How to Make Classic Sangria – A Refreshing Drink for Any Occasion
Sangria, a beloved Spanish beverage, combines the rich flavors of red wine with fresh fruits and a touch of spirits to create a deliciously refreshing drink perfect for any occasion. This recipe is designed to serve 8 people, making it ideal for parties, family gatherings, or casual get-togethers. With its vibrant color and enticing blend of fruitiness and spices, this sangria will surely be a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients for Classic Sangria
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Red wine | 1 liter |
| Lemon soda (Gassosa) | 500 grams |
| Cognac | 50 grams |
| Evelina apples | 230 grams |
| Oranges | 600 grams |
| Peaches | 400 grams |
| Lemons | 350 grams |
| Sugar | 120 grams |
| Vanilla bean | 1 |
| Cinnamon sticks | 2 |
| Cloves | 6 |
| Ice cubes | 450 grams |
Instructions for Making Sangria
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Prepare the Ingredients:
Start by washing the fruits thoroughly. For the apples, keep the skin on for added texture and flavor. Slice the apples first into wedges and then into thin strips. Repeat the same process with the peaches. Afterward, juice one lemon, and set it aside for later. Slice half of the remaining oranges and lemons into thin rounds, making sure to leave the skin on for an extra burst of citrus aroma. -
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Mix the Fruits and Juices:
Take a large mixing bowl and place the apple and peach slices in it. Then, add the freshly squeezed lemon juice along with the sliced oranges and lemons. Stir the fruits gently to combine. -
Add the Red Wine and Sweeteners:
Pour in the 1-liter bottle of red wine into the bowl. Add the 120 grams of sugar and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved into the wine. The sweetness will balance the acidity of the fruits and the wine. -
Infuse the Spices:
To infuse the sangria with warm, aromatic flavors, place the cinnamon sticks and cloves inside a tea infuser. This will make it easier to remove the spices later. If you don’t have a tea infuser, you can simply drop the spices directly into the mix—just remember to remove them later. Add the infuser to the sangria mixture. -
Add the Cognac:
For an extra depth of flavor, pour in 50 grams of cognac. This will add a subtle warmth to the sangria and enhance the overall drink. -
Let it Rest:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Allow the sangria to rest for at least a few hours, but for the best results, let it sit overnight. This gives the fruits and spices time to infuse their flavors into the wine, resulting in a more complex and flavorful sangria. -
Final Touches:
After the maceration period, remove the vanilla bean and spice infuser (or the whole spices). Then, pour in the lemon soda (Gassosa) to give your sangria a refreshing fizz. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Add 450 grams of ice cubes to the sangria for a chilled, refreshing experience. Serve the sangria in glasses, garnished with a slice of orange or lemon if desired. You can also add a few extra fruit slices to enhance the presentation.
Tips for the Perfect Sangria:
- Choose a Good Red Wine: Since the wine is the base of this drink, it’s important to choose a good quality red wine. A dry red wine like Tempranillo or Merlot works well, but feel free to use your favorite variety.
- Fruit Variations: While the traditional recipe calls for apples, peaches, and citrus fruits, you can experiment with other fruits like strawberries, berries, or pineapple for added flavor.
- Sweetness Adjustments: The amount of sugar can be adjusted depending on your preference. If you like your sangria on the sweeter side, feel free to add a little more sugar.
This easy-to-make, flavorful sangria is sure to brighten up any celebration. With the perfect balance of fruity sweetness, aromatic spices, and a hint of cognac, this drink will quickly become a favorite at your next gathering. Enjoy it with friends, family, and good conversation—it’s a drink made for sharing!
