Let’s Celebrate Summer with Sangria, Drink Recipes Included

History of Sangria

Sangria traces its roots back to Spain where it has become an iconic part of Spanish culture. The word “sangria” is derived from the Spanish word “sangre,” meaning blood, which refers to the drink’s deep red colour. Its origins can be traced back to ancient times when the Romans would mix wine with water, fruits, and spices to make it more palatable. However, it was during the Middle Ages that the drink we recognize as sangria today began to take shape.

The first documented recipe for sangria appeared in the 18th century, but it wasn’t until the 19th century that the drink gained popularity beyond Spain’s borders. With the growth of tourism in Spain, especially in regions like Andalusia and Catalonia, visitors from around the world fell in love with the refreshing and fruity blend. Today, sangria has become a symbol of Spanish hospitality, enjoyed not only within the country but also in many other parts of the world.

White and Red Sangria

The primary difference between white and red sangria lies in the type of wine used. Red sangria is traditionally made with red wine, often a medium-bodied Spanish wine like Tempranillo, or a Tempranillo blend from Rioja. The deep red colour comes from the wine’s pigments, infusing the fruity flavours with a rich undertone. Rioja wines, especially those labelled as “Crianza” or “Joven,” work well in sangria due to their moderate tannins and balanced fruitiness.

On the other hand, white sangria uses white wine as its base, providing a lighter and more delicate taste compared to its red counterpart. The choice of white wine can vary, but commonly used varieties include Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a Spanish white wine like Albariño. Sauvignon Blanc brings citrus and tropical fruit notes to the sangria. Albariño offers floral aromas and stone fruit flavours, which add depth to a white sangria.

Two Sangria Recipes

A Recipe for Red Sangria

Ingredients:

1 bottle of red wine (Tempranillo or Rioja blend)
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup orange liqueur (e.g., triple sec)
3/4 cup orange juice
1 1/2 cups sliced mixed citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, and limes)  or
   1 1/2 cups mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries)
1-2 tablespoons honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
Ice cubes
Sparkling water (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and orange juice.
2. Stir in the sliced citrus fruits and mixed berries.
3. Sweeten the sangria with honey or sugar to your desired level of sweetness.
4. Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2-3 hours or overnight to let the flavours meld.
5. To serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the sangria over the top. You can top off each glass with a splash of sparkling water for some effervescence if desired.  

A Recipe for White Sangria

Ingredients:

1 bottle of white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño)
1/4 cup white rum
1/4 cup peach schnapps or white port
3/4 cup white grape juice
1/2 cup sliced peaches
1/2 cup sliced green apples
1/2 cup green grapes (seedless)
1-2 tablespoons agave syrup or sugar (adjust to taste)
Ice cubes
Lemon-lime soda or sparkling water (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, white rum, peach schnapps, and white grape juice.
2. Add the sliced peaches, green apples, and green grapes to the mixture.
3. Sweeten the sangria with agave syrup or sugar according to your taste preference.
4. Chill the mixture in the refrigerator for at least 2-3 hours or overnight to let the flavours meld.
5. When serving, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the sangria over the top. For a bit of fizz, you can add a splash of lemon-lime soda or sparkling water to each glass.

I hope you can enjoy these refreshing sangrias that are perfect for warm summer gatherings or any occasion worth celebrating!