Can you think of a better drink to savor while sitting poolside in the sweltering heat this summer than Sangria?
It’s the ultimate summertime sipper, and it’s easy to understand why. Sangria is sassy, fruity, flavorful, and oh-so-refreshing!
If you haven’t heard of Sangria, it may be because it’s a traditional Spanish style wine punch that only requires a few simple ingredients: a bottle of wine, fruit, a sweetener, brandy, and sometimes some bubbly. It is rumored to have made its debut at the Worlds Fair in 1964, and we are sure glad it made its way to America!
If you want to whip up a batch at home, we’ve got all the tips to get you started. First things first—in true Lodi fashion—the wine! Choose a varietal that is fruit forward, but dry and low in tannins. For white sangria, I recommend reaching for a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing base. But for a red wine sangria, grab a Grenache, Tempranillo or Zinfandel for their fruit characteristics and historical significance. And lucky for us, there are plenty grown in Lodi Wine Country.
Once the wines are secure, the rest is easy. An essential step is to let the ingredients marinate for at least a couple of hours to enhance the flavor of the fruit. And speaking of fruit, the options are limitless. Always add some citrus—either lemon, lime or orange slices. Then, think seasonally! If peaches are in, grab some at the Farmers Market. Apples are always a safe bet along with fresh berries, stone fruit, and frozen grapes.
Red Wine Sangria Recipe
Ingredients:
1 Bottle Dry Red Wine
½ C. Brandy
½ C. Orange Juice
½ C. Simple Syrup
8 Orange Wheels
8 Lemon Wheels
2 C. Apples Chopped
1 C. Grapes
1 Liter Club Soda or bottle of Champagne, Optional
Directions:
Combine wine, brandy, orange juice, simple syrup, and fresh fruit, and let sit overnight or for at least a couple hours. Add Club Soda or Champagne just before serving, if desired. Serve over ice and garnish with fresh grapes on a skewer.
White Sangria Recipe
Ingredients:
1 Bottle Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
¼ C. Triple Sec or Contreau
¼ C. Agave
1 Orange Sliced
1 Peach, Cut into wedges
1 Pint Strawberries, Hulled and Sliced
1 Bottle of Champagne or Club Soda
Directions:
Slice fruit and combine with wine, agave, and Triple Sec. Refrigerate for at least two hours or overnight. When you are ready to serve you can choose to add sparkling water or champagne for effervescence. Pour over ice and garnish with an orange wheel.
Local Wines for Summertime Sangria
Bokisch Vineyards Granache
D’art Wines Tempranillo
M2 Wines Tempranillo
Klinker Brick Winery Zinfandel
Van Ruiten Family Winery Pinot Grigio
Bokisch Vineyards Granacha Blanc
Lange Twins Sauvignon Blanc
DIY Tips
- Don’t use a wine that is going to break the bank. Use a nice bottle, but certainly not an expensive one!
- Make Sangria a day ahead so that the flavors can integrate.
- Leave the rind on your citrus to impart the oils.
- If you like your Sangria a little bubbly, add Club Soda or Champagne just before serving.
Serve It.
When it comes to serving Sangria, we like to go for ‘family style’. There are two colorful ways to show off your sensational sangria, and the choice really depends on the size of your party. The first: Use a glass pitcher with a good pour spout. Or, use a large glass or plastic beverage dispenser that can showcase the fruit and serve a crowd. Don’t forget the stemless wine glasses! Your friends can throw back their sangria without fear of breaking one of your precious stemmed glasses, and let’s be honest, fresh fruit looks prettier in a wine glass!
Pair It.
Sangria is super food friendly, so anything goes! But, if you want the ultimate Sangria experience, the answer is always tapas. We suggest firing up the grill for a few large pieces of watermelon. Then, dice the watermelon into cubes and thread it on a skewer with chunks of salty feta. Throw some shrimp on the hot coals before tossing them in garlic and red pepper flakes for a taste of the sea, and it wouldn’t be right if you didn’t include some Spanish cheese and olives!
When the mercury rises to over 100 degrees, pour yourself some Sangria by the pool and savor the seasonal fruit and wine of San Joaquin County! Your friends will be impressed, and you will be refreshed!