Sangria & Summer
Spring is already here and summer will be here before we know it! That being said, everyone needs a light, quick and delicious drink to make at home and sip all summer long. The best part about sangria is that a pitcher can survive in your fridge for days, provided you don’t finish it (judgment free zone here).
So, picture this: it’s warming up, you have an opportunity to BBQ or lay poolside, and you have a refreshing glass of sangria in hand. Easygoing island music is playing in the background as you sip your drink down. Sounds like heaven to us.
The Origins Of Sangria
I’m sure nobody is surprised that sangria originated in Spain and Portugal. It’s pretty easy to make and even easier to drink. The actual translation of the word means bloodletting and the drink is typically packed with wine, fruit, and another spirit. Sounds delicious doesn’t it? Well, it is.
While sangria is traditionally made with red wine, I don’t discriminate on what blend of wine can be dressed up and given a flavor and ABV boost. For that reason, this recipe calls for whatever wine you have laying around the house (red, white, or rosé).
Pack A Little More Punch
Many more traditional recipes call for brandy. While that gets the job done, this recipe intends to mask the flavor of a strong spirit and simply make the drink pack a little more punch. For that reason, I use vodka. If you’re feeling fancy, the Belvedere awaits. If you’re not feeling fancy, any vodka will work. Lastly, in regard to the amount of vodka used- no one is going to babysit you while you make this drink! So, if you happen to pour a little extra vodka, it is 100% your prerogative.
The Juice Is Worth The Squeeze
Or in this case, the can. That’s right, the can. Canned pineapple juice is the money maker in this sangria. The good ol’ can of Dole that any grocery store sells. It sweetens and still adds a little bit of citrus. You don’t need much, so a little will go a long way!
A number of other recipes will call for orange juice, but I think pineapple rounds the flavor out much more.
A Little On The Top
To finish off this drink, you’ll add a little Sprite. This helps to dilute a little and add some effervescence for texture.
*Tip: If you’re trying to make the drink less sweet, you’re welcome to use soda water or even plain old water. All 3 will take you where you’re trying to go!
And without further ado….
Sangria
Equipment
- 1 Jigger
- 1 Glass with ice
- 1 Spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 4 oz. Wine *red, white or rosé
- 1 oz. Vodka
- 1.5 oz. Pineapple juice
- 1 oz. Sprite *or soda water
- 3 slice Orange slices
- 5 pieces Berries *whatever you prefer
Instructions
- Fill glass with ice
- Add wine, vodka and pineapple juice to glass4 oz. Wine, 1 oz. Vodka, 1.5 oz. Pineapple juice
- Add fruit to glass3 slice Orange slices, 5 pieces Berries
- Stir ingredients until well mixed
- Top with Sprite1 oz. Sprite
- Garnish with orange slice or strawberry
Nutrition
*Hot Tip
The standard bottle of wine (750 ml) has about 25 oz. of wine in it. So if you want to dump a whole bottle into a batch, just multiply all of the ingredients by 6!
- 1 Bottle of wine
- 6oz. vodka
- 9oz. pineapple juice
- 6oz. sprite
- A bunch of fruit
Salud!
