 Sangria takes its name from the
Spanish word, "sangre," which means "blood" and refers to the blood-red
color of the drink. Fresh fruit and wine combine to create the perfect
beverage for warm summer get-togethers. Sangria is a refreshing drink that
is simple to make and yet elegant enough for any occasion.
NOTE: All ingredients listed in
the recipe are estimates. Add or subtract according to your taste. One of
the things that makes sangria so wonderful is its flexibility. Depending on
the ingredients used, sangria can be a light thirst-quencher or a potent
cocktail that can set heads spinning. Adjust the amounts of liquor according
to mood and the guests. Taste the sangria the day before your guests'
arrival so you can tweak the flavors a bit (add additional juice, brandy,
liqueur, fruit, or sugar if you want).
Check out more of Linda's
Beverage Recipes.
Linda's Summer Sangria
3 oranges, sliced into thin rounds
2
lemons, sliced into thin rounds
1 lime, sliced into thin rounds
1 fresh peaches, washed, pitted, and cut into thin slices*
1 small pineapple, trim, cored, peeled, and sliced
1/3 to 1/2 cup simple syrup or to your taste (see recipe below)
2 bottles (750 ml) dry
red wine**
1/2 cup light rum
3 ounces orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Cointreau)
4 ounces vodka
3 ounces Grand Marnier
2 cups fresh
orange juice
2 cups apple juice or pineapple juice
Club soda, 7-up, or sparkling water
Ice cubes
Mint sprigs
*Any other seasonal fruit that tempts you may be added
(berries, melon, grapes, guavas, mangos, apples, etc). Fruit juices may also
be added. Let your imagination be your guide!
**Don't use any wine that you wouldn't normally drink.
In a clean vessel, large enough to accommodate the
liquid and fruit (pickle jar, sun tea jars, etc), add the cut fruit and
simple syrup. Put a lid on the jar and shake it around to coat the fruit.
Add the wine, rum, orange liqueur, vodka, Grand Marnier, orange juice, and
apple or pineapple juice. Stir to combine and cover. Store in the
refrigerator, covered, for at least two to three days to allow flavors
to combine. Mixture may be strained, if desired, before serving.
Serve the Sangria over ice in large wine glasses. Fill
serving glass half full with ice. Add enough sangria mixture to fill about
3/4 full. Add a few slices of the marinated fruit along with some fresh
berries. Top with either club soda, 7-up, or sparkling water (depending on
your preference). Garnish each glass with a mint sprig and serve
immediately.
Simple Syrup:
1 cup water
1 cup sugar
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and water. Boil for 5 minutes, without
stirring. Remove from heat and let cool.
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