The Spanish sangria is one of the most international drinks in our country, and there's no place you go where they don't understand you when you say the word "sangria." It's served very cold and is ideal as a refreshing drink for the summer. Sangria, undoubtedly, is synonymous with joy, friends, and parties, a symbol of Spanish gastronomy alongside Spanish tapas, and of course, ham.

In this post, we're going to tell you what Spanish sangria is and how to prepare it.

Keep reading!

 

What is Spanish Sangria

Did you know that the name "sangria" is related to the word blood? That's because sangria stands out for its brilliant color, and without a doubt, its flavor and nuances perfectly represent the fiery and passionate character of Iberian typical products. And what are its particularities? Well, sangria is a 100% Spanish alcoholic beverage prepared with wine, fruit, liquor, and sugar, but of course, it has history!

There are two stories that explain the origins of sangria. The first one takes us back to the 1800s, where we find the first sangria born out of the need of Spanish and Portuguese peasants to refresh themselves during their long workdays, using the products they had at hand, like wine, peaches, apples, and citrus fruits. On the other hand, we go even further back, to the 1700s, where a story involving creativity and smuggling unfolds. The protagonists, British sailors, devised a way to secretly transport liquor (by simulating fruit juice) by mixing rum with honey, spices, and local fruits.

Over the years, this drink has become a lure for tourists visiting Spanish lands and an indisputable symbol of our gastronomy. Moreover, sangria ranks 11th in CNN's list of the best drinks in the world.

 

Recipe for Spanish sangria

Recipe for Spanish sangria

 

How to Prepare Traditional Spanish Sangria

Just like with other recipes such as paella, there isn't a single way to prepare Spanish wine sangria. Each person has their own, and in each region, it's prepared with local ingredients. What we can assure you, though, is that if you wonder what ingredients Spanish sangria contains, the answer must always include wine, sugar, and fruit.

 

Ingredients for Making Easy Wine Sangria

1. 1 bottle of red wine
2. 2 oranges
3. ½ lemon
4. Grapes
5. Strawberries
6. Blueberries
7. 1 tablespoon of sugar
8. 1 glass of brandy or orange liquor
9. Orange soda
10. 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
    
    

Step-by-Step Preparation of Sangria

1. Pour the wine into a large enough pitcher along with the juice from one of the oranges, the glass of liquor, and the juice from half a lemon.
   
   
2. Wash and peel all the fruit, cut it into medium-sized pieces—smaller than large—and add it to the pitcher.
   
   
3. Add the fruit and let it rest for a few hours if you have time. This way, we let the fruit soak in the alcohol along with the juice, giving the sangria an incredible flavor.
   
   
4. Add the cinnamon stick and the sugar, stirring well until the sugar has completely dissolved.
   
   
5. Add the orange soda just before serving in glasses with lots of ice. Cheers and enjoy!
   
   
   

Remember that there are different varieties of Spanish sangria, like white wine sangria or cava sangria. The best choice always depends on your tastes, and what we can assure you is that a glass of chilled sangria with ice is the perfect companion for a snack with Iberian cured meats and Spanish ham.

 

Sangria to Refresh!

Nothing's better than a good sangria to cool down on hot summer days. The best idea is to share it with family and friends and pair it with a good assortment of cured meats or the most typical Spanish tapas. Prepare this drink to complement the best Iberian products.

We have some recipe ideas to go with it!

Spanish tapas

Iberian Ham

Are you up for making it? Surprise your loved ones with a tasty Spanish sangria. At Enrique Tomás, we continue to fulfill our goal of making you an expert in all things Iberian products.

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