An inexpensive sparkling wine does fine in this recipe for white sangria. For the blend of fruits, use whatever is seasonal -- these will cost the least and taste the best.

WHITE SANGRIA
1 cup mixed cut fresh fruit (such as strawberries, peaches, white grapes)
750-millileter bottle dry sparkling wine, chilled
2 ounces brandy
2 ounces vanilla liqueur
2 ounces white grape juice
1 teaspoon sugar
1 small sprig fresh mint (optional)

Fill a glass pitcher with ice, then add the fruit. Slowly pour in the sparkling wine, tilting the bottle and pitcher as needed so the wine runs down the inside of the pitcher walls.

In a large measuring cup, mix the brandy, vanilla liqueur, white grape juice and sugar. Pour over the fruit and sparkling wine, then garnish with mint or .

Recipe from Jose Andres' "Made in Spain," Clarkson Potter, 2008 via AP.