The sweet taste of Sangria continues to be a favorite beverage around the world, which is why knowing how to make Sangria is such a popular skill to posses. This fruity drink originated in Spain and has been enjoyed by fellow Europeans for hundreds of years. Americans, however, didn’t get their first sip until the World’s Fair in 1964. They fell just as in love with it as everyone else. So what is it that makes Sangria such a sensation?
Sweet and Simple Sangria Recipe
The key ingredients of the traditional Sangria recipe include one bottle of red wine, a couple of pieces of fresh fruit, and about two cups of some form of carbonated water. Many recipes also call for two or three tablespoons of sugar and a shot of brandy or rum. Typical instructions advise first mixing together all ingredients, except the carbonated water. When adding the fruit, the seeds should be removed before squeezing the juice into the mix. Then the drink maker can toss in the remaining wedges. This mixture can chill overnight or for approximately 8 hours. The carbonated water is blended in right before serving. The finished Sangria serves best in margarita-style glasses.
To quench the craving for this special drink more quickly, chilled wine and ice can be used instead of refrigerating over a long period of time.
Making Sangria Creatively
How to Make Sangria
The nature of making Sangria allows, even encourages, thinking outside of the box when it comes to choosing ingredients. Almost any red wine will do (Merlot, Cabernat Sauvignon, Shiraz, Syrah, etc.), so the drink maker can choose a favorite. This is also an ideal time to use previously opened bottles of wine that might go to waste otherwise. The not-so-expensive brands also tend to taste just fine in Sangrias, so there’s no need to be overly picky.
As for the fruit, anything seasonal works well. Lemons and oranges cut into wedges stand out as the most popular choices, but they are far from the only ones. Strawberries, peaches, raspberries, and kiwi also prove to be wonderful alternatives. While Sangrias are often associated with summer because of their fruity characteristics, they still taste great year-round. For example, apples and citrus fruits help create wonderful drinks in the fall.
Carbonation is essential for a good Sangria. Fortunately, these choices are also plenty. The most common recipes include ginger ale, club soda, or a citrus-flavored soda. No matter the preference, they all serve their purpose well.
When it comes to that “something extra,” recipe developers and tasters alike enjoy a little more alcohol. Gin, rum, and brandy tend to be the most common additional ingredient. While including this extra punch is nice, it is not essential. The same goes for adding sugar. Many people like a few tablespoons of sugar for an extra-sweet drink, but this amount can be reduced or eliminated depending on taste.
Endless Options
Thanks to the popularity of the original Sangria, a wide assortment of variations exist. The White Sangria, which is basically the same except is uses white wine instead of red, pops up in many parties and restaurants these days. The Sidra Sangria, which adds cider to the mix, also makes for a nice twist. Even non-alcoholic versions, using non-alcoholic wines or juice, appeal the young or non-drinkers. Surprisingly, though, one Sangria recipe does not enjoy as nice of a reputation as the others—the store-bought Sangria drink mix. Drink experts agree that this is one option to avoid.
While it’s fun to experiment with different recipes, nothing seems able to beat the refreshing taste of the more traditional red Sangria. The versatility, yet simplicity, of this world-renown party drink has made it a favorite for multiple generations of the past—and likely for even more generations in the future.
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