It's nearly summer!! And that means fruity, summery cocktails! YAY!!!
I'm not going to trick you into thinking I've always been a classy gal who drinks sparkling red sangria from a glass. The first time I ever drank sangria was in Pamplona at the Running of the Bulls Festival in 2012. Still sounds ok, but it was 2 euro cartons of sangria that we transferred into leather pouch type things and drank as we ran through the streets drinking half, squirting the other half around like maniacs. It wasn't just us, it's a thing. End result, white clothing turned pink, sticky hair and a strong desire to NEVER drink sangria again!
But once I recovered slightly/forgot the smell of dried red wine, I discovered that I didn't mind the real deal. I'm not a huge red wine drinker (I haven't quite grown up enough yet) but still whenever we go to our favourite Mexican restaurant (aka the only Mexcian restaurant in our town!) my friend Tyler & I always seem to go for the red wine sangria. Weird. So once I realised I was over my fear of sangria, of course I thought I could make it at home. And it's easy peasy.
Wine + cut up fruit + fruit juice + soda for some sparkle = a surprisingly refreshing cocktail!
The key is to make it the morning before you want it, or even the night before. The sangria needs a good solid 8 hours or so for all the flavours to come together. If you try it straight away, you will be disappointed! I don't have a favourite red wine so I did what any non-red wine drinker would do - carefully surveyed the entire red wine selection at the supermarket and ended up choosing a bottle from Spain with a pretty label. Duh. Sangria is Spanish. It's pretty much guaranteed success. But if you actually know what you are doing when it comes to choosing red wine, maybe just choose your favourite! Something fruity 🙂 If you're looking, the one I used was called "Campos de Viento Tempranillo" - Tempranillo being the grape variety which a quick google search told me is one of the best Spanish varieties. Winning!
Adding the soda water at the end isn't necessary but I think it is a great addition. It takes the sangria to the next level and makes it super refreshing. And who doesn't love a sparkly drink!
It's the perfect drink for Friday night cocktails or a summery weekend afternoon. And it has helped me feel like I have regained some class.
Although I would not screw my nose up at carton sangria in the right situation!
[mc4wp_form]
Sparkling Red Sangria
Ingredients
- 750 ml bottle red wine
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1 cup cranberry juice
- 2 oranges sliced
- 1 apple sliced
- Soda water
Instructions
- Put all ingredients except soda water into a jug and refrigerate for at least 8 hours or overnight.
- Add soda water to taste when serving.
Nutrition
Those photos are awesome! I haven't grown up enough yet to be a huge fan of red wine yet either and am a little ashamed to admit I haven't tried sangria before! Thanks for linking up with us for Fabulous Foodie Fridays, I hope you have a great weekend 🙂
Thanks Lauren! Ahhhh you need to try it! It's not like drinking red wine at all - it's cold, fruity and refreshing...do it! Have a fantastic weekend! 🙂
I found this recipe on the Fabulous Foodie Fridays link party, this looks so good, I am pinning to my drinks to try board!
Awesome thanks Sara - I hope you love it as much as I do! Have a great weekend 🙂