Sangria 3 Items

If you have been to Spain, you might have noticed many tourists drinking a red cocktail with fruit named Sangria. But what exactly is it? Sangria is usually made with red wine, sugar, fruit and spirits in a pitcher, rather than individually, so the whole table can enjoy it. The word sangria, in both Spanish and Portugese, means “bloodletting,” and refers to the infusion of the red wine into the other ingredients.

Popular among tourists vacationing in Spain and Portugal, Sangria is no doubt a refreshing beverage enjoyed on the warm seashores of Barcelona, Valencia or Marbella, or anywhere on the Mediterranean Sea. Here is a classic and popular recipe:

• 1 bottle of red wine (simple Red Blends from Spain work best)
• ⅓ cup of white sugar
• ½ orange cut into triangle-shaped slices (small enough to fit in a wine glass comfortably)
• ½ lemon cut into triangle-shaped slices (same as above)
• ½ cup red vermouth
• ⅓ cup brandy (or similar)
• 1 cup of lemonade or club soda
• Ice

Directions:

1. Select a large pitcher that can fit your total volume. Something around 50 ounces (1.5 L) or a little larger, will work great.
2. Add the sugar and then the fruit.
3. With a wooden spoon, squeeze the juice out of the fruit and muddle it with the sugar.
4. Add the brandy and the red vermouth. Stir with the spoon to mix the flavors with the fruit. Also, you can swirl the mixture by holding the pitcher by the handle or neck. Try to dissolve as much of the sugar as possible.
5. Fill with ice, around ½-⅔ of the pitcher.
6. Add the bottle of red wine. Mix thoroughly to blend flavors.
7. Top it with some club soda or lemonade and mix again gently with the wooden spoon.

This is a standard recipe, but it can be customized based on your preferences. If it’s too strong, you can cut down on the brandy to a ¼ cup and add 1 ½ cup of lemonade. If you prefer it sweeter, add ½ cup sugar and ¾ cups vermouth instead.

There are also ready-to-drink Sangrias, which are wines that already have some fruit essence or flavor added to them and are slightly sweet and very tasty. They are convenient, portable, easy to open and are great for people on the go. Ready-to-drink Sangrias are great for outdoor adventures, picnics, beach time and backyard gatherings. Just add some ice and enjoy!

Best pairings for Sangria

Ideally, it is served as an aperitif before lunch or dinner. When served during a lunch meal, paella is king. For dinner time, some fried tapas like calamari, croquettes or patatas bravas (spicy potatoes). The freshness of the fruit cuts the fats nicely.

Sommelier Secrets

If you are not a fan of red wine, you can make white or rosé Sangria. For a rosé, just swap the red wine for a rosé bottle and cut down the brandy in half. For a white, swap the red wine for a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio bottle, use lemon or lime for your fruit, eliminate the brandy and replace the red vermouth with a white vermouth.

You can experiment and add different fruits to your recipe or ready-to-drink Sangria. Pick your favorite fruit or whatever is in season! Don’t forget to add ice and let the mixture sit for a few minutes and allow the flavors to merge.