Rose Sangria

Sangria is one of those drinks that just sounds delicious. The thought of having a crisp glass of sangria on a warm summer day makes my heart skip a beat. I know how cheesy that sounds, but it’s true! Sangria’s origins come from Spain, and actually translates to “blood,” which connects to the deep red hue of red wine. It’s traditional grape/wine varietal is a Tempranillo grape, usually found in the Rioja region. I’ve had wine from the Rioja region, and lately have fallen in love with Spanish wine in general. You obviously don’t need to use Tempranillo in your sangria, especially given that this recipe calls for Rosé, but it’s good to know where certain recipes originate from, giving the culture its proper recognition. Read more about Rioja wine here!

I didn’t always like Rosé wine. I am a red wine drinker by default, and finding that perfect Rosé has been a challenge for me. I stumbled into a wine store (pun intended, but no I was not drunk stumbling in there) and asked the store manager for their recommendation of Rosé wine for sangria. It never hurts to ask for assistance! We agreed upon a Robert Mondavi Rosé and I have to say, it was pretty delicious. I’m not a wine sommelier, however, I know what I like and I can sometimes pick up on notes in wine. Nevertheless, this wine was perfect for my Sangria recipe. Sangria incorporates freshly diced fruit, wine, something to dilute the wine such as club soda, and other liquors such as vodka. This recipe does just that without crazy frills.

Rose Sangria Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of semi dry Rosé wine, chilled
• 1 apple, diced
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1/2 cup raspberries
• 2 shots grapefruit vodka
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 liter lemon/lime soda ( I like to use Fresca, it’s super old school but it has a beautiful citrus flavor and adds to the overall aromas of the wine).
• 2 handfuls of ice cubes

Rose Sangria Directions:

Start by rinsing all of your fruit and dicing the apple. Pour the fruit into the bottom of a large pitcher and add in the ice cubes. Pour in the bottle of wine, grapefruit vodka, lemon juice, and stir to combine. Last, add in the fresca and stir. Add in more ice if desired and/or more fruit. Let chill for an hour to allow the ingredients to marry and serve!