by Laura Kleban

Created on: May 13, 2010

Sangria for Everyone!

Sangria as a cocktail has become increasingly popular and fashionable in the past few years. As a bartender for the past several years, I have to admit that I had not learned how to make this drink well until recently. I think it was because no one used to ask for it!

That has all changed now though, and since this drink has become increasingly popular I have had to come up with a few different ways to make it. I have come up with the following recipes by using the famous trial-and-error method, but honestly, all Sangria comes out tasting pretty good. The trick is mostly in the proportions, because Sangria is basically just wine, liquor, fresh fruit and juice.

Simple Red Sangria:

5 Oz. Red Wine (merlot, cabernet, Shiraz or pinot noir varieties all work!)

2 Oz. Apricot brandy

1 Oz. Cranberry juice

1 Oz. Orange juice

Orange slices, Lime wedges, Pineapple chunks

To make single, personal-sized sangria, take a 16 Oz. drinking glass, pack it with ice and add the above ingredients.

Peach Sangria:

This is a fresh and light version of sangria. The following recipe will serve about four or five people.

Ingredients:

1 750ml bottle of white zinfandel (Sutter Home, Berringer, etc.)

1 Cup Peach Schnapps

1 Cup Pineapple Juice

4 Oz. Sprite or Ginger ale

Orange Slices, Pineapple Chunks, Apple Slices, cherries

Mix the above ingredients in a large glass pitcher and chill overnight. Serve the sangria in glasses filled with ice with the fruit!

Kiwi-Melon Sangria:

Another fresh and easy sangria that has a sweet, melon finish!

Ingredients:

1 750ml bottle of chardonnay or pinot grigio (lighter whites work better for this sangria)

1 cup melon liqueur, such as Midori Melon

Pineapple and orange juices

Chunks of honeydew melon and cantaloupe

Lemon-lime soda

Mix all of the above ingredients in a large glass pitcher and chill overnight. Pour into a punch bowl with the fruit and serve!

I hope you and your friends enjoy my sangria ideas and recipes! Drink responsibly!

Learn more about this author, Laura Kleban.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.