So, I have a confession. This post was supposed to be published back in August when it was appropriate because we were all being toasted under the hot summer sun. But it is 2020, and who’s keeping track of time anyway?! Everyone put their Christmas trees up on November 1st.

Today we are going to learn about Sangria, the perfect red wine cocktail to be consumed during the summer, and also a great cocktail to serve at your holiday gatherings. Most people during the summer months are consuming white, sparkling, and rose wines because they are so refreshing. But let’s not be fooled by the misconception that red wine cannot be enjoyed in the summer. I have so many recommendations of different red wines for when it is hot outside but today it’s all about this beloved Spanish drink! This is loved by many and super easy to make. It is perfect to make in bulk for your next get together with friends and family and there are so many ways to prepare it. But my goal was to find the root of it, when and where it came from specifically, and how to make it in its most traditional way.

When making a Sangria, I guess there is no wrong wine to choose from. Many people choose a red that is inexpensive and usually lighter in style like a Pinot Noir or a Red Blend. Some even make a white or rose Sangria. The world is your oyster. But we are talking traditional, and by that, I mean keeping varietals that are from the region. Let me introduce to you the two types of wines that are used when making a traditional Sangria. Everyone, meet Tempranillo and Garnacha.

Grape Varietals

First, we have Tempranillo, the most widely grown grape in Spain. Rioja is wine country for Tempranillo. If you ever come across a bottle on the shelves that say Rioja, it is Tempranillo, whether it be 100% or a blend of it. Tempranillo comes from the word temprano, which means “early” in Spanish and this relates to it being the first ripening grape of the season in Spain. A Tempranillo is a dry red wine with firm tannins, high acid, fruity flavors of cherries and dark berries, and notes of leather and cedar. When choosing the perfect Tempranillo for your Sangria, opt-in for one that says Crianza on the label. This just means that it is young, ready to drink now, and lighter in style.

Next, we have Garnacha. You may know it as Grenache, as we say it like that here in the states, France, and Australia. Whereas Tempranillo ripens early, this grape ripens late in the season and produces a beautiful wine with notes of strawberry, raspberry, and warm baking spices. Since the grape needs a hot region to grow, that means the alcohol content is higher. So take that into consideration when making your cocktail.

History of Sangria 

Sangria dates back to the early Greeks and Romans where they would mix their wine with fruits and spices and they called it “hippocras”. When the Islamic Moors conquered the Spanish peninsula in the 700’s, the production and business of alcohol halted. It was until 1492, when the Moor’s rule ended, alcohol production was able to start up again. Sangria was reintroduced back into the culture. Here in the United States, we didn’t get to see Sangria until 1964 during the World’s Fair in New York City. We now have a variety of ways to make this drink and is seen at just about every drink menu at restaurants and at gatherings. Fun fact: under European law, only Spain and Portugal are allowed to make Sangria wine for purchase, like the ready to serve bottles that you see on the wine shelves, and needs to be under 12% alcohol by volume.

Let’s make it!

Okay, I know y’all came here to get the recipe for this wine cocktail. What does a traditional Sangria consist of specifically? It’s pretty easy; wine, brandy, fruit, cinnamon, sugar, and soda (or carbonated water). You can alter this recipe to your liking if you want to add a spin on it. For example, for my Fall Sangria, I replace the blood orange soda with a pomegranate Italian soda, replace the lemon with a medley of berries, and replace the green apple with red apples. Hope you enjoy this recipe and let me know in the comments what you think of it! Salud!

Full video on how I made this Traditional Spanish Sangria. Follow my Instagram account @uncork_and_pop