I don’t know about you but I’m so happy Christmas is past and I’m looking forward to the New year. After the past few days I could use a drink or two. I think it should be my favorite drink Sangria. Join me for a glass of Sangria and lets celebrate National Sangria Day.
Every year on December 20,th, people celebrate National Sangria Day! The Spanish have spiked the punch and we’re definitely here for it. Whether you prefer Sangria red or white, a nice chilled Sangria is no doubt refreshing, and instantly transports you to the sandy beaches of Spain in the Summer.
Early Greeks and Romans used to mix their Wine with Sugar, Spices, and whatever else was on hand. These drinks were called “Hippocras” and were sometimes heated like Mulled Wine. Hippocras is the common precedent of both Mulled Wine and Sangria.
These were consumed regularly because Water at the time was filled with bacteria and unsafe to drink. Adding a splash of Alcohol made the Water drinkable, and mixing it with watered down Wine gave the beverage flavor.
Sangria is specifically based on the traditional red Wine Punch popular across Europe for hundreds of years. The Punch base would be Claret a British term for Bordeaux Wine from Bordeaux, France. This red Wine is traditionally made from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot.
Did you know Brandy and Fruit could also be added for extra flavor. In the 1700s and 1800s, “Claret Cup Punch” would be present at parties of all sizes. It’s even the drink of choice for Jane Austen heroines.
The Phoenicians and Romans planted miles of Vineyards in Spain in 1,100 BC and 200 BC respectively. This prompted a very active Wine shipping trade, with the Wines of Spain quenching most of Rome’s thirst.
Red grapes and Fruits grew very well in Spain’s climate, and the locals began calling their Wine Punches Sangria, which means bloodletting in Spanish. In South Spain, the Punch is often called Zurra, and is created with Peach or Nectarine. The Spanish mostly base their Sangria with red Wines, but it can also be made with white Wine, known as “Sangria Blanco.”
National Sangria Day Activities
- This year, National Sangria Day lands on Wine Wednesday, a weekly tradition that many people partake in. Turn that glass of Wine you’d normally be drinking into a Sangria by adding Apples, Grapes, Peaches, and fresh Cinnamon.
- If you have the means and the opportunity invite your friends and family over for a night that is sure to end in smiles when you ask everyone to bring there favorite homemade Sangria and their recipes!
- Host a brunch, and instead of Mimosas, make the signature drink be a white Sangria which can be Alcoholic or Non-Alcoholic the choice is yours.
Why People Love National Sangria Day
If your tired of drinking the same bottle of Wine you should check out Sangria which calls for fresh Fruit and Spices, adding a kick of flavor to that bottle of Merlot you. The pieces of floating Fruit make for a fancy looking drink.
Did you know traditional Sangria contains Red Wine, which is full of antioxidants, and is great for maintaining a healthy heart. Although many people are still on the fence about this claim, everyone agrees that drinking Sangria makes the heart full of joy.
There is a Sangria for everyone whether you prefer a white Wine over the traditional Red, or if you can’t drink Wine overall, there are different variations of Sangria. Choose a red or white Wine, or Grape Juice and add your favorite fresh Fruits to your Wine creating the perfect Sangria.
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon, chilled
- 1 lime, chilled
- 1 orange, chilled
- 11/2 cups rum or brandy, chilled
- ½ cup white sugar
- 1 (750 milliliter) bottle red wine, chilled
- 1 cup orange juice, chilled
- Club soda to taste, chilled (optional)
Instructions:
Top if off with club soda if desired.
Before getting started, make sure all ingredients (except sugar) are chilled.
Slice the fruit into thin rounds and place in a large glass pitcher
Pour in the rum or brandy, and the sugar. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
When you’re ready to serve, use a wooden spoon to lightly crush the fruit. Stir in the wine and orange juice.
Remember when preparing Sangria you can always think outside the box and add your own ingredients allowing you to create your own version of Sangria making a one of a kind drink to share with your friends and family.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and Charlie and David Cates
