Cindy "TheSweetNerd" Rodriguez Sangria is an art I take seriously.
It is not, as some people seem to think, just wine with some fruit thrown in it. Oh, no, I say. It is so much more than that. It’s a cocktail. It’s an exotic treat on a hot day. It is invigorating and relaxing all at the same time… Okay, okay, maybe I’m getting carried away, but seriously, I love sangria.
Here’s my go-to recipe for a perfect sangria to share on a warm evening with friends.
Having a variety of fruits is key. I used two different kids of oranges, blackberries, apples and pomegranate seeds. Choose ripe, vibrant fruit.
As for which wine to chose, it doesn’t have to be special, but you don’t want to go bargain basement either. Find an inexpensive red table wine. If you get stuck, stop in to a BevMo! and ask the clerk. I love those guys. They’re so helpful.
Fill each pitcher about half way with the wine, add the brandy, triple sec, juices, and simple syrup, then fill it up with your sliced fruits. I like to push a slice of orange up against the glass of the picture, just for the sake of pretty.
Top off the pitcher with the remaining wine if you have space, then cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 24 hours. This is key. This is when the flavors of the fruits seep into the wine and make true sangria (instead of just wine with fruit tossed into it).
Serve up the pitchers on a bed of ice to keep them chilled, and you are good to go for a long evening of laughing and talking with friends.
Photos by: Maria Hedrick Photography
1Mix all ingredients together and let stand in a tightly sealed container or pitcher for at least 24 hours in the refrigerator before serving.Directions
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I always associate sangria with summer and seeing this yummy fruit filled pitcher makes me all gitty for the warm weather to come and all the grilling I’m (hubby) is going to do! Looks delicious, Cindy! Hope you have a lovely long weekend!
Dawn, I hope you had a wonderful weekend too. Here is toasting to you, Happy Memorial Day!
This is a beautiful pitcher of gorgeousness! It is like summer in a glass 🙂
Summer in a glass. What could be more perfect than that. Thanks so much for the love.
I can’t quite drink but when I can I am so in.. There is something so “instagramable” about Sangria, especially with how beautiful yours is!
Thanks so much Kendall. The Colombians have an amazing version of sangria, minus the wine. It is fruit heaven that steeps on orange juice. Message me for the recipe!
Sangria is the perfect summer drink and I’m loving your version! Can’t wait for a warm, Summer day to whip up a pitcher of this (I hear the warmth is coming 😉 Anyway, have a wonderful long weekend!
Me too Jennifer. Hope your Memorial Day was warm, lovely, and relaxing.
I LOVE sangria too, so I fully support your enthusiasm. I don’t drink much, but if sangria is on the menu I will for SURE order it. I’ve never made it at home, but am going to try your recipe this weekend! 😀
The best thing about Sangria is that it just gets better and better as it marinates. Enjoy the 3-day weekend. Cheers.
Going to be making this! Looks and sounds so refreshing! Thanks @thesweetnerd ????????????????????????
Thanks so much Rose. I love it too!
Sangria is definitely one of those arts that I have yet to master. I would love to go to an outdoor party with an ice bed full of pitchers like this! Such a smart and impressive way to serve up sangria.
Si, si, oh, and si! This is my all-time fave summer drink of choice. Can’t wait to try this one!
Ok, I came to admire the king of cakes and then got totally distracted by this sangria!! It looks soo good and we finally have the perfect weather for pitchers and pitchers of this …have to try it now .
That is funny. Yes, sangria has a funny way of doing that. Hoping you are off and running into a great summer.