Sangria is a bit like punch, in that it originally had specfics of what can be included in it. These were, cheap red wine, sweetener, fruit, a brandy or triple sec, spices, ice and quite often a split like lemonade or soda. Nowadays, however, we tend to opt for a general mix of things to share as a group.
Originally made with red wine, sangria gets its name from the spanish 'sangre' meaning 'blood'. You can also get Sangria Blanca, which is sangria made with white wine, such as chardonnay. In the modern bartending community, you'll often find drinks under the name 'sangria' that could contain fortified wines, vermouths etc too.
Sangria in one form or another is a staple on any goodluck cocktail list. (I'll upload photos soon!) The recipe below makes one drink but you can always upscale to make a sangria bowl at home.
Chili + Passionfruit Sangria
45ml 42Below Passion Vodka
Dash passionfruit pulp (or 1/2 fresh passionfruit)
1/4 of an apple (chopped)
1/2 a chili (caramelized and chopped)
90-120ml apple juice
60ml red wine
One whole chili to garnish
-Muddle apple and chili
-Add vodka, passionfruit, apple juice
-top with ice and shake
-dump into a brandy balloon or large glass
-top with red wine
-Garnish with the chili
To "caramelize"/flambe chilis:
-Chop chilis, cover in triple sec, grand marnier or cointreau
-Flame
-Once the flame goes out (alcohol has burnt off), they are ready.
Pimms 'Sangria' (Serves a small group, 5ish people)
90ml-120ml Pimms
5 Slices Lemon
5 Slices Orange
5 Slices Cucumber
5 drops orange blossom water
small handful of mint
squeeze of lime
mix of gingerbeer and lemonade to top
Method: Build over ice, stir! Easy!
FURTHER LINKS:-Jeffrey Morgenthaler on Sangria
-The History of Sangria
-The History of Sangaree Cocktails @ Imbibe
-Kiwi Melon Sangria
-Spiced Cranberry Sangria
-...and make some Seafood Paella to have with your sangria! (Cheers, Jamie Oliver!)
