One British thing that I absolutely love is Wimbledon and what a weekend for tennis it was. The weather was perrrrfect and the finals were intense! Sadly I was routing for both Lisicki and Djokovic so celebration wasn’t in my cards. While I realize that Andy Murray has matured and his game has improved immensely over the years, I just can’t get on the bandwagon. I know, I know. Blasphemy over here in London as they celebrate their Scot bringing the title back home.

One of the best parts of Wimbledon is the champagne and strawberries (and cream). Two years ago my best friend and I queued for the women’s semifinals day. For the record, I don’t wait in line for anything, but going to Wimbledon was a life long dream for both us. As soon as the gates opened the pomp and circumstance engulfed us! A children’s marching band ushers you in, and while my best friend, overwhelmed with emotion caught, up with the amazing child trumpeters, I was beelining it for the Champagne bar. As a side note, you are welcome to bring your own picnic baskets and supplies into the grounds. This was an essential rule that we were unaware of and of course assumed otherwise since everywhere in the US they want to gouge you with their overpriced beers and hotdogs. So what can I say, I was ready to toast to the day.

Given the time difference, I’ve spent the better part of my life enjoying Breakfast at Wimbledon. It is so nice to watch tennis at a more reasonable social hour. I still remember the 2009 Wimbledon final when Roddick forced Federer to a fifth set that went to 30 games. I had started watching from my bedroom and decided to wait until the match was over to eat breakfast. I think I even missed lunch that day!

But today I have the perfect cocktail for breakfast entertaining. I think it totally counts since it has a bit of orange juice in it. Makes it in the mimosa-family, no? This Champagne and Strawberry Sangria is perfect for all your summer entertaining. And definitely save the recipe for next year’s Breakfast at Wimbledon.

To make sure that the strawberry flavor gets mixed into the drink, soak sliced strawberries in Brandy and Chambord for 1-2 hours before serving.

Don’t add the champagne until you are ready to serve so that the sangria stays bubbly.

Also, adding frozen grapes will both keep the drinks cool and increase the fizz.

Champagne and Strawberry Sangria

Serves 6

8 oz. strawberries, sliced

½ cup brandy

¼ cup Chambord

¾ cup orange juice

1 bottle champagne, preferably rose

1 cup white grapes, frozen

Pour brandy and Chambord over the strawberries and let soak for 1-2 hours. Add the orange juice and champagne and stir. Serve over the frozen grapes.