Sangria: Spanish party drink modified with seasonal flavors

The traditional Spanish party drink, sangria, has always been popular. Now, seasonal flavors make sangria a delightful choice any time of year.

Sangria, a cocktail with wine and fruit, served over ice, can be a picture perfect drink. The multitude of colors is very pretty. Even the prettiest drink needs to taste good. Luckily, the popular Spanish party drink is evolving from the traditional red wine punch. Today’s flavors can be modified with seasonal ingredients or non-traditional mixers.

Experimenting with sangria recipes can be fun. Of course many pre-mixed options are available, but creating different sangria recipes is entertaining. Just like every restaurant having its own sangria recipe, each season, event or Saturday can have its own recipe.

Sangria: Spanish party drink modified with seasonal flavors, photo provided by Sparkling Ice

Basically, sangria combines a quality red wine, fruit and sometimes brandy or another mixer. To achieve a more robust melding of flavors, allow the sangria to chill overnight. Even if you don’t chill the beverage overnight, the drink will still taste yummy.

National Sangria Day is celebrated on December 20. While the winter season may be an unexpected time to celebrate the Spanish party drink, it is the perfect time to explore seasonal flavors. Winter or holiday flavors work well in the red wine drink.

Holiday Red Sangria, photo provided by Santa Margherita

One delightful holiday inspired sangria is Holiday Red Sangria. This recipe adds the warm spice of cinnamon to the drink. With other seasonal fruits, like pears and pomegranate, the winter inspired sangria is perfect to enjoy by a warm, fire.

"Holiday Red SangriaSERVINGS: 4Recipe Credit: Santa MargheritaIngredients1 bottle of Santa Margherita Chianti Classico Riserva1 large orange, sliced1 large apple, chopped1 large pear, choppedSeeds of 1 pomegranate4 cinnamon sticksDirectionsAdd fruit to a large pitcher. Top with Santa Margherita Chianti Classico Riserva. Place in fridge for an hour before serving. Spoon fruit into glass before pouring wine. Garnish with cinnamon stick. Add ice to top (optional)."

Winter sangria, photo provided by Sparkling Ice

Another winter-inspired recipe has a bubbly twist. During the holiday, many people enjoy sipping on bubbles. Instead of using another alcohol, this version uses a non-alcoholic sparkling mixer, Sparkling Ice. The bright citrus notes play off the spice flavors. Plus, how can you not feel festive when your cocktail has bubbles.

"Winter SangriaRecipe Credit: Sparkling IceIngredients1/2 Apple, sliced1 orange, sliced1/2 pear, slicedCinnamon Stick1 bottle red wine1/2 cup Brandy1 cup Sparkling Ice Orange MangoDirectionsCut fruit into equal sizes and place in pitcher with the cinnamon stick. Pour in the bottle of wine, bourbon, and Sparkling Ice Orange Mango over fruit. Gently stir to combine. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for 3 hours, up to 2 days. Serve cold over ice."

These are just two examples of seasonal flavors in the traditional Spanish wine punch.. Do you have a favorite sangria recipe? Share your recipe below or tag us on social media with #FoodSided.

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