Welcome to our series sharing Food Holidays: December 20th, 2021. Can you believe there is only 5 days until Christmas? Which means National Sangria Day has come at the perfect time. As everyone needs a calming drink before bed from all the hustle and bustle that goes along with this busy time of the year.
National Sangria Day
HISTORY OF NATIONAL SANGRIA DAY
Early Greeks and Romans used to mix their Wine with Sugar, and Spices, along with whatever else was on hand. These drinks were called “Hippocras” and were sometimes heated like Mulled Wine. Hippocras is the precedent of Mulled Wine and Sangria. These beverages 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 Water 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. Brandy and Fruit would also be added for extra flavor. In the 1700s and 1800s, “Claret Cup Punch” would be present at parties of all sizes. “Claret Cup Punch” is 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 STATISTICS
9.3% increase in popularity– Though most Americans prefer to drink Sangria in Summer months, Sangria’s popularity continues to grow year-round. How could Sangria not. The Alcoholic Punch is delicious, refreshing, and packed with Wine-soaked Fruit! The perfect Summer drink, but you can also heat Sangria up in the Winter to have a warm and toasty hot beverage.
120 million Americans drink Wine- Of all the Wine Aficionados, Millennials and Baby Boomers make up the majority of Wine consumers. Wine is considered the celebration drink of choice. Whether you bring out the Champagne, a full red, or a refreshing white, there’s always a Wine that’s perfect for any occasion. No wonder 36% of Americans drink Wine. From job achievements to college graduations, Americans have lots to celebrate.
550,000 locations sell Wine in the US– That’s about a 120,000 increase in outlets over the past ten years. Where before you might only be able to order Wine at a sit-down restaurant or Art Exhibit serving expensive aged reds and whites, you can now order a glass of Wine at Bookshops, or Movie Theaters! We’re not complaining though, order a glass of white and peruse your favorite genre which is essentially the perfect afternoon beverage.
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 Sangria. Just add Apples, Grapes, Peaches, and fresh Cinnamon.
- Invite your friends over for a night that is sure to end in smiles. Have everyone bring their favorite homemade Sangria and share their recipes!
- White Sangria is best enjoyed during a nice brunch. Host a brunch, and instead of serving Mimosas, make the drink be a White Sangria.
WHY WE LOVE NATIONAL SANGRIA DAY
- 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 drinking Sangria with family and friends makes the heart full of joy.
- Whether you prefer a white Wine over the traditional red, or can’t drink Wine overall, there are different variations of this beverage. Choose a red or white Wine, or Grape Juice and add your favorite Fresh Fruits.
- Tired of drinking the same bottle of Wine? Sangria calls for fresh Fruit and Spices, which adds a kick of flavor to that bottle of Merlot you have collecting dust. The pieces of floating Fruit make for a fancy looking beverage.
Thank you,
Glenda, Charlie and David Cates
