This Sangria Will Knock Your Socks Off

Sangria is a delightful, refreshing beverage made from wine, rum, juice and other ingredients. While t is the perfect drink for a Christmas party, it is also a delightful to keep it in the freezer in the summer,to enjoy sangria slushies. This recipe is not only a little sweet and a little tangy, it's followed by a kick that will make you shake your head.

I have made this recipe for summer pig roasts, wine tastings, book club evenings and Christmas parties. It is always a hit, and people often request the recipe. It is simple to make, and you can add your own ingredients to suit your personal preference.

There are a wide variety of wines, juices and spirits that you can add to create your own unique recipe. Following are two different recipes, for red or white sangria. Each offers a unique and refreshing drink for any gathering. Feel free to experiment until you find something that puckers your lips and leaves everyone at the party begging for more.

The origins of Sangria can be traced back to Spain. It is based on a traditional red wine punch that has been popular in Europe for hundreds of years. In the 1700 and 1800's, a red wine based fruit punch could be enjoyed at most parties.

The original red wine punch began with a Bordeaux base, a traditional blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and merlot. Brandy and fruit would then be added to the mix, for additional flavor.

With the planting of vineyards in Spain by the Romans, Spain began supplying much of Rome's wine. In Spain, the name of red wine punches of any variety was Sangria, and the name has stuck and become a broad term for wine based punches.

Spanish Roja wine is traditionally used for Spanish Sangria, and white wine can be used, to create a Sangria Blanco.

While you can buy pre-mixed sangria, it is much more fun to create your own version of the drink, using your favorite wines or sparkling wines, fresh seasonal fruits and different kinds of juices. The possibilities for sangria are practically endless. The only limit to the kind of sangria you can make is your own imagination.

Experiment, have fun, and let your guests offer suggestions. You could even let guests bring their own favorite recipes, and see what you like better. The main idea with sangria is to get cool and have fun.

Combine alcohol and juice in a large pitcher or container and stir until well mixed.

Add the fruit and refrigerate at least two hours, or up to over night, to combine flavors.

Add the club soda before serving.

Serve in large wine glasses, over ice if desired.

For a refreshing change, try this cool, white Sangria to chill out on a hot summer day, or to bring a nice chill to your next wine tasting or party.

Ingredients:

Two Bottles white wine

1 pint brandy

1/4 Cup Orange Liqueur

1 can frozen orange/pineapple juice

1 pint fresh strawberries, sliced

1 orange, thinly sliced

1 lemon thinly sliced

1 plum, thinly sliced

1 peach, thinly sliced

1 bottle chilled club soda