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Sangría

Serves 4 to 6 Beverage vegetarian, Beverages

Sangría

Sangría finds its place on summer tables across Spain, a beloved fixture of warm afternoons and leisurely evenings. This refreshing concoction is often prepared without a second thought, as familiar as the sun itself. Each household has its own touch, yet the essence remains a celebration of simple, familiar flavors.

The taste of sangría is a vibrant embrace of citrus and fruit, lifted by the gentle warmth of brandy de Jerez. As the dry red Rioja mingles with the sweetness of ripe apples and the sparkle of chilled water, each sip dances across the palate, cool and invigorating. Generous ice cubes clink in the glass, inviting relaxation with every pour.

Ingredients

  • 1 bottledry red Rioja wine
  • 1orange — sliced
  • 1lemon — sliced
  • 1green apple — diced
  • 60 mlbrandy de Jerez
  • 3 tbspgranulated sugar
  • 250 mlsparkling water
  • as neededice

Method

  1. Begin by preparing the fruit. Slice the orange and lemon into thin rounds, leaving the peel on for added flavor. Core the green apple and cut it into thin wedges. The fruit should be fresh and vibrant, as it will infuse the sangría with its natural juices.
  2. In a large pitcher, combine the sliced orange, lemon, and apple. Add 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar over the fruit. The sugar will help macerate the fruit, drawing out its juices and enhancing the overall sweetness of the sangría.
  3. Pour the entire bottle of dry red Rioja wine over the fruit and sugar in the pitcher. Rioja is a traditional choice for its robust flavor and ability to blend well with the fruit. Stir gently with a long spoon until the sugar is fully dissolved, ensuring the sweetness is evenly distributed.
  4. Add 60 ml of brandy de Jerez to the mixture. This Spanish brandy adds depth and complexity to the sangría. Stir again to incorporate the brandy, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  5. Cover the pitcher and let the sangría rest in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This resting period allows the citrus and apple flavors to infuse into the wine, creating a harmonious blend. Taste the sangría after resting; if desired, adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar or balance the acidity with a splash more brandy.
  6. Just before serving, add 250 ml of sparkling water to the pitcher. This will give the sangría a refreshing effervescence. Stir gently to combine, being careful not to lose too much of the carbonation.
  7. Fill glasses with ice as needed, then pour the sangría over the ice, ensuring each glass gets a mix of wine and fruit. Serve immediately while the sangría is chilled and the sparkling water is still bubbly, garnishing each glass with a slice of orange or lemon for a traditional touch.
Cover of Authentic Spanish Cuisine
From the cookbook

Authentic Spanish Cuisine

This recipe is from Authentic Spanish Cuisine by Yassine Sbiti — the Spanish volume in the ComidaTime International Cuisines series.

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