Traditional Spanish Sangria
Ingredients
- 1.5 bottles of young, fruity red wine, good quality but not oaky or complex
- 2 oranges
- 1 lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- citrus-flavored soda or sparkling water (optional)
- 2 ounces brandy, vermouth, or other liquor (optional)
Instructions
- Wash the lemons and oranges, then cut off thick pieces of rind and set aside. Juice the lemons and oranges.
- Pour the wine, orange juice, lemon juice, and brandy (if using) into a large pitcher or pot and stir to combine.
- Add the cinnamon stick, lemon, and orange rind
- Let the sangria sit for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) to allow the wine to take on the aromas of the citrus rind and cinnamon.
- Serve over ice and top with soda or carbonated water right before drinking if desired.
White Sangria
- 1 bottle of good-quality white wine
- 3 cups mixed fresh fruit, sliced, such as apples, peaches, grapes, and strawberries
- ¼ cup brandy
- ¼ cup fruity liquor of choice, such as Grand Marnier
- sparkling water (optional)
Instructions
Wash and slice the fruit as desired. Place the fruit in a large bowl, add the sugar, and toss gently. Leave it to macerate for at least 5 minutes, but preferably overnight in the fridge. Toss occasionally as the fruit macerates to encourage the sugar to dissolve.
Stir the brandy and liquor of choice into the macerated fruit, then place the mixture in a large pitcher. Fill it three-quarters of the way with the white wine, then stir gently to combine.
Let the fruit infuse the wine in the fridge for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, for the best flavor
To serve, fill a large glass with ice. Add some of the soaked fruit to the glass, then fill with the wine, leaving about a centimeter of space at the top. If desired, fill the glass the rest of the way with sparkling water and enjoy immediately.