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Sangria Is A Perfect Summer Refresher

Several guests have mentioned how much they used to enjoy the Chef’s Inspiration Sangria as a weekend special at Buckhorn Inn.  While current challenges have prevented us from serving it this summer, we are prompted to share recipes with you. 

This fruity wine punch is perfect for a summer aperitif.

Sangria is a drink which originated in 18th century Spain.  The original version used red wine, hence the name which literally means “bloodletting” in Spanish.  The punch was poplar in colonial America, but largely disappeared in the States by the early 20th century.  The iced version of the drink was reintroduced to the U.S. through Spanish restaurants in the 1940’s.  It achieved a wider popularity during the 1964 World’s Fair in New York.

Each region of Spain has its own version of this wine and fruit punch.  The traditional version is made with red wine with a variety of fruits and sweeteners.  Spanish Rioja wine, made from the Tempranillo grape, is a good choice.  Recently a version of the drink made with white wine has become popular.  Any type of dry white wine may be used.  http://www.foodandwine.com/drinks/

Red Wine Sangria

1/2 cup water

1/2 cup sugar

2 bottles of dry red wine

1/2 cup brandy

1/2 cup orange juice

2 limes, sliced

1 lemon, sliced

1 orange sliced

Club soda

Ice cubes

Bring water and sugar to a boil.  Cook 3 minutes or until the sugar is dissolved.  Cool.  In a large pitcher stir together wine, brandy, orange juice, and sugar syrup.  Refrigerate, covered overnight.  A few hours before serving, stir in sliced fruit.  When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice.  Fill glass 2/3 with sangria and top off with club soda.  Garnish with fresh fruit and mint leaves. About 12 servings

White Wine Sangria

1 cup water

1 cup sugar

2 bottles dry white wine (unoaked Chardonnays or Chenin Blancs are good choices)

1/2 cup orange liqueur such as Cointreau

1 lemon, sliced

2 limes, sliced

2 oranges, sliced

Club Soda

Ice Cubes

Bring water and sugar to a boil.  Simmer 5 minutes.  Cool.  Stir syrup, wine and liqueur together, cover and chill.  Before serving pour wine into a pitcher.  Stir in fruit.  Serve over ice, topping each glass with the Club Soda.  About 12 servings.

These recipes make great starts for your own experiments with different wines and fruits.  We would love to see the recipe you develop for your very own house sangria!