What exactly is sangria and why is it so named? Why are there so many different ways
to make it and who were the first people to enjoy this popular drink? When did
Americans discover this refreshing summer libation? The answer to these and other
questions lies below. So take a sip, savor, lean back and enjoy.
The word sangria is Spanish, derived from sangre, meaning blood (sangue in
Portuguese). Steeped in hundreds of years of humble Spanish tradition, this red wine
punch was originally made with Rioja and other indigenous red wines, but is today often
created with a claret base (a hearty French Bordeaux wine), with fruit added for extra
flavor. Claret Cup Punch was a popular drink at festivities in the 1700s and 1800s (and
is also mentioned in some old movies if you listen very closely).
Most Americans were introduced to this drink at the 1964 Worldʼs Fair where it was
featured in "The Spanish World" Pavilion. The preparation and ingredients differ greatly
and so does the alcoholic content. White wine can be substituted for red in which case
the result is sangria blanco. In parts of southern Spain, the drink is sometimes made
with peaches and nectarines and is called zurra.
Usually, fruit is cut into thin slices or small cubes and all the ingredients are mixed in
advance except for ice and carbonated sodas (gaseosa), which are added as the drink
is poured. It takes several hours chilled in the refrigerator for all of the fruit flavors to
blend with all of the other ingredients and the more time they have to do so, the better
the taste. Sangria is usually served throughout Spain during the summer and all year
round in the southern and eastern parts of the country.
In the United Kingdom, the attractions of Spain are often referred to as: "sun, sea, sex
and sangria." The Spanish themselves usually do not order the drink from pubs and
restaurants, although it is a popular selection among tourists who visit both Spain and
Mexico. In such a public setting, a 1-litre pitcher large enough to hold all the ingredients
with a wooden spoon to retrieve the fruit from the bottom of the bowl or container is
served on a table. It is a very popular libation at informal gatherings.
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