In a pinch, Sangria is a pleasant, unexpected surprise, giving cheer to any meal. Sangria reminds me of champagne, a drink with a reputation for celebration. The myth being you need a reason to celebrate; I think we just need to celebrate more often without a given reason. Besides, this is so easy to pour together. Years ago I picked up a recipe from Martha Stewart, then simplified it to my liking.

Consider assembling a Sangria Kit as a gift; it is fabulous for friends and neighbors during the holidays (especially if they have previously enjoyed it with you!). Place Ingredients artistically in basket, bag or tin. Provide recipe and holiday greetings. I usually include:

1 bottle of Beaujolais (or my dad’s blackberry wine)
1 bottle sparkling blackberry, black cherry or raspberry soda
2 oranges
1 tiny bottle brandy (2 oz)
Small bag of berries: blackberry, currant, cranberry, raspberry
Optional: 2-3 plums, bunch black grapes.

To assemble: pour wine, soda, juice of one orange, 1 orange sliced into thin rounds, brandy and berries in large glass flask or decanter. Optional: add 1-2 T sugar to taste, stir to blend. Can be made 1-2 hours in advance; serve at room temperature.

This entry was posted on Thursday, September 14th, 2006 at 6:55 pm and is filed under Italian food, drinks, kitchen gifts, make ahead. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.