SPARKLING WHITE SANGRIA

           Ingredients

Apple juice, for ice cubes
1 1/4 cups water
1 small bunch fresh mint
1/2 cup sugar
3 cinnamon sticks
1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine
1/2 cup orange-flavored liqueur 
2 medium peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced
2 small pears, cut into chunks
8 strawberries, washed
2 medium oranges, sliced crosswise
2 small lemons, sliced crosswise
1 bottle (12 oz.) club soda, chilled
Mint leaves, to garnish (optional)

        Preparation

To make the apple juice ice cubes, pour the apple juice into two ice trays and freeze until the sangria­ is ready to serve.
Combine the water, mint leaves, sugar, and cinnamon in a small saucepan, and bring to a boil over medium heat.  Reduce the heat and simmer for several minutes.  Remove from the heat and allow to cool. Once the mixture has cooled to room temperature, remove and discard the mint and cinnamon sticks.

Transfer the remaining mixture to a large serving bowl.  Add the wine, orange-flavored liqueur, club soda, peaches, pears, strawberries, and the orange and lemon slices to the serving bowl. Mix well, and refrigerate overnight.  Immediately before serving, mix in the apple juice ice cubes.  Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired.