Sangria

Sangria is a popular summer-time drink here in Spain. The basic ingredients are wine, sugar and fruit, but everyone makes their own version - that’s the beauty of it. Here is my favourite mix, and some modifiers.

Recipe:

base
1 bottle Red Wine (something cheap and fruity, I’ve had good results with Cabernet Sauvignon)
1 oz. Rum
1 oz. Brandy
2 oz. Bianco Vermouth
1 Apple
1 Orange
Sugar to taste

optional
lemon/lime or orange soda
cinnamon powder

First, cut the apple and orange into quarters or eighths, whichever you prefer. Then, in a large jug or bowl (depending on whether you want to pour or spoon) mix the wine with the sugar well. Once the sugar has dissolved, add plenty of ice, the booze and the fruit slices. Stir energetically to cool the mixture down.

Now you have a tasty sangria. Unfortunately, on a long hot afternoon, this will last you slightly less than an ice cube, and you’ll find yourself crawling instead of walking within the hour. That is why it is usually diluted with some sort of fizzy drink. For minimal flavour modification, use the lemon/lime soda, but orange or strong lemon flavour (like Schweppes) will also work and give you options to play with throughout the summer.

Finally, you can also add some cinnamon powder to the base mix for an exotic touch. I must admit that this option is favoured more by my wife than myself, but it’s interesting to try.

Rating:

- Four stars for an outstanding summer drink that works all year round in any unpretentious setting.