SANGRIA

Sangria with fresh fruits and whiskey: a vibrant and refreshing recipe

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Chilling time: 24 hours
Total time: 24 hours and 30 minutes
Servings: 6-8

Sangria is more than just a drink; it's a celebration in a glass, an explosion of flavors and colors that brings a smile to your face. This fresh fruit and whiskey sangria recipe is perfect for hot summer days or parties with friends. With a blend of semi-sweet red wine, fresh juices, and delicious fruits, you'll create a drink that will delight the senses.

The history of sangria is fascinating, with deep roots in Mediterranean culture. This drink has evolved over time, becoming a symbol of conviviality and pleasant moments spent with loved ones. Each sangria recipe is unique, and the one we will prepare together is truly special due to the addition of whiskey, which gives it a distinct note and enriches the complexity of the flavor.

Your ingredients for this delicious sangria are:

Ingredients:
- 1 liter of very aromatic semi-sweet red wine
- Juice from 3 fresh oranges
- Juice from 1 lemon
- Juice from 1 grapefruit
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 1 large peach, peeled and sliced
- 2 pears, peeled and sliced
- 3-4 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 100 ml whiskey (Jack Daniels is an excellent choice)
- 500 ml sparkling water

Step by step: how to make the perfect sangria

1. Preparing the base mixture: In a large bowl (preferably glass, to showcase the vibrant colors), add the semi-sweet red wine. Make sure to choose a quality wine, as it will influence the final taste of the sangria. For example, a wine with red fruit notes will perfectly complement the fresh fruits we will add.

2. Adding the juices: Squeeze the juice from the 3 oranges, lemon, and grapefruit. It is essential that the juices are pulp-free, so you can use a manual or electric juicer. Add the obtained juices to the bowl with the wine.

3. Sweetening the mixture: Add the sugar, adjusting the amount to taste. Start with 3 tablespoons, mixing well to ensure the sugar dissolves completely. Taste the mixture, and if you want a sweeter note, you can add more sugar.

4. Flavoring: Place the cinnamon stick in the mixture. This will infuse the drink with a warm and comforting aroma. Let it sit in the mixture to release its flavor.

5. Adding the whiskey: Signal a special note by adding 100 ml of whiskey. This ingredient will add a remarkable depth to the sangria, beautifully contrasting with the fresh fruits.

6. Preparing the fruits: Wash the oranges and lemon well, then cut them into thin slices. Peel the peach and pears, slicing them, and add them to the bowl with the wine and juice mixture. Gently stir to distribute the fruits evenly.

7. Chilling the sangria: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for about 24 hours. This resting time is essential for the flavors to combine and intensify.

8. Serving the sangria: When you're ready to serve the drink, take a glass and fill it with 3/4 of the sangria mixture. Top up with 1/4 sparkling water to give it a pleasant effervescence. Add a few ice cubes to keep the drink cold and refreshing.

Useful tips:
- Make sure all fruits are fresh and ripe to get the best flavor.
- You can experiment with other fruits, such as strawberries or pineapple, adding them to the sangria mixture for a delicious variation.
- If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can omit the whiskey and add more orange juice or sparkling water for a refreshing taste.
- Sangria is perfect to be served alongside a cheese platter, olives, or tapas, creating an unforgettable culinary experience.

Nutritional benefits:
This fresh fruit sangria is not only delicious but also full of vitamins. The added fruits are rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and fiber, contributing to a healthy diet. Red wine, when consumed in moderation, is associated with certain health benefits, including supporting cardiovascular health.

Calories:
A serving of sangria (approximately 250 ml) contains about 150-200 calories, depending on the amount of sugar used and the type of wine.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can sangria be kept for more than 24 hours?
While it is recommended to consume it after 24 hours, you can keep sangria in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, the flavors will become more intense, and the fruits will soften.

2. What type of wine should I use?
Choose a semi-sweet red wine with a rich aroma. Merlot, Zinfandel, or Garnacha wines are excellent options.

3. Can I adapt the recipe for a vegan diet?
This recipe is already vegan, so you can enjoy it without worries!

4. What other drinks pair well with sangria?
Sangria pairs perfectly with refreshing drinks or citrus-based cocktails. You can try a mojito or fresh lemonade alongside it.

I hope this fresh fruit and whiskey sangria recipe inspires you to spend quality time with loved ones! Enjoy!