The best summer and crowd-pleasing drink – classic sangria. Make the sangria with your favorite red wine and most liked fruits and enjoy with your guests. The recipe of this cocktail is easy to follow and will take just 15 minutes of your time.
Sangria, the epitome of summer in a glass! This classic recipe brings together the bold flavors of red wine, the warmth of brandy, and the citrusy kick of Triple Sec. It's a celebration of refreshment and conviviality. The beauty of sangria lies in its versatility—play with different wines and fruits to create your unique blend. A glass of sangria is not just a drink; it's a sensory journey through Spanish zest and sunshine. Enjoy this crowd-pleasing cocktail that effortlessly transforms any gathering into a fiesta!
What is Sangria?
Sangria is a sparkling and flavorful Spanish drink that has become a popular and iconic beverage enjoyed around the world. This delightful punch typically consists of red wine as the base, infused with an array of fruits, spirits, and other complementary ingredients. The beauty of sangria lies in its versatility, as there are countless variations of this refreshing drink.
Red wine is the base of the sangria and provides a rich and powerful foundation for the drink. Additional ingredients such as brandy or orange-flavored liqueur (such as Triple Sec) add depth and complexity to the drink. Fruits add their juicy sweetness and vibrant colors to the mix. To balance the taste, you may add some sweetness from sugar or fruit juice.
Sangria Ingredients
- Red Wine: The base of a sangria is typically red wine. It provides a rich and strong flavor. Choose a dry, fruity Spanish red wine or one of your favorites.
- Brandy: Brandy adds a depth of flavor and a subtle warmth to sangria. It complements the fruity notes of the wine and adds to the overall complexity of the drink.
- Triple Sec: This is an orange-flavored liqueur. It adds a citrusy, slightly sweet element to sangria. It enhances the drink’s fruitiness.
- Fruit Juice: Fruit juice adds brightness and acidity to sangria. Not only does it complement the wine, but it also adds to the overall fruity character of the drink.
- Sugar: You can add sugar, depending on your preference and the sweetness of the wine and fruit you are using. Sugar will help balance the flavors and add sweetness to the sangria.
- Carbonated Water: The recipe includes sparkling water for a refreshing and effervescent quality.
- Fruit: Chopped or sliced fruits such as oranges, lemons, limes, and berries are essential components of sangria. They add flavor and visual appeal to the drink.
How to Make Sangria?
Following the Sangria recipe is so incredibly easy. These are the main steps:
- To make sangria, mix the red wine, brandy, triple sec, lemonade concentrate, orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar together in a pitcher.
- Next, add the sliced fruit.
- Put the mixture in the refrigerator overnight.
- Add the carbonated water before serving the drink.
How long will sangria keep in the refrigerator?
Sangria can be stored in the fridge for about three to five days in an airtight container. If you’re not planning to drink all of this within two days, it is better to transfer to a sealed container.
Sangria Recipe Variations
- Try using a different type of wine: Instead of a red wine, a good Spanish white wine or a rosé would also work very well!
- Use a different type of liqueur: If brandy isn’t your thing, try cognac or an orange liqueur like Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Triple Sec.
- Add fresh ginger: If you would like to spice up your sangria, try adding a few slices of fresh ginger.
Commenting on alcoholic cocktails from a healthy eating perspective is difficult because, according to authoritative research in the field of dietetics, the safe dose of alcohol is zero. Additionally, besides the fact that alcohol is high in calories (for example, pure alcohol contains more calories than carbohydrates: 7 calories per gram of alcohol compared to 4 calories per gram of carbohydrates), cocktails also contain a significant amount of simple carbohydrates, meaning sugar. Therefore, finding any benefit in this or similar beverages is quite challenging, despite all efforts.
1. Gather all ingredients.
2. Combine the red wine, brandy, triple sec, lemonade concentrate, orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar in a bowl. Then, add orange, lemon and lime slices and maraschino cherries.
3. Serve immediately over ice or refrigerate for 8 hours to overnight for the best flavor. Add club soda just before serving for a fizzy sangria.
Give your sangria an extra layer of flavor by macerating the fruit. Allow the fruit to soak in the wine mixture for a few hours, or better yet, overnight. This not only imparts a more intense fruity essence but also enhances the overall infusion of flavors. Don't rush the process; let the sangria leisurely develop its character. And when serving, use large ice cubes to keep the drink cool without diluting its vibrant taste. Salud to the perfect balance of flavors in every sip!
