Sangria, the Reveler’s Joy
Sangria, which literally means ‘blood’, is a wine punch that has its roots in Spain. Its introduction at the 1964 World’s Fair made it extremely popular in the United States.
The ancestor of the modern Sangria was a red wine punch that was extremely popular in Europe for centuries. The base of this punch was claret, that is, Bordeaux wine from France. A dash of brandy and a few slices of fruit were added to the punch to get a distinct flavor.
Although Sangria is available in stores, it is no fun purchasing it. Sangria is the only drink that can reflect your personality and your personal tastes. The appeal of Sangria lies in experimenting with a bottle of your favorite red wine and your favorite fruits.
The usual ingredients that go into Sangria are red wine, chopped or sliced fruit, honey, any spirit of your choice, and soda. The ingredients vary according to the taste and creativity of the maker of the Sangria. Sometimes, white wine is used instead of red, and the result is called Sangria Blanco.
The ingredients may vary; but, wine is always the base of this delightful punch. Usually, the ingredients are mixed and chilled overnight in the refrigerator to enable the blending of the wine and fruit flavors. The soda and ice cubes are mixed at the time of serving. Sangria is always served chilled. There is no limit to the ways in which you can make Sangria. Your Sangria can be spicy or mild; rich or bubbly.
Lisa Shea’s Web site is a rich source of information for Sangria fans. Visit it for recipes and tips on Sangria. Would you like to prepare the authentic traditional Spanish Sangria for your next party? You require a liter of red wine, sugar, a few oranges and peaches, and a few pieces of lemon skin. The complete recipe can be found here.
Although Sangria is available at bars, it is usually served at informal social gatherings. Almost any type of food goes with Sangria. According to Lisa Shea, the most ideal food pairings are Pepperjack cheese, fried calamari, friend shrimps, and spicy meatballs.
