Sangria is a fun beverage that many associate with summer and warm weather. If you haven’t ordered a nice refreshing glass of sangria since last year, then it’s time to pour yourself a glass and enjoy your smooth and sweet beverage while brushing up on some wine facts and tips.

What is Sangria?

Sangria is a Spanish red wine that is mixed with chopped fruit, sweeteners and spices. The beverage is most commonly served in Spain and Portugal, yet other countries are catching on to this sweet surprise. The chopped fruit might include orange, lemon, lime, apple, peach, melon, berries, pineapple, grape, kiwifruit and mango. Sweetener such as honey, sugar, syrup, or orange juice are added, and brandy or other liquors may be mixed in to cultivate a desired taste. Sangria must be steeped while chilled for just a few minutes or up to a few days.

Homemade vs. Bottled Sangria

There is much debate over whether pre-mixed sangria can taste the same as homemade servings. Ready-to-drink sangria can be more convenient than making your own and it can be much less expensive as well. Imagine cutting out all the fruit chopping and purchasing all the separate juices and liquors. With pre-mixed bottled sangria, you can enjoy that sweet wine taste you like, but experience less of a hassle. There is always a wide selection of bottled sangria’s in stock at Elma Wine & Liquor to make your life easier.

Sinfully Simple Recipes

Are you a sangria lover but haven’t taken the plunge to whip one up yourself? Sometimes it can be overwhelming to make your own drinks when you think about how many different ingredients you’ll need and how important measurements can be. We’ve chosen some easy recipes that don’t require too much elbow grease or stress. With these sinfully simple recipes below, you will become a sangria novice in just a few minutes.

Fun Sangria Recipes for Summer

1. Grapefruit Sangria

The grapefruit adds a special zest and zing to this sangria. Use grapefruit soda in place of the ginger ale for added punch!

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of juicy red wine
• 1 orange
• 1 lime
• 1/2 grapefruit
• 1/2 lemon
• 3 tablespoons Deep Eddy Grapefruit Vodka
• 1-2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• Ice cubes
• 6 ounces ginger ale

Pour red wine into a large pitcher. Rinse the orange, lime, and lemon. Cut fruit into thin slices and add to the pitcher. Add the grapefruit vodka and the sugar. Marinate for a few hours.

Pro tip: The sangria will taste better if you leave it overnight!

When ready to serve, fill the pitcher with ice cubes, add the soda, and stir well. Serve with a wooden spoon in the pitcher.

Serves: 3-5

 

2. Sriracha Sangria

Ingredients:

• 8 cups cubed seedless watermelon
• 1 (750 mL) bottle dry unoaked white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1/4 cup light rum or brandy
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 3 tablespoons Sriracha
• 2 limes, thinly sliced
• 12 fluid ounces natural ginger ale (such as Reed’s Original Ginger Brew)
• Ice cubes, for serving
• Fresh mint sprigs, for garnish

Puree 6 cups watermelon in a blender and strain into a large pitcher. Add white wine, rum or brandy, sugar, Sriracha, lime slices, and remaining 2 cups of watermelon. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours or more.

Pro Tip: This can be made up to 2 days in advance.

When ready to serve, give the mixture an energetic stir and pour in the ginger ale. Place a few ice cubes in each glass and fill with the sangria, making sure to get some lime and watermelon in each cup. Garnish with a sprig of mint and serve this spicy concoction immediately. Wake up your guests with a surprisingly spicy sangria!