Sangria: A Perfect Party Sip!

How Sangria becomes the best party drink?

In the 18th century, sangria became a cherished refreshment among agricultural workers, offering them a delightful reprieve during the scorching summer months. This vibrant drink is a harmonious blend of red wine infused with locally sourced fruits and spices, enhancing its flavor and making it a true seasonal treat.

Sangria rose to prominence as a quintessential party drink from Spain after being showcased at the Spanish pavilion during the 1964 World's Fair in New York. Since then, it has become a symbol of festive gatherings and celebrations, embodying a spirit of joy and relaxation that brings a cheerful atmosphere to any occasion.

Make Your Sangria at home

You can craft your sangria in countless ways, discovering your own secret recipes and surprising your guests with unexpected ingredients. It’s an adventure—an experiment that challenges both you and your guests to savor new flavors and experiences. However, there are certain classic ingredients that typically find their way into this delightful concoction.

Servings              6               Person
Ingredients:        750ml        Wine (1 bottle)
                             400g         Mixed Fruits  (Lemon, Orange, Strawberry, etc)
                             1 Cup        Chilled Organce Juice
                             1 Cup        Spirit (Brandy or Rum) (Optional)
                             1 Cup        Soda Water (Optional)
                             1/2 Cup    Sugar (Optional)
                             Some        Mint leaf for decorations

Instructions:       

1. Chilled all the ingredients for over 3 hours
   
2. Cut the fruits into Cubes or Slices
   
3. Add Spirit, Sugar into the fruits and put the mixture back to the fridge.
4. When ready to serve, pour in the wine and juice, mix it well
5. Finally put Soda Water and add mint leaves for decorations

Ingredients and Tips for Choosing Them

Wine

Traditionally, red wine is the star of sangria. Even if your guests are VIPs, there's no need to splurge on an expensive bottle. Instead, opt for easy-drinking wines with fruity notes, mild tannins, and a touch of acidity. Varieties like Tempranillo, Grenache, Malbec, and Merlot are perfect choices. Just be sure to avoid wines with high tannins, such as Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, as they may overpower the drink.

Fruits
Fruits are essential not only for enhancing flavor but also for making your sangria visually delightful. The right selection of fruits can create a cheerful, festive vibe, setting the mood for any gathering. Popular choices include oranges, apples, strawberries, peaches, pineapples, pears, and lemons, each contributing their unique charm and brightness to the drink.

Spirit or Soda, Juice
To elevate your sangria for a truly adult gathering, consider adding spirits like brandy, rum, or cognac for an extra kick. For a lighter, more refreshing option, you can incorporate soda to dilute the alcohol content while maintaining a delightful effervescence. If you prefer a less sparkling version, simply add orange juice for a smooth, fruity twist.

Sweetener 
Sweetener is an optional element, allowing you to either mellow the flavors of your sangria or let its boldness shine. You can use syrup, maple syrup, or sugar to achieve your desired sweetness. My personal secret is to add canned lemon soda or soft drinks like Sprite, Cream Soda, or 7UP, which provide both sweetness and a refreshing fizz, creating a perfectly balanced drink.

Variation of the Drink

White Sangria
By simply replacing red wine with white wine, you can create a lighter, fizzier sangria. Swapping out red fruits for peaches and apples will add a refreshing balance to the drink, making it perfect for warm weather or casual gatherings. This combination offers a delightful twist on the classic recipe, ensuring a bright and enjoyable experience for your guests.

Sangria Ice Lolly/Cube

To create refreshing frozen treats, follow these steps:

1. At Step 3, Stir in more sugar to get a sweeter mixture.
2. Pour into Molds, like lolly molds or ice cube tray.
3. Place in the freezer overnight until completely frozen.
4. Once frozen, you can pop out the lollies or ice cubes and drop them into soda water for a fizzy, flavorful drink.

This method not only enhances your beverage but also adds a fun, playful element to your gathering!