What is Sangria?

Cyd Converse

It may conjure up images of sunny Spanish vacations, but what exactly is sangria? Find out here!

Mention the word 'sangria' and two things may well spring to mind - sunshine and Spain! But have you ever wondered what goes into making sangria?

The answer is that sangria is a mixture of lots of ingredients that you probably already have at home. It's actually very easy to make yourself one of these delicious mixed alcoholic drinks - no Spanish sunshine required!

Red Rooibos Tea Sangria Photo

What is sangria?

Sangria is a type of punch. It is basically a mixture of wine, fruit juice, sparkling water, some type of sweetener, flavored liqueur or brandy and fresh, chopped fruit. 

There is no single recipe for sangria - it's made with slightly different ingredients in different regions of Spain. The most obvious difference is the color - a red sangria (the most traditional variety) is made with red wine! Sangria blanca - or white sangria - is made using white wine.

The best red wines for sangria are nice and fruity. Merlot, Rioja and Pinot Noir are popular choices. Good white wines for sangria are Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc, which have a crisp, dry flavor.

Margarita Sangria Picture

It can be tempting to use cheaper wines for sangria, because so many other ingredients are added. But for the very best sangria, you should always use wine that would taste just as good served all by itself!

Any type of fruit juice can be used, although orange juice is the most popular choice. And you can use any type of chopped, fresh fruit you enjoy, including apples, oranges, pears, limes, peaches, nectarines, pineapple and berries.

Sangria can be sweetened with sugar, or a simple syrup. Agave nectar works well too, and maple syrup adds delicious notes of caramel.

Red Rooibos Tea Sangria Image

With homemade sangria, the alcohol content will, of course, depend on the mixture of ingredients you use. If you buy sangria within the EU, however, it must have an alcoholic strength by volume of less than 12% vol.

Foods to serve with sangria

Sangria pairs up perfectly with Mexican flavors and Spanish tapas. We especially love it with paella and gazpacho! Its fruity flavors also make it an ideal drink to serve at your summer barbecue

Make ahead

It's a good idea to mix your sangria several hours before you want to serve it. That way, the fruity flavors have plenty of time to infuse into the wine. 

If you're in a hurry, though, just add plenty of fruit juice instead and squeeze as much out of the fruit and into the wine as you can.

Cranberry Orange Sangria Pic

Sangria recipes

The wonderful thing about sangria is its versatility! It's a great drink to serve to a crowd - why not prepare a few different varieties, so you'll have something for everyone...

Blackberry Mojito Sangria

Cranberry Orange Sangria

Christmas Sangria  

Easy Apple Sangria

Salud!

Cyd is a native of Upstate New York, born to a family of women who love to cook and host parties. She shares her love of all things food, home and entertaining on her blog, The Sweetest Occasion and on Instagram.

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