An easy way to distinguish between the two is the..

An easy way to distinguish between the two is the fruit on top.

Sangria is wine (red, white or rose) mixed with Brandy, Triple Sec (sometimes), soda of some sort or Cava, and fresh fruit as garnish (apples, oranges, grapes, berries, peaches, etc) all over ice.  Usually this is made overnight or earlier in the day to allow the flavors to combine nicely before serving.  Everyone has a different way to make it.  And everyone is convinced theirs is the best.  In our Tapas Café we are incredibly proud of our Sangria.  Our Cafe Manager, Victoria, makes small batches with her special secret recipe and we’re convinced it is the best we’ve ever tried!  (see what I mean).  For the rest of us at home, we’ll include some easy recipes to try out below.

Tinto de Verano (quite literally ‘red wine of summer’) is a much simpler combination of red wine and fizzy/soda-type drink over ice.  In Spain this is usually Casera, but you can substitute it state-side with Kas Limon soda from Despaña.  We’d suggest using an inexpensive bottle of fruity red wine with low to no oak influence.  Bodegas Sommos “Xiloca” is a perfect juicy Garnacha from Calatayud that tastes great on its own, but could be combined into a spritz with ease.

Here are a few creative recipes to test out this summer.  Invite a few friends over and give one of these sunny “cocktails” a try!

Mango-Peach Sangria with Costers del Sio “Petit Sios Blanco” a lovely blend of Viognier from Cataluñya.

Strawberry & Lemoncello Rosé Sangria with Enanzo Rosado from Navarra.

Blood Orange, Watermellon & Dark Cherry Sangria with Finca La Estacada Tinto Velasco 8 ½ (a juicy and rare red grape made in a chillable, fruit-forward, loveable way from Castilla-La Mancha.