Sangria – what it is and how to make it

Sangria (Spanish: Sangría) is a wine punch typical of Argentina, Spain and Portugal. It normally consists of wine, chopped fruit, a sweetener, and a small amount of added brandy. In the case of fruits, they are chopped or sliced such as orange, lemon, lime, apple, peach, melon, berries, pineapple, grape and mango. A sweetener such as honey, sugar, simple syrup, orange juice is added. Instead of brandy, other liquids such as Seltzer, Sprite or 7 Up may be added.

Sangria is served throughout Spain and Portugal during summer, and in the southern and eastern parts of the countries year-round. In these places it is a popular drink among tourists at bars, pubs and restaurants where it is often served in 1-litre pitchers or other containers large enough to hold a bottle of wine plus the added ingredients. A lid or other strainer for the container helps prevent the fruit and ice cubes from falling into the glass. Among the Spanish and Portuguese, sangria is most typically served at informal social gatherings, much like punch, from a punchbowl. Sangria is often served with a wooden spoon, used to get fruit out of the bottom of the punchbowl or pitcher. Sangria is also commonly served in Mexico, Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Chile, and Argentina.

Bottled sangria can be bought in some countries. In the parlance of EU administrators, such products are referred to as “aromatised wines”.
Sangria has become popular in the UK, with several supermarkets stocking it during summer months.

Because of the variation in recipes, sangria’s alcoholic content can vary greatly. The ingredients in sangria vary, particularly in the type of fruit used, the kind of spirits added (if any), and the presence or lack of carbonation.

White wine can be used instead of red, in which case the result is called sangria blanca or, as in Argentina, clerico. Some recipes that use heavier reds can be lightened by mixing a bottle of white in the mix. In some parts of Northern Spain, sangria is called zurra and is made with peaches or nectarines. In most recipes, wine is the dominant ingredient and acts as a base. In some regions of Portugal, cinnamon is also added with the sweetener.

Mulled wine can be used to provide a rich full-bodied taste, chilled with orange juice, lemonade and a sliced pear to add sweetness.

Preparation consists of cutting the fruit in thin slices or small cubes, then mixing in advance all ingredients except for ice and carbonated sodas. After several hours, or a full day in a refrigerator to allow time for the fruit flavors to blend with the rest of the ingredients, the ice and any last-minute ingredients are added and the drinks are poured.

A non-alcoholic version of sangria is made from wine grapes, carbonated water, essence of lemon, and cane sugar.

Sangaree (drink) is a similar drink associated with the West Indies and the name sangaree is an archaic English name for sangria itself.
Our recipe for Sangria

This our recipe for sangria which we serve at out barbecues all through summer. We first tasted this version when we visited Nerja. We used a pinot noir—style red wine in this special version of the traditional recipe, but any red wine will do. I doubt whether anyone can taste the difference with all the other booze added.

6 whole cloves
1 cinnamon stick
¼ cup (55g) caster sugar
3 cups (750ml) orange juice
½ cup (125ml) port
10cm thin strip orange rind
3 cups (750ml) light red wine
½ cup (125ml) brandy
½ cup vodka
½ cup (125ml) gin
½ cup (125ml) vermouth
1/3 cup (80mI) grenadine
1.25 litres (5 cups) lemonade
1 large orange (300g), quartered, sliced
1 large red apple (200g), quartered, cored, sliced

1 Combine spices, sugar, juice, port and rind in medium pan; stir over heat, without boiling, until sugar is dissolved. Simmer, uncovered, 5 minutes, strain into a large bowl; cool.

2 Add alcohol, grenadine, lemonade and orange to juice mixture; cover, refrigerate 3 hours or overnight. Add apple just before serving.

Bill & Sheila’s Wine

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For years now a staple to my summertime diet has been to have a glass or two of sangria while sitting out on my patio on those warm summer evenings with friends. Sangria is a wine based punch that originates from Portugal and Spain. The word “sangria” is derived from the Spanish word “sangre” which means blood. Sangria is usually made from red wine, sliced citrus fruit, sugar, and a sprit such as brandy or triple sec.

A lot of tourists flock to Spain and Portugal to get a taste of authentic sangria. What many people don’t realise is that in this part of the world sangria is predominately served out of a punch bowl at informal gathers with the express purpose of being inexpensive and easy to become intoxicated from. Bars and restaurants have realised the profit potential in serving sangria to tourists which is where the one litre pitchers of sangria have come from.

The recipes for what makes good sangria are almost limitless. Some people rather use white or sparkling wine instead of red, making what is known as a sangria blanca, a sangria that is much lighter in body. The type of spirit added can also vary; some people prefer to use a triple sec while others use brandy, Grand Marnier, or even whiskey to fortify their drink. Don’t make the mistake in thinking that you have to use an expensive wine or champagne, you are adding so many other flavours to the wine that using an expensive wine is not only necessary but rather foolish. Also important is to keep in mind that at most a bottle or two is all that you need for a sangria base.

The fruits used can also vary from recipe to recipe. Most common fruits used are oranges, lemons and apples, but pineapple, mango, peaches, cherries and even melon can be used to create truly unique flavoured sangria. Whatever fruits you decide to use, always remember to soak them. What does it mean to soak? Before adding ice and the carbonated liquids it is important to mix the all the other ingredients together and let sit 8 hours or overnight in a refrigerator. Doing this allows the wine and fruit flavours to meld together and enhances the overall flavour of the finished sangria.

If you are looking to make your own sangria at home, looking for a recipe to fit what you want on the internet can be quite daunting and it is quite possible you will not find that you are looking for. There is no “right” sangria, which is what makes this beverage so perfect for everyone. You can put what you like in it and adjust flavours to suit your favourite flavours. For example if you are someone who loves tropical flavours a white wine based sangria with a banana schnapps and melon or pineapple might be the perfect sangria for you, or if you prefer the idea of a traditional sangria a little red wine, cognac and some citrus fruit are all you need.

With a few months until the arrival of summer now is the perfect time to begin experimenting with flavours and creating your own signature sangria. Watch as your guests are amazed at the intricate and beautiful flavours you have created for their enjoyment on a warm summer evening. And remember, whether you create your own unique flavour, modify an existing recipe or prefer the traditional sangria recipes, sangria is supposed to be a fun and social drink so relax and have fun.

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