Sangria

Sangria Recipe from Spain with Red Wine, Brandy, and Fresh Fruits

Region / culture: Spain | Preparation time: 10 minutes | Cooking time: 0 minutes | Servings: 6-8

Introduction

Sangria is a popular Spanish drink made with red wine, fruit, and sweeteners. It is a refreshing and flavorful beverage that is perfect for parties and gatherings.

History

Sangria has been enjoyed in Spain for centuries, with its origins dating back to the Middle Ages. It was traditionally made with red wine, water, sugar, lemon, and spices. Over time, the recipe evolved to include a variety of fruits and spirits, making it the delicious and versatile drink we know today.

Ingredients

0.88 cups of sugar
0.25 cups of water (for sugar)
0.5 cups of triple sec
0.33 cups of brandy
2 large lemons
2 large oranges or 3 small oranges
1 apple
1.5 liters or 2 (750 ml) bottles of red wine
0.75 cups of ginger ale

How to prepare

Refrigerate the wine in advance.
Add brandy or triple sec to a 2 liter pitcher.
Combine the sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves.
Add the sugar mixture to the pitcher.
Thinly slice 0.5 of a lemon and 0.5 of an orange, leaving the ends for squeezing.
Add the sliced lemon and orange to the pitcher.
Juice the remaining lemon and orange into the pitcher.
Dice the apple and add it to the wine.
Refrigerate until thoroughly chilled, about 2 hours or up to 2 days.
Add ginger ale just before serving.
Serve with ice.

Variations

Use white wine instead of red wine for a lighter version of sangria.
Add different fruits such as peaches, berries, or pineapple for a unique twist.
Experiment with different spirits such as rum or vodka for a stronger cocktail.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Use a good quality red wine for the best flavor.

- Refrigerate the wine in advance to ensure it is chilled when serving.

- Allow the sangria to sit for at least 2 hours before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Add the ginger ale just before serving to keep it fizzy.

Serving Suggestions

Sangria is best served chilled over ice with a slice of orange or lemon for garnish.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making a delicious sangria is allowing the flavors to meld together. Refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours before serving to achieve the best taste.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have brandy or triple sec, you can substitute with rum or orange liqueur.

Make Ahead Tips

Sangria can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving. Just add the ginger ale right before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Serve sangria in a large pitcher or punch bowl with plenty of ice and fruit slices for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Sangria pairs well with a variety of foods, including tapas, grilled meats, and seafood dishes. It is also a great accompaniment to cheese and charcuterie boards.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftover sangria can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a stir before serving to mix the flavors back together.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of sangria contains approximately 200 calories.

Carbohydrates

Each serving of sangria contains approximately 22 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

Sangria is a low-fat beverage, with less than 1 gram of fat per serving.

Proteins

There is no significant protein content in sangria.

Vitamins and minerals

Sangria is a good source of vitamin C from the citrus fruits used in the recipe.

Alergens

Sangria may contain sulfites from the wine, which can be an allergen for some individuals.

Summary

Sangria is a refreshing and flavorful drink that is relatively low in calories and fat. It is a good source of vitamin C and is best enjoyed in moderation.

Summary

Sangria is a delicious and versatile drink that is perfect for any occasion. With its fruity flavors and refreshing taste, it is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Cheers!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Sangria. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in Spain with my grandmother. She was a wonderful cook and always had a new recipe to share with me. One day, as we were preparing for a family gathering, she mentioned that she was going to make Sangria.

I had never heard of Sangria before, but I was intrigued by the name and asked her to teach me how to make it. She smiled and began to gather the ingredients - a bottle of red wine, some fresh fruit, sugar, and a splash of brandy. As she poured the wine into a large pitcher, she explained that Sangria was a traditional Spanish drink made with wine and fruit.

I watched as she added slices of oranges, lemons, and limes to the pitcher, along with a sprinkle of sugar to sweeten the mixture. She then poured in a generous splash of brandy for an extra kick. The aroma of the wine and fruit filled the air, and I couldn't wait to taste the finished product.

After letting the Sangria sit for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld together, my grandmother poured me a glass. I took a sip and was immediately transported to a sunny afternoon in Spain, surrounded by family and friends. The combination of the sweet wine and fresh fruit was like nothing I had ever tasted before.

From that day on, Sangria became a staple at our family gatherings. My grandmother taught me how to make it just like she did - with love and care, using only the freshest ingredients. Over the years, I have experimented with different variations of the recipe, adding in different fruits and spices to suit my own taste.

I have shared the recipe with friends and neighbors, always passing on the tradition of making Sangria with those around me. Each time I make a batch, I am reminded of that day with my grandmother, learning how to make this delicious drink that has become a symbol of celebration and togetherness for me.

As I grew older and traveled to different countries, I discovered that Sangria was not just a Spanish tradition, but a popular drink enjoyed all over the world. I tried different versions of the drink in Italy, Portugal, and even in my own backyard with friends and family.

But no matter where I go, or who I am with, the memory of that day with my grandmother always comes to mind when I sip on a glass of Sangria. It reminds me of the joy of cooking and sharing recipes with loved ones, and the importance of preserving traditions that have been passed down through generations.

So whenever I make Sangria now, I do so with a smile on my face and a heart full of gratitude for the memories and traditions that have shaped me into the cook and person I am today. And I hope that one day, I can pass on this recipe to my own grandchildren, just as my grandmother did for me all those years ago. Cheers to good food, good friends, and the joy of cooking!