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 A History of Sangria
From its humble roots in Spain, Sangria has grown to become a popular, refreshing party drink around the world. In the US, Sangria was first tasted at the 1964 World's Fair in New York. The Spanish World area served this fruity wine punch to its visitors, and history was made!
Sangria is based on the traditional red wine punch popular across Europe for hundreds of years. The punch base would be claret, i.e. Bordeaux wine from France. Brandy and fruit would be added to the punch for flavor. In the 1700s and 1800s, Claret Cup Punch could be found at parties of all sizes.
Every restaurant has its own sangria recipe - typically a mix of wine, brandy and fresh fruits, served over ice. It's one of the most individualistic drinks on the market. Don't just buy a mix at the store - have fun and create your own! Sangria's appeal is all about taking your favorite red wine, your favorite fruits, and experimenting with them.
Sangria is a red wine punch, although it can also be made with white wine - it is then known as 'Sangria Blanco'. Sangria was originally created in Spain with Rioja and other Spanish reds. Soon, however, the Cava-producing area adopted a sparkling white version. In the south of Spain Sangria is called zurra, and is created with peach or nectarine.
Sangria is typically created from red wine, fruit juices, soda water, fruit and sometimes brandy. When making your own Sangria, use a good quality red wine, and be sure to let it chill overnight. Use Rioja to get the authentic Spanish flavor, but definitely choose something you like - you're the one drinking it! In the morning, pour into a pitcher full of ice cubes, garnish with fresh fruit, and enjoy.
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Here's the glass that Riedel recommends for Sangria. It's relatively inexpensive,
and is also great for those other young and light reds -
Gamay, Bardolino, Beaujolais Nouveau, Dolcetto, Freisa,
Grignolino, Lagrein and Lambrusco. Sangria's best served chilled, and goes well
with just about anything!
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I just wanted to comment that parts the Wikipedia entry for Sangria are very suspiciously like my history page, even though I wrote my content many years before Wikipedia came to be :) I guess that's how the web works! :)
Note: I created these sangria recipes and have had them online for years. If you find similar sangria recipes elsewhere, it's because someone copied my idea. I do appreciate it when visitors write in to warn me about the plagiarism - but usually there's not much I can do about it! What's really funny is when they copy my design right down to my sangria pitcher. That's a bit much :)
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