Whether it’s summertime or wintertime, it’s always sangria time. The classic wine cocktail is loaded with fruit, and it’s endlessly customizable whether you prefer your sangria recipe with red wine or white wine.
Sangria is ubiquitous around the world, but it all started in Spain. The Spanish mixed wine, sugar, juice, and fruit into a concoction that had spurts of popularity in the United States. It was drunk during the early colonial period, but then disappeared for a while during the early 1900s, surviving only in Spanish restaurants. Until the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. Spain featured the drink at their pavilion, as the story goes, and the United States has been thirsty for this cocktail every since.
If you order sangria (or follow a recipe and make some at home) expect a wine-based beverage with a kick that is sometimes sweet, and always fruity. Modern sangrias often have brandy or flavored liqueur added to up the alcohol percentage, as well as sparkling water or lemon-lime soda to brighten it up. Combine all of the ingredients in a large serving jug, stir, then pour into glasses over ice. When mixed right, each serving has the perfect balance of flavors.
Describing what sangria tastes like is difficult, because the right one tastes like how you want it to taste. If you like a drink more on the sweeter side, throw in some extra sugar. If you prefer more fresh fruit, toss in some extra pieces. And, of course, if you’re looking for some stronger, add a couple more servings of liqueur (just make sure not to add so much that it covers the taste of the wine).
But what type of fruit do you put in sangria? If you want to stay true to the classic sangria recipes, dump chopped fruits like pineapple, peaches, apples, and pears into Spanish table wine with sugar and orange juice. The exact proportions of all the ingredients, however, depends on your taste preferences. VinePair has collected all of the best sangria recipes (for both red and white wine bases), and you’re sure to find one that you love. Best of all, it’s a batch cocktail that lasts more than a couple days in the fridge for those long summer weeks. Find your perfect sangria from one of our curated selections.
