Sangria

In this country, Sangría is unfortunately often just a synonym for booze tourism on the Ballermann. But this spirited Spanish cocktail can do so much more!

Sangría - a cocktail with centuries of history

The Sangría has a centuries-old history. Its origins are thought to date back to the Roman Empire, where early versions of the drink combined wine with spices, fruit and sugar or honey.

In Spain, the tradition of mixing wine with local fruits and spices became popular in the 18th century, especially during the hot summer months. Since then, sangría has not only been an integral part of Spanish culture, but also a popular summer refreshment drink all over the world.

Incidentally, the name "Sangría" is derived from the Spanish word for blood and means something like "bloodletting". This name probably alludes to the rich, red color of the drink, which is achieved by mixing red wine with fruit juices or liqueurs.

Sangría - not just with red wine

Sangría is available in different regional and seasonal variations. The traditional base for this drink is red wine, but white and rosé wines are also used. Ingredients such as oranges, lemons, apples and even a splash of brandy or liqueur are added to enhance the taste.

Sangría can be enjoyed in a wide variety of situations. It is perfect for summer parties, brunches, informal gatherings or dinners where Spanish specialties such as tapas or paella are served.

Sangría recipe

Ingredients (for 2 servings):

• 30-40 cl red wine (Rioja or Tempranillo)
• 3 cl brandy (optional)
• 3 cl orange liqueur (optional)
• 3 cl freshly squeezed orange juice
• 3 cl freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1/2 orange
• 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 apple
• 1 handful of mixed berries

Preparation:

1. Place all the liquid ingredients with the sugar in a large glass or bowl.
2. Stir well until the sugar has dissolved.
3. Cut the fruit into slices. Add together with berries.
4. Place in the fridge or another cool place for at least 2-4 hours.
5. Divide the Sangría between two highballs or other glasses.

Which wine to use for Sangría?

Sangría can be made with a variety of wines, but some wines are better suited than others. Here are some wine options that are commonly used for sangría:

• Spanish red wine: Spanish red wines, such as Rioja or Tempranillo, are the traditional choice for red sangria. They offer a good balance of fruit and wood flavors that complement the other ingredients well.
• Merlot: A medium-bodied and fruity red wine that provides a smooth and pleasant base for sangría:
• Garnacha (Grenache): Known for its red fruit notes and light body, Garnacha is another excellent choice for a fruit-driven Sangría.
• Cabernet Sauvignon: If you prefer a full-bodied sangría, you can use Cabernet Sauvignon. It gives the drink a richer and stronger flavor.
• White wine: While red wine is the classic choice, white wine such as a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a fruity Moscato can also be used for a white sangría. This is usually lighter and more refreshing, and is blended with white fruits such as peaches and apples.
• Rosé: Rosé wines are also suitable for a sangría. They generally make a sweeter drink than the classic red version.

Ultimately, the choice of wine depends on your personal taste. Feel free to experiment with different types of wine to find the one that best suits your preferences. Remember that it is important to choose a wine that you would also enjoy drinking on its own, as the quality of the wine will have a significant impact on the final taste of your sangria.