Sangria as thirst-quenching sparkler? Olé is what we say. This seductive, joyous cocktail comes from senior contributor Alex Province, and it goes with everything.
Before we tell you how to make it, take a ride in our way-back machine… see the sangria served at 1950s parties, when fun-filled hosts wanted to offer something “continental.” Into a punch bowl they would pour some red wine and a can of fruit cocktail, including the syrup. We think it’s time for a reset.
• ON-DEMAND: Listen to Alex describe a version of this sangria on The Faith Middleton Food Schmooze®. •
Alex’s potent mood bath has some bitter orange notes, and just enough sugar to make you smile. If you’re not big on sugar, start out with two tablespoons and taste until the sangria is sweet enough for you. Or, skip the sugar all together. Up to you.
The surprise is that the effervescence comes mainly from a splash of soda, American or Italian, whichever one you can find. Also, up to you. Faith and Alex are big fans of the Italian herbal concoction, Aperol, with its burnt orange flavor, and this sangria uses it to its best advantage. You have never had a sangria like this, one foot planted in tradition, and one foot planted here and now.
Include the brandy, as Alex’s dad traditionally does, or skip it for a simple version. If you include the brandy, let guests know before they fill their goblets. The sangria is easy to drink, and the brandy packs a punch.
| Servings |
| 6 |
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You can easily make this sangria your own. Use a red, white, or even a rosé wine. As long as the wine is unoaked, you'll have a tasty sangria. Add the brandy or leave it out. Use any fruit you like to infuse the sangria with flavor: apples, melon, limes, lemons, peaches. Anything with a rind would be good.
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- 1 750ml bottle fruity red wine unoaked
- 1/4 cup brandy or gin
- 1 shot aperol
- 1 shot orange liqueur
- 1 lime
- 1 lemon
- 1 orange
- 1/2 cup sugar or to taste
- 1 liter lemon Italian soda or Sprite or 7 Up
- ice
- Slice the citrus fruit and add to a large pitcher. Sprinkle in sugar to taste. Add brandy or gin and with a wooden spoon muddle (gently crush) the fruit. Allow fruit and brandy/gin mixture to macerate for a few minutes (or up to overnight in the refrigerator for a more concentrated fruit flavor).
- Add shot of orange liqueur, shot of aperol, 750 ml of wine, and ice. When ready to serve, strain into a large wine glass with ice and top off with soda.
- Garnish with freshly cut citrus slices.
