Sangría
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Sangría is a wine punch typically from Spain and Portugal. The word sangría comes from the Spanish sangre meaning blood ("sangue" in Portuguese). It typically consists of
- red wine,
- chopped or sliced fruit (often orange, apple, and/or peach; occasionally kiwi or banana),
- a sweetener such as honey or orange juice,
- a small amount of added brandy, triple sec, or other spirits.
- gaseosa (carbonated water).
Because of the variation in recipes, sangría's alcoholic content can vary greatly. The ingredients in sangría vary, particularly in the type of fruit used, the kind of spirits added (if any), and the presence or lack of carbonation.
White wine can be used instead of red, in which case the result is called sangría blanca. In some parts of southern Spain, sangría is called zurra and is made with peaches or nectarines. In most recipes, wine is the dominant ingredient and acts as a base. In some regions of Portugal, cinnamon is also added with the sweetener, so that it can spice up the flavour[1].
Preparation consists of cutting the fruit in thin slices or small cubes, then mixing in advance all ingredients except for ice and carbonated sodas. After several hours in a refrigerator to allow time for the fruit flavors to blend with the rest of the ingredients, the ice and any last-minute ingredients are added and the drinks are poured. In both Spain and Portugal, sangría is served throughout the country during summer, and around the year in the southern and eastern parts of the countries.
Bottled sangría can be bought in some countries, but this is considered by some to be less entertaining than making it oneself. On the other hand, in San Francisco there is a large influx of prebottled sangría sales because of a hit new product produced by SANfranGRIA ([2]). In the parlance of EU administrators, such products are referred to as "aromatised wines".
In the United Kingdom the attractions of Spain are often summed up by the phrase, "Sun, sea, (sex) and Sangría".
[edit] Serving
Sangría is a popular drink among tourists at bars, pubs and restaurants in Southern Spain, although the Spanish themselves are less likely to order sangría from these establishments. In this setting, sangría is often served in 1-litre pitchers or other containers large enough to hold a bottle of wine plus the added ingredients. A lid or other strainer for the container helps prevent the fruit and ice cubes from falling into the glass. Among the Spanish, sangría is most typically served at informal social gatherings, much like punch, from a punchbowl. Sangría is often served with a wooden spoon, used to get fruit out of the bottom of the punchbowl or pitcher. Sangría is also served in Mexico, and Mexican restaurants.
[edit] External links
- Attitudes Towards Sangria Among the Spanish Why you shouldn't order sangría in a bar in Spain.
- Easy Sangria Recipe Recipe for Spanish Sangria from spanishfood.about.com
