Sangria anyone?!

I absolutely love Sangria in the summer months. Don’t you?

I had a different post in mind for this Wine Wednesday; but when Kat posted on Cocktail Week, asking readers about their favorite cocktail, I professed my undying love to St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur.

“What does that have to do with Sangria?” you ask? Well…

You see, there are recipes on how to make traditional sangria with red wine, fruit, juice and brandy. However, I’ve collected a few interesting variations along the way. I apologize in advance because I’m not quite sure who to give credit to on all of them. Wineaux friends, if you happen upon this blog and find a sangria recipe that you just know you gave me, please give yourself a shout out!

One recipe that’s particularly raved about by my Wine Tasting hosts came from my friend, Deb:

Sangria with Grand Marnier

In a pitcher, combine the following:

• 1 Orange, sliced thinly into half moons (with skin on)
• 1 Lemon, sliced thinly into half moons (with skin on)
• 1 Lime, sliced thinly into half moons (with skin on)
• 1 Jar Maraschino Cherries
• 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 1/2 cup Grand Marnier
• 1/4 cup Brandy
• 1 bottle dry red wine

Soak the above in refrigerator overnight. Top off each person’s glass with a splash of Sprite, 7UP or Ginger Ale. (Or add it to the pitcher just before serving.)

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Here’s another fun variation with different fruits and liquor. Who needs green beer on St. Patrick’s Day?

Irish Sangria

In a pitcher, combine the following:

• 1 lemon, cut into wedges
• 2 oranges, cut into wedges
• 1 small bag of frozen apricots, peaches or raspberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 2-3 shots of whiskey

Preparation:
Squeeze the juice from the lemon and orange wedges into a pitcher. Toss in the wedges (leaving out seeds if possible), along with the frozen fruit, sugar and whiskey. Mix and chill overnight. Top off each person’s glass with a splash of Sprite, 7UP or Ginger Ale. (Or add it to the pitcher just before serving.)

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And then there are the easier, very forgiving versions, that’ll encourage you to just throw in whatever you have on hand.

Easy Sangria

Basic Recipe:

• 1/2 cup rum or brandy
• 2 Tbsp sugar
• 1 sliced lemon
• 1 sliced orange
• 1 sliced lime
• 1 cored and sliced apple

Squeeze the juice from the wedges of the lemon, lime and orange into a pitcher. Toss in the wedges (leaving out seeds if possible), along with the apple slices, sugar and alcohol. Mix and chill overnight. Top off each person’s glass with a splash of Sprite, 7UP or Ginger Ale. (Or add it to the pitcher just before serving.)

The Variations:

Get creative! Use whatever you have on hand.

• Liquor – You can use any liqueur you’ve got to give it that kick – rum, vodka, gin, brandy, you name it. Flavored ones are more interesting, of course. Whatever you have is fine. {Read: St. Germain!}
• Fruit – Any fruit on hand will do. Did you forget about that can of pineapple in the pantry? Drain out the syrup before adding them. Do you have a bag of frozen raspberries or peaches in your freezer? Give those a try. Save a few pieces of frozen fruit to add to your guests’ glasses just before serving. They serve as flavored ice cubes that won’t water down the sangria!
• Citrus Concentrates – Adding frozen citrus concentrates like orange, lemon or limeade add even more intensity to the flavor.

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And while all of the above are fantastic {it’s pretty tough to screw up sangria}, my all-time favorite version of Sangria can be had at Burger Jones. I will go on record stating that it’s The Best Sangria in the Twin Cities.

St. Germain Sangria $9
St. Germain liquor, fresh citrus and
cabernet sauvignon

I have not yet done a Restaurant Impression on Burger Jones; however, expect one in the near future with a second picture of this magnificent Mason jar of Sangria:

Unfortunately, the drink was removed from their menu this winter and surprisingly never made it back for the spring. I’m not sure why, because it’s pure heaven in a glass jar. However, if you tell them you’d like the St. Germain Sangria, they can still make it for you!

If you’d like to try a white wine sangria recipe with it, try the one on this blog and read more about what St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur is. I’ve had it in a number of martinis and cocktails and have learned that I can’t go wrong. If it’s on the menu and I’m cocktailin’ it, I’m orderin’ it.

I love refreshing Sangria on hot days. Consider stirring up a batch for your 4th of July party.

Where’s your favorite place to enjoy Sangria?

Have you tried Elderflower Liqueur? If so, describe your cocktail!