It doesn’t get a whole lot more refreshing than a big pitcher of Summer Sangria. This Spanish summer drink is made with red wine, Contreau, Brandy, oranges, lemon and a touch of sugar. Make a batch for you next weekend entertaining or just for patio sipping.
What is Sangria
Sangria is a mixed alcoholic drink from Spain. Here in Spain, it’s generally made with red wine, fruit, brandy and a little sugar. Sometimes orange juice and other liquors are added. However, there are other varieties of Sangria, including Sangria made from white wine.
However you choose make it, it’s a wonderful and refreshing summer cocktail that’s great for summer sipping.
Notes About The Summer Sangria
- This recipe uses oranges and lemons. However, you can add limes, apples or any other fruit that you like as well.
- It’s important to soak the fruit for Sangria. I think soaking the fruit in the brandy before hand, helps give the sangria a deeper flavour. It is also a good idea to slightly squash or crush the fruit. This will help the flavours blend better in the sangria.
Does The Type Of Wine Matter For Making The Summer Sangria
I used a dry Rioja in this sangria. You can read all about that wine here, if you feel so inclined. Living in this region, we have huge access to some great wines at even better prices. You can even go so low as €2.50 for a pretty decent bottle of the red stuff. That being said, any red wine will do for this Summer Sangria. Because it’s a mixed drink, don’t buy and expensive wine. Just a basic bottle of table red will do.
How To Serve This Summer Cocktail
Well, you know you are going to want to bust into the Spanish Cuisine for this one right! Why not make a big Chicken & Shrimp Paella, my Stewed Tuna in Onions or for something lighter my Spanish Serrano Ham and Cured Cheese Bruschetta. All great options.
Enjoy the summer cocktail my friends and I’ll see you all in a few days with some more kitchen inspiration.
Here’s Some More Refreshing Summer Drinks
Get the recipe!
Sangria
Ingredients
- 750 ml red wine red wine, dry
- 1/4 Cup brandy
- 1/4 Cup Cointreau
- 1 Cup Orange juice
- 1 Cup carbonated water
- 3 Tablespoons sugar
- 2 Oranges halved and cut into slices
- 1 Lemon halved and cut into slices
- Extra fruit slices for garnish
- Ice
Instructions
- Soak the fruit in the brandy for about 1/2 hour and set aside.
- In a large pitcher, add the wine, Cointreau, orange juice, sugar and brandy with soaked fruit. Stir well and put in the fridge for about an hour to let the flavours blend. Remove from fridge and add the carbonated water. Serve over ice with orange or lemon slices for garnish.
*A note on times provided: appliances vary, any prep and/or cook times provided are estimates only.
