Three Sangrias and a Twist on the French 75.

In summer, choosing between a glass of wine and a cocktail becomes especially hard. At AVA Bistro on Nikitskaya, they decided you no longer have to choose: bar manager Vladislav Gavrikov came up with three signature versions of sangria. These are wine cocktails on different bases — white, red, and sparkling wine — with fresh fruit added. The idea comes from the classic Spanish recipe invented by fruit pickers: wine diluted with water, cut fruit and a little juice added. The result is a cool, juicy, mildly intoxicating drink made for hot weather.

The first sangria on the summer menu is made on white wine. Pineapple, banana, and coconut are added — the result is a drink with a tropical mood, soft and fragrant. The second version is built on red wine, with tart berries — blackberry and cherry. It comes out rich and full of temperament, closer to the classic. The third sangria is built on sparkling wine, with notes of feijoa, pineapple, and grape. It has a refreshing character, a light tartness, and gentle sweetness. All three versions share a fruity brightness and a balance between alcohol and freshness.

For those who don't drink alcohol but don't want to miss out on the mood, Vladislav offers a non-alcoholic version of the classic French 75. In this twist, the cocktail's recognizable gin-and-sparkling character stays, but the alcohol is replaced with a base of apple, yuzu, and basil. This drink keeps the mood of a summer evening without requiring any compromise.

Besides sangria and cocktails, AVA Bistro is worth a visit for the wine too. Head sommelier Gabriel San offers two vivid options. One: Duckitt Rosé from South Africa, a rich rosé in a reductive style. It leaves a berry aftertaste and supports the summer theme. The second: Spanish Tempranillo Syrah Moments. It carries a prune-jam note and a sunny character that underscores the season.

AVA Bistro has put the emphasis on drinks that help you deal with the heat while keeping their flavor. Sangrias give room for fruit, wine gives room for accents, and the non-alcoholic twist lets you stay in the mood even without alcohol.