Sangria, like ice cream, is one of the simple pleasures which you don't have to wait around for summer time to enjoy. Traditional sangria is made from red wine and a selection of fruits, but can also be made with white wine. In such cases where a Sauvignon Blanc is used then this drink is referred to as sangria blanca.Originating from the warm Mediterranean region and starting out as a summer drink in Spain and Portugal, sangria , today is available all year round and worldwide.

But as summer sizzles and you prefer chilled white wine to the full bodied red, like I do then why not try these green sangria and other summer alternative sangria recipes guaranteed to cool you down. The sangria blanca recipes I have listed can be adapted with the summer fruits of your choice.

If you’re wondering in anticipation what green sangria is, well it’s just sangria with a choice of your favourite green fruits, kiwis, lime, and green apples. Though the practice of making sangria itself can be considered a sustainable practice. After all what better way to finish off wine from last night’s party or those ‘cheap’/tasteless wines you received last Christmas? Instead of tossing them out, make some summer sangria!

TRADITIONAL SANGRIA

Traditional sangria usually comprises of the following ingredients;

• red wine
• chopped or sliced fruit citrus fruits, apple, peach, berries, pineapple
• sugar or sweeteners such as honey or orange juice
• brandy, triple sec, or other spirits depending on prefernece

and the following method;

• Preparation consists of cutting the fruit in thin slices or small cubes, then mixing in advance all ingredients except for ice and carbonated sodas. After several hours, or a full day in a refrigerator to allow time for the fruit flavors to blend with the rest of the ingredients, the ice and any last-minute ingredients are added and the drinks are poured.

• Some sangria recipes may use carbonated water as an ingredient, for a carbon free alternative sangria recipe, simply exclude this ingredient from your sangria.

• Opt for an eco freindly sangria pitcher made of biodegradable plastic or glass.
  
• Once you've poured the wine.Rinse the bottle, remove the label, stick in a few flowers and you have an instant eco chic vase.
  

SUMMER SANGRIA

Like most recipes, they are only as limitless as your imagination.Experiement with different ingredients to invent your own signature sangria. The variation in recipes means sangria's alcoholic content can vary greatly. and can be controlled by the maker.

• For green themed sangria ideal for green party's this summer and St Patrick's Day celebrations, simply add a few of your favourite greens like apples, kiwis, cucumber slices, mint and elderflower into the mix.

Here’s one of my favorite sangria blanc recipes with a vodka kick!

Sage, Elderflower and Cucumber White Sangria

• - 3 oz Sauvignon Blanc
• - 1 oz Vodka
• - 1 oz Triple Sec
• - Dash of Lime Juice
• - Very light dash of Elderflower Cordial
• - Dash of White Cranberry Juice
• - Sprite (dash on top)
• - Sage Leaf
• - Cucumber (diced teaspoon)

Mix all the above ingredients in a glass over ice. Add a teaspoon of
cucumber and a sage leaf for garnish with a bamboo cocktail stick.

Cocktail created by Brian McGrory, 

Public, 10 Elizabeth

St, New York,

WATER MELON SANGRIA

Ingredients

• 1 bottle dry white wine
• ¾ cup watermelon schnapps
• ½ cup white cranberry juice
• 2 cups freshly scooped watermelon balls
• 2 limes, cut into half-wheels

Directions

Combine all of the ingredients in a large ceramic or glass container and stir well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Serve over ice. Serves about 7.

From 101 Sangrias & Pitcher Drinks by Kim Hassarud, courtesy of John Wiley & Sons.

SAKE SANGRIA

Ingredients

• 1 (750 ml) bottle sake
• 6 tablespoons honey
• 2-inch piece of fresh ginger, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 stalk fresh lemongrass, halved lengthwise, then cut into 3- to 4-inch pieces (use the entire stalk)
• ½ lemon, thinly sliced 1 small tangerine or orange, thinly sliced
• 1 large plum or apricot, pitted and cut into thin wedges (optional, if not in season)

Directions

• Combine all the ingredients and stir with a spoon, crushing some of the fruit. Cover and refrigerate for at least 12 hours, or up to 2 days, to let the flavors marry before serving.
• Serve over ice, including some of the fruit in each serving. Makes about 4 cups (6 to 8 servings).

From “Sips & Apps-Classic and Contemporary Recipes for Cocktails and Appetizers” by Kathy Casey, courtesy of Chronicle Books.

KIWI SANGRIA

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of dry white wine
• 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
• 1 large pear, sliced very thin
• 1 cup seedless green grapes
• 2 tablespoons superfine sugar
• 2 tablespoons Calvados or Armagnac
• 3 tablespoons Cointreau
• 1½ cups bottled sparkling water
• Sprigs of mint or fresh flowers, for garnish

Directions

Pour the wine into a large glass pitcher. Add the kiwis, pear, grapes, sugar, Calvados, and Cointreau to the pitcher and stir. Cover and refrigerate for 4 to 5 hours.

To serve, stir well, add the sparkling water, and pour over ice in tall glasses. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a flower. Serves 6.

From The Silver Palette 25th Anniversary Edition by Sheila Lukins and Julee Rosso, courtesy of Workman Publishing.

Traditional ceramic sangria pitchers (like the kind first used in the Mediterranean) may be sturdy and functional but are simply not aesthetically summer. When buying a sangria pitcher for summer keep these in mind;

• Look for a large, pretty pitcher that will hold both sangria's, and any other drink.The aesthetics rule no #1 is get a clear glass pitcher since you want to keep all the attention focused on the rich colour and shapes in the sangria itself and not on the motifs on the jug.
• Glass is durable but there are also several biodegradable plastic alternatives available too.ra
• Check that your sangria pitcher is dishwasher safe too.
  

One simply stylish summer sangria pitcher is Ona's glass pitcher.Ona's signature off-center handle makes it the center of attention. Handblown in crystal-clear glass with a thick, cut and polished rim. It is both functional and decorative.A beautiful presence when filled or empty on display.

• Handblown
• Cut and polished rim
• Hand wash
• Not for use with hot liquids

Ona Pitchers available at Crate & Barrel ~$16.95 - $26.95