This sangria is a classic red wine cocktail that’s perfect for a summer day or a girls’ night!
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When I lived in Sydney, 6 of my roommates were European. It meant that most of the parties at our house didn’t end up being English-speaking which always made them more interesting for me. 🙂 Four of them were Spanish, so at any party they threw there was ALWAYS sangria. By the end of party, they would just throw the last of the oranges into the final bottle of wine. Last-call Sangria.
Today I’m sharing a nicer version than our last call sangria. Sangria has become one of my go-to hosting drinks, because it fits any occasion, practically everybody likes it, and it’s easy to make! My mom calls this “book club sangria,” which feels perfect because it’s light enough to drink at a daytime party but serious enough for real conversations.
Start with fruit – two lemons, two limes and an orange. Wash them well because they’re going straight into the liquid.
Slice everything up and set aside.
Make a simple syrup, which is usually 1:1 ratio of sugar and water.
In this case I did a quart of water and 3 1/2 cups of sugar. Simmer until the sugar has dissolved, then add the fruit.
Let sit on low heat for at least 30 minutes. The heat helps the syrup take on the citrus flavors.
Once it’s finished, transfer to a pitcher or jar. Making this much syrup gives you enough for 3-4 batches of sangria, so do a happy dance for upcoming sangria Saturdays.
It’s best if this step is done the day before and sits in in the fridge overnight – just allows more time or the flavors to meld.
The next day, it’s time to make this baby happen. Get some brandy and two bottles (one double bottle) of red wine. I went with a blend this time, but generally go less sweet because of the syrup you’ll be adding.
Slice up a lemon, lime, and orange or two. Throw these in a large pitcher.
Strain 1 cup of simple syrup before adding it to the pitcher. Follow that with the two bottles of wine, 4 tbsp brandy, and 1 cup of ginger ale (optional).
That’s all it takes for a great sangria! Best if you make it several hours early to let it sit for a bit before serving.
Because it’s a double bottle, there’s plenty to go around for a get together or book club. Hence the name, although I think this applies to our working definition of “book club.”
BOOK CLUB SANGRIA
INGREDIENTS:
SYRUP BASE
- 2 limes
- 2 lemons
- 1 orange
- 1 quart water
- 3 1/2 cups sugar
SANGRIA
- 2 bottles or 1 double bottle red wine, not sweet
- 1 cup syrup base, strained
- 4 tbsp brandy
- 1 lemon, sliced thin
- 1 lime, sliced thin
- 1 orange, sliced thin
- [optional] 1 cup ginger ale or soda water
STEPS:
- For syrup base: Slice fruit. Simmer the sugar and water until sugar has dissolved, then add fruit and put on low heat for 30 minutes.
- Refrigerate syrup mix, and if possible let sit overnight before using.
- For sangria: Slice fruit into thin slices and put in a large pitcher.
- Add strained syrup, brandy, wine, and ginger ale. Best after sits for a few hours.
Feel free to experiment with what fruit you add to the pitcher! Peaches, pinapples, and any other citrus would be tasty too. For you sommeliers out there, get extra fancy and pair your wine with the fruit you choose.
If you’re looking for more big batch drinks, try this margarita punch or sparkling blueberry lemonade!
What’s your favorite summertime sip?
all images copyright Teaspoon of Nose
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