Summer is a great time for cooking outdoors, gathering family and friends for a picnic, and enjoying cool summer evenings on a restaurant patio. Sangria is still a wonderful beverage of choice. Many local restaurants feature it by the glass or pitcher. Sangria can be made with a red wine or a white wine. It can be as sweet as you want it to be by adding sugar.
The word Sangria has been interpreted as the act of bleeding and is of Spanish origin. Sangria is a red wine punch, although it can also be made with white wine – it is then known as ‘Sangria Blanco.’ Sangria was originally created in Spain with Rioja and other Spanish reds. In the south of Spain Sangria is called zurra, and is created with peaches or nectarines.
It is typically created from red wine, fruit juices, soda water, fruit (citrus, berries) and sometimes brandy (blackberry). You can substitute a lemon lime soda for soda water. When making your own Sangria, use a good quality red wine, and be sure to let it chill overnight. Use Rioja to get the authentic Spanish flavor, but definitely choose something you like – you’re the one drinking it! The next day, pour into a pitcher full of ice cubes, pour into glasses and garnish with fresh mint.
There are many recipes for Sangria including red, white and peach. The best way to find what you like best is to test the recipes out. I have looked at recipes on the internet and books that I have at home and tested them out. I like using a sweeter sparkling wine, in place of soda water and sugar, then add the red wine, fruit and blackberry brandy. The key is to let it steep overnight in the refrigerator. By the next day, it’s perfect.
