TRUE HIGH-CLASS SANGRIA

If the easy way to go for you with a beverage is Sangria, you got it all wrong. There is nothing in common between the drink you may have in your local restaurant back home and a real glass of sangria. In Spain, sangria is everywhere but it’s always a big deal. Here is why.

Sangria may be considered the most popular drink in Spain and many other countries related to Spanish culture. Typically, it’s made with red wine, chopped fruit, a sweetener, and a small amount of brandy or other spirits. The fruit and sweetener help balance the wine’s flavor, making it a bit sweeter and more refreshing. The brandy gives the drink a little bit of a kick and helps to enhance the flavors of the wine and fruit. But as easy as it is, sangria suffers from its more approachable drink. And many people enjoy sangria simply because it is easy to make and can be served for casual gatherings to more formal occasions. 

The sangria that you may have in a market in Barcelona and the sangria that you may have in your local restaurant, especially in the United States, can be quite different. In Spain, sangria is a traditional drink that has a long history and is made with a specific set of ingredients. It is made with red wine, a mix of apples, oranges, and lemons, chopped fruits, the sweetener is often sugar or honey, and a small amount of brandy or other spirits. The sangria in Spain is typically served chilled and may be garnished with additional fruit or herbs.

The chilled Sangria of Barcelona

In contrast, the sangria that is served in the United States may not adhere to the traditional recipe for sangria. These versions of sangria may be made with a variety of different ingredients, including fruit juices, carbonated beverages, and liqueurs. They may also be made with other types of alcohol. As a result, the flavor and overall character of these versions of sangria may be quite different from the traditional Spanish version.

It is often served at social gatherings, such as parties, barbecues, and weddings. Sangria is also a common choice at restaurants and bars, especially during the warmer months. Many people in Spain enjoy sangria as a refreshing drink on a hot summer day. It is also a popular choice for celebrations and holidays, such as Christmas and New Year’s Eve.

So what would be the perfect recipe for a fantastic Sangria?!

The Sangria recipe is not written in marble. All twists are possible as long as the enjoyment of the drink is there. Even in Spain, thousands of variations make every sangria different. Starting with the fruits you’ll use. Try and experiment with different types of fruit. In addition to the traditional apples, oranges, and lemons, you can try adding other types of fruit to your sangria. Some options to consider include berries, pears, peaches, or tropical fruit. While traditional sangria is made with red wine, you can experiment with using other types of wine to give your sangria a unique twist. 

Mind your sweetener

If white wine or rosé can be an option, Foodlovertour’s choice will go on a Spanish Champagne (recipe at the end of the article). You can also add herbs or spices according to your taste. This will give your sangria an extra layer of flavor. Some options to consider could include mint, basil, cinnamon, or cloves… The same goes for the sweetener. Instead of sugar or honey, you can try using other sweeteners such as agave nectar, maple syrup, or fruit syrups.

With this world of possibilities, here is our suggestion: the Foodlovertour absolute favorite. A very high-class sangria that you can get in some privileged establishments in Barcelona

Recipe:

This recipe will not last long if you’re with friends. Consider it for two people.

• 10 cl of good local cava “Brut”
• 1,5 cl of brandy
• 1,5 cl of Cointreau (if you can find some otherwise not an issue)
• 3,5 cl of orange juice
• 1,5 cl of lemonade
• 1 orange
• 1 lemon
• 1 peach
• Fresh mint
• Few strawberries & Blackberries

1/ Put plenty of ice cubes into a jug.

2/ Add the different fruits cut into slices or chunks.

3/ Next, stir gently to achieve a perfect mix.

4/ Add the orange juice and lemonade together with the liqueurs.

5/ Cover with Cava and then stir gently to achieve a perfect mix.

And to maximize it, serve it ice cold, and enjoy!