magical hydrangeas & cava sangria

I'm loving this month's (May) cover of Southern Living.

And the Cava Sangria recipe (credit: Marian Cairns) on page 94 is officially on my extreme short list (looks/sounds amazing, huh?).

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Cava Sangria
MAKES 4 1/4 CUPS HANDS-ON TIME:
5 MIN. TOTAL TIME: 5 MIN.

Mom always served a big punch bowl cocktail for parties. I make this fast version for parties of 4 or 24.

8 large mint leaves
1 (750-milliliter) bottle Cava sparkling wine, chilled 3/4 cup white grape juice, chilled
1/2 cup sliced fresh strawberries
1/4 cup orange liqueur
Garnish: fresh sugar cane sticks

1. Press mint leaves against sides of large pitcher with back of a wooden spoon to release flavors.
2. Stir in sparkling wine and next 3 ingredients.
3. Serve immediately over ice. Garnish, if desired.
*Other sparkling wine or Champagne may be subsituted.
Note: We tested with Cointreau and Grand Marnier orange liqueurs.