Sangria Cocktail Recipe

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Sangria Nutrition Facts

Calories:150

Fat:0g

Protein:0.5g

Carbohydrates:20g

Alcohol:8%

Created by

Nic Polotnianko

I fell in love with the art of mixology 6 years ago. Since then, I've honed my skills, crafting a myriad of cocktail recipes, and sharing my passion with other enthusiasts.

Last Updated: January 7, 2024

History

Sangria, a popular Spanish drink, has a rich history dating back to the Roman Empire. It is believed to have been introduced to the Americas by Spanish explorers and colonists. Sangria is typically enjoyed during social gatherings, parties, and festive occasions.

  • Originated in Spain
  • Popular during the Roman Empire
  • Introduced to the Americas by Spanish explorers and colonists

How Sangria Tastes?

Sangria is a fruity, refreshing, and slightly sweet cocktail with a hint of tartness from the citrus fruits. It is well-balanced, with the wine and fruit flavors complementing each other perfectly.

Interesting facts about Sangria

  • Sangria is named after the Spanish word 'sangre,' which means blood, due to its deep red color.
  • Traditional Sangria is made with red wine, but variations with white wine and rosé are also popular.
  • Sangria is often served in a large pitcher, allowing guests to serve themselves and customize their drink with additional fruit or ice.

Ingredients

Red Wine

The backbone of any sangria. Typically a dry, fruity red wine works best, offering rich berry notes that complement the citrus and sweetness. Less wine would weaken the drink's character, more could overpower the balance. Without it, well, it's not sangria anymore! A fun alternative could be a rosé for a lighter touch.

Alex Green

Brandy

Adds depth and a kick of alcohol. The silky warmth of brandy mingles with the wine to enrich the sangria's complexity. Omitting brandy would make a lighter drink but lose some soul. Maybe try a spiced rum for a twist?

Mary Mitkina

Orange Juice

This citrus juice provides freshness and sweetness, balancing the strength of the wine and brandy. Too little would miss brightening the mix, too much could make it cloying. How about mango juice as a tropical twist?

Emma Rose

Lemon Juice

A punch of acidity to keep the sangria from becoming flat-tasting. It's the zesty whisper in the lively conversation of flavors. Want a different zing? Lime juice could swap in.

Alex Green

Sugar

Sweetness to the tune of your preference. The sugar smooths out harshness, but too much is a one-way ticket to headacheville. Play around with honey for a smoother sweetness.

Mary Mitkina

Orange

Releases essential oils and subtle bitterness that grounds the sweetness. It's the float in our fruity parade, and without it, the drink could become too tart.

Emma Rose

Lemon

Sharpens the sangria's edge, provides a bright pop amidst the sweetness, like a lightbulb in a soft-lit room.

Alex Green

Apple

Gives a crisp, fresh bite to the drink, soaking up flavors like a sponge. Think of it as the secret crunch agent. Missing apples? Peaches bring summer to your glass.

Mary Mitkina

Ice

Keeps the sangria chilled without diluting it too quickly. It's the cool bouncer that ensures every sip is refreshing.

Emma Rose

Recipe. How to make Sangria Drink

  1. Prepare the fruit: Slice the orange, lemon, and apple into thin wedges, removing any seeds.
  2. Mix the liquids: In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange juice, and lemon juice.
  3. Add sugar: Stir in the sugar until it dissolves.
  4. Add fruit: Add the sliced fruit to the pitcher, and gently stir to combine.
  5. Chill: Refrigerate the Sangria for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.
  6. Serve: Fill glasses with ice, and pour the Sangria over the ice. Garnish with additional fruit slices if desired.

Pro Tips

  • Use quality wine: The wine is the base of the Sangria, so use a good quality one. It doesn't have to be expensive, but it should be something you'd enjoy drinking on its own.
  • Let it rest: For the best flavor, let the Sangria rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
  • Customize your fruit: Feel free to experiment with different fruits based on your preference or what's in season.

