How to Prepare a Good Spanish Sangría!

Making a good Spanish sangria involves combining wine, fruit, liqueur, and a touch of sweetness to create a refreshing and flavorful drink. Here’s a classic recipe that will help you make an authentic and delicious sangria:

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine (750 ml) – Choose a young and fruity Spanish red wine like Tempranillo or Garnacha.
• 1 orange – Sliced into rounds.
• 1 lemon – Sliced into rounds.
• 1 apple – Cut into small cubes.
• 2 tablespoons of sugar – Optional, depending on your sweetness preference.
• 60 ml of brandy – You can also use Cointreau or Grand Marnier for a citrusy twist.
• 250 ml of lemon-lime soda or club soda – To add a fizzy touch.
• Ice – As needed.
• Cinnamon stick – Optional, for added aroma.
• Additional fruits (optional) – Peaches, strawberries, or pineapple can add extra flavor.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the fruits:
   • Wash the orange, lemon, and apple thoroughly.
   • Slice the orange and lemon into thin rounds.
   • Cut the apple into small cubes, leaving the skin on for extra color.
2. Mix the wine:
   • Pour the bottle of red wine into a large pitcher.
   • Add the orange and lemon slices, as well as the apple cubes.
   • If you prefer a sweeter sangria, stir in the two tablespoons of sugar until dissolved.
3. Add the liqueur:
   • Pour the brandy (or your chosen liqueur) into the wine and fruit mixture. This step is key to giving your sangria a deep, rich flavor.
4. Let it rest:
   • Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let the sangria rest for at least 2 hours. This allows the flavors of the fruit, wine, and liqueur to meld together.
5. Final touches:
   • Just before serving, add the lemon-lime soda or club soda to give the sangria a refreshing fizz.
   • For an extra aromatic touch, add a cinnamon stick to the pitcher.
   • Add ice as desired.
6. Serve:
   • Serve the sangria in large glasses with pieces of fruit. Make sure each glass gets a good mix of the macerated fruit.

Additional Tips:

• Experiment with different wines: While traditional sangria uses red wine, you can also try it with white wine or rosé for a different variation.
• Customize the fruit: Feel free to swap in other seasonal fruits or your favorites. Tropical fruits like pineapple or mango work wonderfully as well.
• Overnight rest: If you have time, prepare the sangria the day before and let it rest in the fridge overnight. The flavors will be even more intense.

This recipe will yield a delicious and authentic Spanish sangria, perfect for enjoying on a sunny day or sharing with friends at a gathering. Cheers!