Salute to Sangria

Dear H,

Flag Day is fast approaching and I'm already gathering enthusiasm for Independence Day.  I've spent years trying to perfect the vodka watermelon and once cleverly tried to layer red, white, and blue alcohol infused Jello into a mold; both of these things caused much mess and disappointment (though my brother and his college friends were suitably impressed). 

I had thought about a big pitcher of Pimm's lemonade, but a British drink will never do for the Fourth of July.  Do you have any suggestions for a properly American beverage that appeals to a more adult crowd this summer? 

Cheers!

Allegiance to Alcohol        

 

Allegiance,

If you want a properly American beverage, providing a variety of craft beers would make for a fun July 4^th.  However, it seems you are looking for something sweeter, and I’ve got an idea that may not be purely American, but will be just as patriotic.

Sangria is a great summer beverage to serve a crowd, and although the drink originated in Spain, the Spanish-American War wasn’t until over a century after the first Independence Day, so you’re in the clear.  

Here are three recipes for a red, white, and even a blue! sangria:

 

Red Sangria:

(I love that this one incorporates green apples for tartness and some color)

3/4 cup simple syrup, equal parts sugar and water

2 bottles red wine

3/4 cup brandy

1/2 cup triple sec

3/4 cup orange juice

2 oranges, sliced into thin round

2 green apples, cored and sliced thin

2 lemons, sliced into thin rounds

Boil water + pour over sugar to dissolve. Cool. Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher and refrigerate, covered, 2 hours or up to 2 days. Serve over ice.

Credit:  Bobby Flay

 

White Sangria

(I like my white sangria full of the sweetness of peaches, like a bellini)

1 Bottle of white wine  (H says a “big” bottle, 1.5 L)

1/2 cup Peach Schnapps

1/4 to 1/2 cup sugar (depending on how sweet you prefer your Sangria)

2 sliced peaches (frozen peach slices work well)

1 sliced orange

1/2 mango peeled and sliced

1/2 liter of ginger ale

Pour wine and Schnapps in the pitcher and add sliced peach, orange, and mango. Next add sugar and stir gently. Chill mixture for at least one hour. Add ginger ale or club soda just before serving.

Credit: About.com

 

Blue Sangria

(There are plenty of recipes that call for blue curacao as the pigment, but I came up with this recipe that uses natural ingredients.  It will produce more of a purple color, so if you are dying for a bright blue tint, sub in the curacao for  the blueberry vodka)

To make Blueberry/Blackberry Simple Syrup:  Warm 1 cup of sugar, 2 cups of water, and a ¼ cup each of blueberries and blackberries  over medium-high heat, until sugar dissolves, about 5-6 minutes.

1 Cup Blueberry/Blackberry Simple Syrup

2 Bottles of white wine or a light-bodied red wine (such as a pinot noir)

1 Cup blueberry vodka

1 package blueberries

1 Package Blackberries

Juice of  2 lemons

1 lemon, sliced

Seltzer to taste

Muddle half of the package of blueberries and half of the Blackberries in the bottom of a pitcher with a wooden spoon.  Pour in the simple syrup, wine, vodka, and lemon juice and stir to mix.  If it is too sweet, add seltzer to taste. Chill mixture for at least one hour.  Garnish each glass of sangria with some of the berries and lemon slices.

 

Doing a dry run on Flag Day will ensure you'll perfect them in time for a great 4^th!

 

Cheers,

H*

 Readers, anyone have a favorite sangria recipe, or a favorite patriotic beverage? Leave a comment.

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