Sangria Verde

This sangria goes great with a Portuguese meal, or on a hot summer day.  It is very refreshing and good vino verde is very affordable.

1/4 cup organic blonde cane sugar
1/4 cup boiling water
3/4 cup cubed green melon

1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber

1/2 cup halved green table grapes
1 lime, thinly sliced

juice of 1 lime
2 sprigs mint, plus some pretty leaves for garnish
2 sprigs basil, plus some pretty leaves for garnish
1 (750mL) bottle Vinho Verde, chilled
1/2 cup white rum

ice
sparkling water

In a small, heat-proof jar or bowl, stir together the sugar and boiling water to dissolve the sugar.

In a large vessel, such as a 2-quart mason jar, pitcher, or punch bowl, combine the cucumber, melon, grapes, lime slices, lime juice, mint, and basil. Pour in the Vinho Verde, rum, and simple syrup. Stir gently to combine, then cover and chill for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours.

To serve, fill tall glasses with ice. Pour in sangrìa and spoon in some of the fruity bits. Top off each glass with a spritz of fizzy water and some pretty mint and basil leaves to garnish, and serve.