Sultry sangria recipes that make summer soirees sensational

If you are like Ina Garten, sangria recipes make summer soirees soar. While the Barefoot Contessa has her preferred sangria recipe, the reality is that there are many ways to sip on this favorite summer cocktail. Isn’t it time to get that cocktail pitcher ready?

Generally, a sangria is a type of punch. The popular Spanish cocktail is often a combination of red wine, fruit and other ingredients. Although there are numerous variations, most recipes always come with fruit. If you are looking for a way to eat some extra fruit, drunken fruit can make it easier.

While there are many canned cocktails or pre-made sangria options, making sangria is relatively simple. But, not all recipes are created equal. From the choice of wine to the combination of other liquors, changing even one ingredient will impact the flavor.

As seen in Ina Garten’s classic 4th of July Sangria recipe in her 2014 book, Make It Ahead by Ina Garten, that recipe combines pomegranate juice with a “bottle of good rose wine.” In addition, it uses Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge. Although many people will happily have a second glass, this cocktail needs to be sipped with caution. One too many and it might the day might be cut short.

What other sangria recipes are summer cocktail perfection?

Although the ingredients in sangria recipes can vary, Grand Marnier has shared two recipes that are always popular choices. Ready to start stirring a satisfying sip?

Grand Sangria

Ingredients

• 1 part Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
• .5 part Cinnamon Syrup.
• 5 part 1757 Vermouth Di Torino Rosso
• .5 part fresh Lemon Juice
• .5 part fresh Orange Juice
• 3 parts Red Wine (Rioja or Syrah)
• 1 Orange, thinly sliced

Method

• Add all ingredients in a punch bowl or pitcher. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours before serving. Serve a wine glass over ice.

If you do not have cinnamon syrup, it is reality easy to make. Basically, it combines a cinnamon stick, sugar and water. If you can make simple syrup, you can make cinnamon syrup.

That slightly spicy, sweet flavor plays off the bright, acidic ingredients. Like all great sangria recipes, it is about hitting all the flavor notes. Balance is key to a great sangria.

Grand Sangria Blanche

Ingredients

• 1 part of Grand Marnier Cordon Rouge
• 4 parts White Wine (Pinot Grigio)
• 2 ripe Peaches, pitted and cut into eight wedges
• 1 Orange, thinly sliced
• 1 Lime, thinly sliced

Method:

• Add all of the ingredients in a punch bowl or pitcher. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours before serving. Serve in a wine glass over ice.

This sangria is a little sweeter than the traditional red sangria. There is a little extra juiciness from the peaches. When serving this sangria, consider a great pork dish. It would make a lovely pairing.

What are some of your favorite sangria recipes? Do you enjoy a pitcher of sangria on a warm summer day?