Sangria

Sangria is Spain's quintessential summer drink, often enjoyed for its refreshing qualities at parties. Originating in the 15th century, it was created to make wine sweeter and more palatable for those who disliked the taste of plain wine. Traditionally, authentic Sangria is made from red wine, brandy, sugar, and fruit.

From Hippocras to Sangria: A Long History

The early history of Sangria began with the Greeks and Romans, who mixed wine with water, honey, herbs, and spices, calling it Hippocras. As water at the time was often unsafe to drink, they mixed it with alcohol from wine to kill bacteria. This method not only provided safe drinking water but also resulted in a novel-tasting wine. Later, this culture spread to Spain around 700 AD, but the drink soon disappeared as the wine business in Spain halted due to the Islamic conquest of the Iberian Peninsula in 711 AD.

It wasn't until 1492 AD, when the occupation ended, that this drink regained popularity in Spain. However, the Spanish adjusted the recipe slightly by adding fruit and named it Sangria, which means blood, due to the drink's deep red, blood-like color.

From Peasant Drink to Global Popularity

Initially, Sangria was considered a drink for peasants and was not popular among the upper classes, as it was often made with cheap or nearly expired wine. However, over time, Sangria gained more widespread appeal when the upper classes began to use more expensive wines for it. Eventually, Sangria made its way to the United States in the late 1940s.

In the United States, Sangria became a hit at the New York World's Fair in 1964, where Spanish vendors served it to attendees. From then on, Sangria's popularity rapidly spread across the United States, becoming a staple drink in many restaurants and bars.

Sangria Today: Diverse Recipes and Preparation Techniques

Today, Sangria has evolved into many variations, including both alcoholic and non-alcoholic versions. Each region and country has developed its own unique recipes, incorporating white wine, sparkling wine, or various fruits. However, in Spain, the traditional recipe still uses red wine, brandy, sugar, and fruit.

A common technique for making Sangria involves soaking fruit in wine overnight, similar to infused water. This method allows the fruit flavors to perfectly blend with the wine. It's often prepared in large batches, in big pitchers. Before serving, soda and ice are added, and sometimes a few extra fruit slices are used to garnish the glass.