Perfect Pairings

Tapas

  • Chorizo: The spiciness and richness of chorizo cuts through the fruity sweetness of sangria.
  • Manchego Cheese: A firm and buttery cheese like Manchego pairs well with the bold flavors of sangria.
  • Olives: The briny profile of olives complements the acidity in sangria.

Entrées

  • Grilled Steak: The robust nature of red meat pairs beautifully with the hearty red wine base of sangria.
  • Paella: The variety of flavors in paella dances well with the complex notes of fruit and brandy in the sangria.

Desserts

  • Citrus Sorbet: A refreshing citrus sorbet can cleanse the palate, enhancing the fruit flavors in the sangria.
  • Flan: The caramel flavors in a flan complement the sweetness and fruitiness of sangria.

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What you could change in Sangria

  • Wine: You can use white wine or rosé instead of red wine for a different flavor profile.
  • Brandy: If you don't have brandy, you can use rum or a fruit-flavored liqueur.
  • Sugar: If you prefer a less sweet Sangria, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or agave nectar.

Explore all drinks starting with S here

And of course - twists🍹

White Sangria

Substitute the red wine with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc, and swap the brandy for white rum. Add peach slices in addition to the other fruits. This twist offers a lighter, more refreshing take on the classic, perfect for a hot summer's day.

Ingredients: White wine (750ml), white rum (100ml), orange juice (200ml), lemon juice (100ml), sugar (50g), peach (1), orange (1), lemon (1), apple (1), ice.

Sparkling Sangria

Keep the base recipe, but top each glass with a splash of sparkling water or cava before serving. This adds a fizzy dimension that can make the sangria feel even more festive and refreshing.

Ingredients: Red wine (750ml), brandy (100ml), orange juice (200ml), lemon juice (100ml), sugar (50g), orange (1), lemon (1), apple (1), sparkling water/cava, ice.

Spiced Autumn Sangria

For a cozier spin, add a cinnamon stick and a few slices of ginger to the pitcher while it chills. Swap apple slices for pear slices and consider replacing brandy with apple cider. This version brings a warm, spiced character that’s perfect for cooler weather or holiday gatherings.

Ingredients: Red wine (750ml), apple cider (100ml), orange juice (200ml), lemon juice (100ml), sugar (50g), cinnamon stick, ginger, orange (1), lemon (1), pear (1), ice.

In case you forgot basics how to make Sangria

Insert the spoon into the glass until it touches the bottom. Keep the back of the spoon against the inside wall of the glass, and stir in a smooth, circular motion. The goal is to swirl the ice and ingredients together without churning or splashing.

Learn everything on how to stir

Garnishing a bar drink depends on the type of garnish and the cocktail. Generally, it involves preparing the garnish (like cutting a citrus wheel or picking a sprig of mint), and then adding it to the drink in a visually appealing way (like perching it on the rim or floating it on top).

Learn everything on garnishing

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Frequently Asked Questions on Sangria

Can I make Sangria without adding any sugar?

Yes, it possible to make Sangria without adding any sugar. However, it's recommended to add a bit sugar to balance the acidity of the wine and citrus juices. The sweetness can also help bring out the fruit flavors.

How long can I keep Sangria in the fridge?

Sangria can usually last for 2 to 3 days in the fridge. After this, the fruit may start to turn mushy and the wine may lose its freshness. It's recommended to consume the Sangria within a day or two of making it for the best taste.

What type of red wine is best for making Sangria?

Most types of red wine will work for making Sangria. However, Spanish red wine like Rioja or Tempranillo are traditionally used in Sangria and can offer a more authentic flavor.

Can I use frozen fruit in Sangria?

Yes, you can use frozen fruit in Sangria. It's a great way to keep the drink cold without diluting it with ice. Plus, frozen fruit can add a nice depth of flavor as it thaws in the Sangria.

Can I make Sangria with non-alcoholic wine?

Yes, for those who don't consume alcohol, non-alcoholic wine can be used as a substitute while making Sangria.

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