Greeks and Romans would often add sugar and spices to their wines, sometimes chilled, sometimes heated. This type of wine was called hippocras, honoring the 5th century BC inventor of the cone-shaped bag they used to filter additives. Hippocrates (yes, the same physician responsible for the Hippocratic Oath).
Sangria was the Spanish version of the old hippocras recipe, until 711 AD (when the Moors took the peninsula and outlawed wine making). In 1492, when the Moors were pushed out again, wine came back the rolling hills of Spain, as did the Sangria. It’s from the word Sangre which means blood, attributed to the bloody red of the Tempranillo grape that served as the base in which to float your citrus and spices.
Sangria became super popular in America after it was served at the World’s Fair in New York City in 1964. Today in Europe, for a bottle to be marked Sangria it must still be made in Spain or Portugal and contain less than 12% alcohol. But the best Sangria is made at home with the ingredients you already have and that expectant twinkle in your eye.
Music Du Jour: Remi – Sangria; Afternoon Drinking Sangria Playlist; Sunshine and Sangria Playlist
Film Du Jour:
Miscellaneous:
- Variations on Sangria
- Quick tapas recipes
Snacks du Jour: Appetizers that go with Sangria
Cocktail Du Jour – Traditional Sangria
Makes one pitcher:
- 5 bottles of table wine (red is traditional, especially a Tempranillo or Rioja, but make it how you like it)
- 2 oranges
- 1 lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 green apple
- 2 peaches or apricots
- Carbonated beverage: lemon-lime, orange soda, or a sweet tonic
- 2 ounces brandy or cognac
Juice the lemon. Cut and seed the fruit. Stir all ingredients until sugar is melted. Pour sangria with some fruit (add berries if you like) into each glass over ice.
Mocktail Du Jour – Rudolph’s Cranberry Fizz Mocktail
Makes one pitcher:
- 5 liters Non-alcoholic Sangria
- 2 oranges
- 1 lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 green apple
- 2 peaches or apricots
- Carbonated beverage: lemon-lime, orange soda, or a sweet tonic
Juice the lemon. Cut and seed the fruit. Stir all ingredients until sugar is melted. Pour sangria with some fruit (add berries if you like) into each glass over ice.
Beer Du Jour
Peach Beer Sangria: Use 24 oz of the Ale of your choice, and add:
- 1 cup of peach nectar
- 2 oz freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cups of frozen peaches
Combine ingredients and chill in refrigerator for 1 hour or more. Pour into a coupe or wine glass. Float a wedge of peach for garnish.
Wine Du Jour
Bottle of Sangria
Use freshly squeezed citrus in your cocktails and mocktails when called for – It makes such a difference! Here’s a reliable and inexpensive juicer.
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“Sangria” by TheCulinaryGeek is licensed under CC BY 2.0
