Sangria is the perfect addition to any event. Whether it is an afternoon cookout or a family gathering, Sangria is easy to make, and almost impossible to mess up! The night before the party, start with a clean, 3-gallon cooler that features a spout for easy pouring to mix the ingredients in. While white wine is used in some Sangria recipes, red wines and fruit are typically the main ingredients of this beverage.
Fruit Juices are Nature’s Natural Sweeteners
Line the bottom of your cooler with a variety of fruits. Slice up three seedless oranges and three pitted peaches. Chop up two pears and two peeled apples. Add a container of raspberries, blue berries, and blackberries. Finally, slice up a container of strawberries, removing the green, leafy tops. Pour two cups of orange juice, a quarter cup of lime juice and two table spoons of honey over the fruits.
Fresh fruits are delicious, but can be expensive. Substitute fresh fruits with either frozen or canned ones to save a few extra dollars, and they taste just as good. Again, Sangria can be modified to suit different tastes. Feel free to also include lemons, grapes or mangos into the mix.
Add Wine and Spirits
Tempranillo is a popular Spanish wine found in Sangria, but any wines will do. For this recipe, pour one 1.5 liter bottle of each of the following; Merlot, Cabernet, and Shiraz on top of the fruits. Next add one cup of brandy, two cups of triple sec and one cup of Chambord. Stir using a wooden spoon or ladle. The three spirits add sweetness to the dry flavor of the wines.
The fruit juices and liquors need time to simmer and blend together. Return the lid to the cooler and store either in a refrigerator or a cool, dry place overnight. The longer the mixtures have time to intertwine and blend, the fruitier and sweeter the Sangria will taste.
Ready to Serve
On the day of the party, take the cooler out and put on a serving table, spout side out. Surround the cooler with either cups or wine glasses. Take the lid off of the top of the cooler so guests are able to use a slotted ladle to grab fruits. Leave out an ice container with tongs for guests to fill and/or replenish drinks with as necessary. Leave out sweeteners and sliced lemons guests can use to add in on their own. Bottoms up!
