Sangria-
Summer's Perfect Punch
by ERIN ROSAR,
Sommelier
Sangria
has been cooling the palates of
its admirers since the early 1700's.
The drink was originally created
in Spain as a red wine based punch,
which had brandy and fruit added
in order to create a festive drink.
Sangria was served all across
Europe during the 19th century
where it was referred to as Claret
Cup Punch, due to its red wine
base. (Red wines from the region
of Bordeaux are at times called
Claret's and this name made reference
to this term.)
No fashionable hostess during
the 1700 and 1800's in Europe
would consider not serving this
delicious drink at her event.
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Sangria was first brought to North America
in 1964 when the representing Spanish
Tent served it at the World's Fair in
New York City as a welcoming drink for
their visitors. It was an over-night success
and soon every restaurant in the city
and across the country had their own Sangria
recipe to share with their patrons.
Sangria doesn't
just have to be made with red wine as
you can use white or sparkling wine styles
if you enjoy them and want try something
a bit different. When Sangria is made
with white wine it is referred to as Sangria
Blanco. In the south of Spain Sangria
is called Zurra where it is blended with
peach and/or nectarine nectar and served
with added fruit slices.
Some of the
fun of Sangria is that it is never the
same twice. You can add any fruits that
you enjoy and try different wines as the
base. The trick here though, is never
to make it with a wine you wouldn't drink
in the first place. Sangria is usually
prepared the morning of the day it is
to be served and then place in the fridge
or a cool location until it is ready to
be served. Serve chilled poured over ice
into the glass of your choice.
Enjoy with
your favorite friends on a sunny deck
with what ever foods you feel like; Sangria
pairs with almost anything from potato
chips to grilled seafood, chicken or steak.
Here
is my favorite Sangria recipe - remember
to change it to fit with what you like.
Erin's Favorite Sangria Recipe!
½ cup of fresh lemon juice
½ cup fresh orange juice
½ white sugar
1 bottle red wine - Spanish Rioja is traditional
but pick your favorite here
¼ - ½ brandy - taste and
see
1 bottle sparkling water - pour and taste
to see how much you need
1 ½ cups cut fruit slices - remember
they need to fit in a glass so keep pieces
on the small side. I like oranges, lemons,
peaches and strawberries - watch limes,
as they can be too strong and take over
the flavor use sparingly.
· Ice.
Pour
and mix all the ingredients in a larger
pitcher and let sit for the day together
in the fridge, so that the flavors have
a chance to come together into a delicious
blend. Make sure all the sugar is dissolved.
Serve poured over ice in the glass of
your choice and enjoy!
(For white styles of Sangria I prefer
to stay with oranges, lemons, limes (just
a few) and peaches for the fruit.)
If you have
any wine questions please contact Erin
at erosar@wgwines.com
and sign up for her monthly wine reviews
and newsletter at www.wgwines.com
