Three colors in particular tend to gain prominence right around this time of year.
Of course, it’s the approach of Independence Day that brings those colors to the forefront. But it so happens that they are also the three most closely associated with a beverage that’s a favorite during the hot days of summer: sangria.
The flavorful wine punch can come in red, white and blue varieties.
Red Sangria
Courtesy Barcelona restaurant
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine (750 ml.)
- 1.5 oz. blackberry brandy
- ¼ cup sugar (more if you like a sweet sangria)
- 1 each fresh orange, lime and lemon
- Ginger ale and lemon-lime soda
- Additional fresh fruit for garnish – limes, lemons or oranges
Instructions
In a large pitcher, mix the wine, brandy and sugar. Cut the fresh fruit into quarters and add to the wine mixture.
Cover and place in refrigerator overnight. Prepared sangria mixture will remain fresh in the refrigerator up to 10 days.
To serve, fill a large glass with ice. Pour in chilled sangria mixture to 80 percent full. Top with sodas and garnish with fresh fruit.
“Part of the enjoyment of sangria is making your own and experimenting with added ingredients. Have fun creating your own signature sangria.” –Tim Hawkins, general manager, Barcelona
White Honey Sangria
Courtesy Cantina Laredo
Ingredients
- 2 cups Ecco Domani Moscato
- ½ cup Domaine de Canton Ginger Liqueur
- 1 cup Barenjager Honey Liqueur
- ½ cup fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup fresh lime juice
- ½ cup simple syrup
- 1 orange
Instructions
Add all ingredients in a pitcher. Squeeze and drop in eight orange wedges.
Add ice, stir lightly and serve.
“We created the White Honey Sangria to offer our guests a refreshing twist on a popular drink. … It is one of our most popular non-tequila cocktails and is a year-round favorite.” –Nichelle D. Ritter, director of beverage, Cantina Laredo
Blueberry Sangria
Courtesy Good Vibes Winery
Ingredients
- 1 bottle My Girl Blueberry Pinot Noir (750 ml.)
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 1 orange, cut into wedges
- 3 Tbsp. sugar
- 2 oz. rum
- 2 cups club soda
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
Instructions
Combine wine, lemon slices, orange slices, sugar and rum in a pitcher. Muddle with the back of a large spoon to get the fruit to release some of its juice and to dissolve the sugar.
Put into the fridge. Just before serving, stir in the club soda.
Serve over ice, blueberries and strawberries.
“The blueberry pinot noir is a sweet burst of tangy, refreshing blueberry combined with the cherry sweet flavors of pinot noir.” –Tony Klausing, owner, Good Vibes Winery
Corinne Murphy is a contributing writer. Feedback welcome at gbishop@cityscenemediagroup.com.
