Sangria recipe – Colorful cocktail mix from Spain

A glass of sangria is always welcome in summer. The Spanish cult drink should not be missing on a relaxed evening with friends or family. Its fresh and fruity nature makes it perfect for these occasions. The drink goes particularly well with food.

Sangria is not too sweet and very delicious. The main ingredient of this drink is red wine, which gets fortified in a punch. Juice and chopped fruits such as apples, oranges, and lemons refine the taste. This cocktail is always served cold, which is why it is the ideal summer drink.

The red color of the drink is the reason the cocktail is called sangria. It means bloodletting in Spanish. Sangria can be derived from the word “sangre”, which means blood. The color of the drink looks similar to blood, which is the reason for its name.

When was the sangria invented?

Although many consider sangria to be a Spanish drink, it has its origins in the Caribbean. The name was written in lexicons as early as the 18th century. At that time, it was described as a drink invented by the English, which was often drunk in English and French colonies in America.

It was not until the second half of the 19th century that this cocktail spread to Spain. Due to its Spanish name and long history in Spain, many assume that it originated in this country. This is also because the name was legally protected in Spain.

Sangria only became popular in Germany in the 20th century. It is a popular vacation drink in Mallorca. But there isn’t really a specific recipe to follow, the only thing that should always be part of the drink is red wine, everything thing else is up to you.

Tips for the perfect sangria

The biggest advantage of a homemade sangria is that you can choose the ingredients you like. If the cocktail is too sweet for you, you can simply reduce the sugar content and use more sour fruit.

Instead of red wine, you can also use white wine. Both variations have a lot to offer in terms of flavor. But the distinctive color will be missing if you use white wine.

Make sure that the alcohol content of the wine is not too high. Otherwise, the sangria will be too heavy and bulky. A wine with an alcohol content of less than 13% alc/vol is best.

The longer you let this drink steep, the better it tastes. The fruit will absorb the flavor better that way. It’s best to prepare the drink a day in advance and let it sit overnight.

Frequently asked questions about sangria

Which fruits belong in a sangria?

The choice of fruits is up to you. You don’t necessarily have to stick to the recipe if you don’t like these types of fruit. You can also use peaches or other fruits. The most important thing should be that they’re all fresh.

Can you also drink it warm?

Yes, you can. The warm version of the summer drink is called hot sangria. This means that this drink can also be served in the cold season. It could be a great alternative to mulled wine.

Which red wine do you use for a sangria?

A wine with fruity accents that hasn’t aged a lot should be used for this drink. The alcohol content should also not be too high. Red wines like Merlot, Trollinger, Chianti, Beaujolais or Portada Tinto work best.