Owing to a concatenation of circumstances, I now realize that I haven’t had a new post in far too long. Those same circumstances are now compelling me to make the first post ever without a post–ironic in light of the fact that I have several drinks photographed but not written up. This lack of photography, I intend to rectify with expedience.
It’s summer and time for a summer drink. To my thinking sangria is the quintessential summer social drink–light, refreshing, fun and simple. It is also more of a genre and a methodology than a recipe (feel free to experiment wildly). That said, here is what I basically go with…
Sangria
- 1 Orange, sliced
- 1 cup stawberies sliced
- Other fruit (peaches, berries, etc. sliced as needed)
- 1 cup simple syrup
- 1 cup brandy
- 1 bottle red wine
- 1 liter seltzer or club soda
Add all of the ingredients except seltzer to a large pitcher. Add ice and stir. Top off with seltzer.
Some notes on this sangria recipe…
- You can use a variety of citrus in combination (e.g. lemons and limes) with the oranges.
- Allowing the fruit, syrup and brandy to macerate overnight enhances the flavor of this. My friend Michele does this. I lack the patience.
- If you don’t want to make up simple syrup in advance (helpful if you are going to be making multiple pitchers), just add 1/2 c. sugar and 1/2 c. water and microwave and stir until the sugar is dissolved.
- This is one of those recipes where you don’t want to break out the good booze. I generally use the E&J VSOP brandy and a red wine in the two buck Chuck price range (and frequently in the bottle as well).
Cheers.