It's hump day, the weather is getting nicer and warmer by the day, and vacations are a ways off yet. That can only mean one thing: it's time to bring the holiday to you until we can all move about more freely again. If you've been dreaming of Spain, for example, one of the easiest ways to bring a little slice of the country to you is by trying out a Spanish specialty and travelling with your tastebuds from the comfort and safety of your own home. A Spanish specialty like, say, sangria for example. This fruit alcoholic punch is delicious, easy to make, and, best of all, instantly conjures up a sunny afternoon sitting out in a pretty town square in Spain.
Sangria is one of the most popular drinks and alcoholic beverages in all of Spain and can be found in bars and restaurants and lots of other different kinds of establishments as well as at festivals and other events all throughout the country. It traditionally consists of red wine and chopped fruit, though there are endless variations and spins and family recipes that involve various other ingredients or spirits.
Sangria is one of the most popular drinks and alcoholic beverages in all of Spain and can be found in bars and restaurants and lots of other different kinds of establishments as well as at festivals and other events all throughout the country. It traditionally consists of red wine and chopped fruit, though there are endless variations and spins and family recipes that involve various other ingredients or spirits.
The word, “sangria,” literally means, "bloodletting," in Spanish and is a term for the drink that can be traced back to the 18th century, though the actual origins of the drink itself are unknown, with early versions of similar punches to be found in Spanish, Greek, and English cuisines. The recipe for Sangria can vary wildly depending on the region in which it is being made and the preferences of those making it but the main, base ingredients have always been, and remain, red wine (traditionally a Spanish Rioja) and fruit with other ingredients to boost the fruity flavour and sweetness and the alcohol content being common. The most common fruits used include local fruits such as peaches, nectarines, berries, apples, and pears or more exotic fruits such as pineapple or lime and then sugar and orange juice are usually added to sweeten the mixture. Some recipes also call for the addition of brandy or a flavoured liqueur and some also add other elements such as sparkling water. A recent, popular innovation is sangria blanca (sangria with white wine), which tends to use dry white wines such as a Rueda, Jumilla, or Valdepeñas as a base.
Despite all of the wonderful variations and innovations, today we are craving the original of the species so try out this recipe for a traditional and authentic sangria recipe, make a batch, and toast yourself for making it through another day!
Ingredients:
1/2 a medium-sized apple
1/2 a medium-sized orange
3 to 4tbsp of brown sugar
Around 180ml of orange juice (though you can add as you please, according to taste)
80ml of brandy
A bottle of Rioja (or any dry Spanish red wine, if you don't have Rioja on hand)
Ice
Method:
1. Core and chop the apple into slices. Remove seeds and cut up the orange.
2. Along with the sugar, add the fruit to a pitcher and mix around with a wooden spoon for around a minute.
3. Add the orange juice and brandy and mix together again for around thirty more seconds.
4. Finally, add the wine and stir. Taste and alter any proportions of the various ingredients as you like, to your taste. When satisfied, add the ice and serve with a garnish of orange.
5. Pour yourself a nice big glass, sit back, relax, and then enjoy as we dream ahead to the next time that we can all try the truly authentic version while holidaying in Spain.
Despite all of the wonderful variations and innovations, today we are craving the original of the species so try out this recipe for a traditional and authentic sangria recipe, make a batch, and toast yourself for making it through another day!
Ingredients:
1/2 a medium-sized apple
1/2 a medium-sized orange
3 to 4tbsp of brown sugar
Around 180ml of orange juice (though you can add as you please, according to taste)
80ml of brandy
A bottle of Rioja (or any dry Spanish red wine, if you don't have Rioja on hand)
Ice
Method:
1. Core and chop the apple into slices. Remove seeds and cut up the orange.
2. Along with the sugar, add the fruit to a pitcher and mix around with a wooden spoon for around a minute.
3. Add the orange juice and brandy and mix together again for around thirty more seconds.
4. Finally, add the wine and stir. Taste and alter any proportions of the various ingredients as you like, to your taste. When satisfied, add the ice and serve with a garnish of orange.
5. Pour yourself a nice big glass, sit back, relax, and then enjoy as we dream ahead to the next time that we can all try the truly authentic version while holidaying in Spain.
