Sangria Recipes: A Refreshing Twist for Your Summer Gatherings

The Perfect Summer Beverage

Spring has arrived, signaling the start of barbecue season. Depending on where you live, the weather might still be chilly, but that shouldn't stop you from firing up the grill. In some places, grilling continues even in freezing temperatures, as long as the propane tank is full. But let's focus on what can make your time on the patio, deck, or backyard even more enjoyable: a refreshing glass of sangria.

Classic Red Sangria Recipe

Sangria's name is inspired by its blood-red color, making it a visually appealing and delicious choice for any gathering. Instead of reaching for a bottle of domestic beer, why not try a cold drink made from wine? The wine you use doesn't have to be expensive. In fact, a reasonably priced Red Zinfandel or Pinot Noir works perfectly.

Ingredients:

• 1 Bottle of red wine (Zinfandel or Pinot Noir)
• 1 Lemon, cut into wedges
• 1 Orange, cut into wedges
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1 Shot brandy
• 2 Cups club soda

Instructions:

1. Pour the wine, lemon wedges, orange wedges, sugar, and brandy into a pitcher.
2. Squeeze the juice from the lemon and orange wedges into the pitcher, avoiding seeds, but toss the wedges in.
3. Chill overnight.
4. Add club soda just before serving. If serving immediately, use chilled red wine and serve over ice.

This recipe serves four people. For a quick, one-or-two-person version, pour 4 ounces of red wine into a tall glass with ice and top it up with ginger ale. Add a fruit wedge if desired.

Refreshing White Sangria Recipe

For those who prefer white wine, this version is equally delightful and perfect for summer.

Ingredients:

• 1 Bottle of your favorite white wine
• 1 Lemon, cut into wedges
• 1 Orange, cut into wedges
• 1 Lime, cut into wedges
• 1 Peach, cut into wedges
• 1 Cup sliced strawberries
• 1/2 Cup lemonade or limeade
• 1/2 Cup sugar
• 2 Shots of apricot, peach, or berry-flavored brandy
• 2 Cups club soda
• Optional: 1 can of diced pineapple pieces with juice

Instructions:

1. Combine the wine, lemon wedges, orange wedges, lime wedges, peach wedges, strawberries, lemonade or limeade, sugar, and brandy in a pitcher.
2. Chill overnight.
3. Add club soda just before serving. If desired, include the diced pineapple pieces with juice.

Tips for the Best Sangria

• Wine Selection: Avoid using expensive wines like Chateau-Neuf-Du-Pape or Chateau-Grand-Puy-Lacoste for sangria. Save those for a special dinner.
• Chilling: Allowing the sangria to chill overnight helps the flavors meld together, creating a more harmonious taste.
• Serving: Always add the club soda just before serving to maintain its fizz.

Interesting Sangria Facts

• Origin: Sangria dates back to the Middle Ages when it was safer to drink wine mixed with water and fruit than plain water.
• Popularity: Sangria gained international fame after being served at the Spanish Pavilion during the 1964 World's Fair in New York.
• Varieties: There are countless variations of sangria, including those made with white wine, rosé, and even sparkling wine.

Conclusion

Sangria is a versatile and delightful beverage that can enhance any outdoor gathering. With these recipes, you can easily prepare a refreshing drink that will impress your guests and make your summer weekends even more enjoyable. Cheers to good times and great company!

For more information on the history and variations of sangria, check out Wine Enthusiast and Food & Wine.

Sources:

• Wine Enthusiast
• Food & Wine
• History of Sangria