Strawberry Mint Sangria

I was in the mood for a light, summer-y beverage that would use up some of the multitude of wine we have sitting around. I found this recipe in a sangria recipe book that I got as a gift, and thought it would be perfect since I also have an overbearingly large mint plant on my balcony. This summer drink definitely fit the bill for light, fruity, crisp with a little tang. Now, time to go relax!

Strawberry Mint Sangria
Adapted from Sangria: Fun and Festive Recipes by Mittie Hellmich
Serves 4 to 6.

~2 cups strawberries, hulled and sliced (I used some that I'd bought a while ago on sale, and frozen)
~1/2 cup fresh mint leaves, approximately 20 leaves.
~1 1/2 ounces brandy (I omitted)
~750 ml bottle dry white wine, chilled (I used Barefoot Sauvignon Blanc)
~12 ounces club soda, chilled (I used one can of Sprite Zero)
~About 3 cups ice cubes

In a large (at least 2-quart) glass pitcher, combine the strawberries, mint, and brandy. Slowly pour in the wine, stirring gently. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or as long as overnight. (Remove the mint leaves from the sangria after 2 hours.)

When ready to serve, add the club soda and stir gently with a long-handled wooden spoon. Fill highballs, wine glasses, or other decorative glasses with ice cubes and slowly pour the sangria over the ice, allowing strawberry slices to fall into the glasses. Garnish each glass with a mint sprig, if desired.