was a dry sparkling wine, so I usually substituted whatever bottle of bubbles I happened to have on hand. However, on a recent visit to a local liquor store, I asked about Cava, and the lovely and knowledgeable lady simply explained it is a Spanish sparkling wine, made using the traditional champagne method.

SANGRIA BLANCA

15 green grapes, halved

2 to 3 slices of honeydew melon, rind removed, cubed

1 bottle Cava

1 1/2 cups white grape juice

1/2 cup Licor 43

Fill a large pitcher halfway with ice, add fruit. Tilt pitcher and pour Cava very slowly down the side, to preserve the bubbles. Add juice and Licor 43, stir gently.

Enjoy!