Sangria is the main drink that tourists associate with Spain. Traditionally sangria gets its name from the Spanish word 'sangre' meaning ‘blood’. It is made by infusing red wine with fruit and a variety of spirits and has become a popular summer cocktail around the world.
Although the origins are largely unknown, it is thought that sangria was created to hide the taste of poor quality wine. Nowadays ingredients are added to enhance a good wine.
You will find every region and every bar in Spain has its own sangria recipe. Rioja red wine is the most commonly used wine but you will find that the region of Penedes uses a sparkling white wine to create sangria blanco.
The spirits added to the sangria can differ from recipe to recipe. Many recipes use brandy, Grand Marnier, or even whiskey. If you are planning to make your own, you can use any spirit you want.
The fruits used can also vary. Most commonly used are oranges, lemons and apples, but you could try pineapple, peach or any other fruit you like. Remember to leave the fruit soaking in the wine overnight. It allows the alcohol to infuse into the fruit.
!>a:51(Sangria)! Below is a traditional recipe for sangria for you to try:
For approximately 1½ litres of Sangria
1 bottle of red wine
Lemonade
Brandy or Bacardi or Vodka
Grand Marnier or Cointreau
Lemon, orange and apple
Sugar
Ice
Into a punch bowl or a large jug pour 1 bottle of red wine.
Make sure you wash the fruit if you are using the peel as well. Chop and add to the wine. Leave this overnight if possible.
Add more or less the same amount of lemonade (in Spain they use gaseosa) as you did wine. The quantity of lemonade depends on your taste. Add a good amount of ice.
You can stop at that if you want a light drink but if you want to add a bit of a kick add a shot of Brandy, Bacardi or Vodka and a shot of Grand Marnier or Cointreau. This is up to you and you may want to experiment with it to find what you like.
Spanish people often add a little sugar to enhance the flavour, but this depends on your taste.
