Red Wine Sangria

“Sangria” is Spanish for blood, made as it is, of red wine. According to EU rules, Spain and Portugal are the only two Iberian Peninsula countries allowed to produce sangria. This fruity alcoholic beverage sets the tone for a cosy get together with friends as the bowl gets passed around from one to another.

To add an element of fun once you’ve taken a sip, take your straw out and ensure you hold it such that there is no spill. Anyone who spills even a drop gets to buy the next round of drinks!

Serves 4

Ingredients

1. Red wine – 750 ml
2. Brandy – 300 ml
3. Orange juice – 300 ml
4. Peach syrup – 50 ml
5. Lime juice – 30 ml
6. Mint – few leaves; crushed as well as whole
7. Green apple – 1; cored and diced
8. Orange – 1; cut into thin round slices.
9. Melon – 1; cut into thin round slices.
10. Pineapple – 1; cut into thin round slices.
11. Berries – 5; whole
12. Cherries – 5; pitted
13. Cinnamon powder – 1 tsp
14. Ice cubes

Method

1. Take a big round glass stem bowl and line up the sides with slices of oranges, melons and pineapples.
2. Pour the red wine, brandy, orange juice, peach syrup and lime juice and muddle.
3. Stir in the green apples, berries, cherries and cinnamon powder.
4. Allow the fruits to ferment in the wine and other juices for approximately four to six hours.
5. Add the cinnamon powder, crushed and whole mint.
6. Before serving, add a fist full of ice cubes.

Treat a sangria as you would a lady; handle one with care! Fruit fermentation in the alcohol syrup leads to osmosis; the fruits absorb the flavours of the wine, while the fructose is absorbed by the alcohol. This enhances the flavours of both wine and fruit. Chew on the fruits as you pass the bowl around for these are a ‘healthier’ option when compared against munching on fried snacks as is typical with other alcoholic beverages. But can anything related to alcohol be uttered in the same breath as ‘health’? Well, you decide.

Do share your sangria story with us in the comments section below.