Sip, Savor, Saunter – Sangria! An Ode to Summer’s Elixir

Summer is the season of warmth, sunshine, and relaxation. And what better way to embrace the spirit of the season than by indulging in a refreshing glass of sangria? Sangria, a traditional Spanish drink, is a perfect blend of fruit, wine, and brandy that creates a unique and delicious flavor. The fruit infuses the wine with natural sweetness and color, making it a perfect thirst-quencher on a hot summer day. 

Sangria is about savoring the moment, enjoying the company of friends and family, and taking in the beauty of the season. It’s a reminder to slow down and appreciate the simple things in life. Its minimal ingredients and creative expression makes it a perfect cocktail to keep stashed away for a sunny day. Not only does it taste divine, but the memories of your summer sangrias will stay with you forever – the smell alone will take you back to a special day. 

My first sangria was rather muddy. I was 19, and a pitcher was $30 at the dirtiest pub in Wellington. However, we have progressed and this fruity number is clean, crisp and doesn’t smell like the back of a cigarette. 

Though thoroughly enjoyed during summer, I like to spice my sangria to suit every season. You’ll find my red Sangria draws its inspiration from mulled wine with spices, while my spring rose sangria will forever be locked in my mind as the first sip of spring. My white sangria is matured, and brings itself out when the sweetest peaches and apricots are available in late January. 

Red Sangria

When it comes to selecting red wine, you’ll usually find me in the international section. Nothing seems more moreish than Rioja, Temprinello, Sangiovese, and so forth. When it comes to sangria, I don’t mean to sound crude, but anything goes. Pinot Noir will add a lighter texture, whereas a Shiraz will pounce more forwardly. You can splurge much less with a red than with white wine, so keep that in mind. 

The recipe speaks for itself. Combine all ingredients in a pitcher of your choice, but keep some garnishes to freshen up on top. This is best when it has steeped for a few hours, and absolutely chilled, so plan accordingly. This recipe is also a base recipe, and can be adapted and changed depending on your time. You can add extra spices if you prefer a deeper taste, but I find this recipe is the perfect amount for summer time. 

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of red wine of your choosing
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1/2 cup brandy 
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cloves
• 2 oranges, sliced

Method

1. Combine the orange juice, honey and spices in a medium saucepan. Heat until the honey is melted and combined. 
2. Remove from the heat and stir in the wine and brandy. This will ensure that the honey is mixed throughout, without heating up the rest of the liquid. 
3. In a pitcher, add your sliced orange juice, and your liquid. 
4. Chill in the fridge for at least an hour. 
5. Spice up with orange garnishes, along with cinnamon and cranberries. 
6. Serve over ice. 
   
   

Rose Sangria

Welcome to the wild world of rose sangria, a drink that packs a punch of flavor and captures the essence of spring like a butterfly net. Rose sangria is a unique blend of dry rose wine, fresh fruit, and a hint of brandy, creating a taste that is both light and complex, like a spring morning. This delightful concoction is the perfect way to celebrate the arrival of spring, with its delicate aroma and taste that invokes the first sip of the season. The dry rose wine is perfectly complemented by the sweetness of the fruit, creating a drink that is both refreshing and satisfying, like a sip of spring breeze.

Whether you’re hosting a brunch, a picnic, or a garden party, rose sangria is a crowd-pleaser that will add a touch of elegance and sophistication to your event. The first sip of rose sangria is like a sip of spring – refreshing and delightful, perfect for those sunny days, unless you live in Scotland.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of dry rose wine
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup triple sec
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/2 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
• 1/2 cup fresh blueberries
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

Method

1. In a large pitcher, combine the rose wine, brandy, triple sec, honey, and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
2. Add the strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, and mint leaves to the pitcher.
3. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Before serving, give the sangria a good stir and pour into glasses filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf and a few berries.
6. Serve and enjoy!
   
   

White Sangria

Now is the time to splurge. The late summer sky is setting in, and we want something fresh, crisp but also honey-like. It’s time for white wine sangria. My preference of wine for this will forever be a Pinot Gris, as it holds the peach notes. However, a Savvy B also does the trick. Whether you’re throwing a backyard bash, a park picnic, or a pool party, white wine sangria is a crowd-pleaser that will add a touch of class and sophistication to your shindig, or at least make it feel like one.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup triple sec
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 2 peaches, sliced
• 2 apricots, sliced
• 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
• 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

Method

1. In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, brandy, triple sec, honey, and lime juice. Stir well to combine.
2. Add the peaches, apricots, raspberries and mint leaves to the pitcher.
3. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Before serving, give the sangria a good stir and pour into glasses filled with ice.
5. Garnish with a fresh mint leaf and a slice of peach or apricot.
6. Serve and enjoy!

Note: You can adjust the sweetness of the sangria by adjusting the amount of honey added. If you prefer a sweeter drink, add more honey to taste.

This white wine sangria recipe with peaches and apricots is perfect for summer parties and get-togethers, the peaches and apricots give a nice sweetness to the drink, and the raspberries and mint leaves add a touch of freshness and aroma. You can serve it in a pitcher or in a wine glass.