Sangria, the delicious and refreshing drink made with wine, fruit, and liquor, has a rich history in Spain, Portugal, and even the West Indies. In the United States, it has gained popularity as a go-to beverage during warm weather due to its drinkability and the added bonus of enjoying booze-soaked fruit. While sangria is incredibly versatile and can be made with different types of wine and fruits, following expert-recommended guidelines can elevate your homemade sangria to new heights. HuffPost reached out to wine experts for their tips on making the best sangria at home, and they did not disappoint. Marcia McColl, an instructor at The Capital Wine School in Washington D.C., loves sangria because of her affinity for fruity flavors. She prefers using red wine and recommends semi-dry options such as House of Brown red blend or Lini 910 Lambrusco, a sparkling red. She also suggests using pinot noir for a lighter option. White wine options like Vinho Verde or Dark Horse’s roses and pinots are also excellent choices. McColl likes to pick affordable wines from wineries owned by women and people of color. If she uses sparkling wine, the sangria already has bubbles, but if she opts for a non-sparkling wine, she adds carbonated water for that extra kick. While many recipes call for sugar and orange juice, McColl omits both. She substitutes orange juice with an orange-y triple sec like Cointreau and suggests adding orange or cranberry juice if desired. The key is to soak the fruit in dark liqueur for 24 hours. McColl advises against adding clear liquors like vodka or tequila, as they can overpower the sangria. She believes that tequila adds a harsh flavor, and vodka tends to dominate the drink. To achieve the perfect balance between tart and sweet, McColl treats making sangria like making soup, where substitutions can be made based on personal preferences. Her favorite fruits to use are mangoes, but she also enjoys peaches, strawberries, and pineapple when they’re in season. She cuts the fruit without muddling it and lets it marinate in the wine before mixing everything together. According to McColl, the bottom of the glass holds another special treat with the soaked fruit. To make sangria, pour a whole bottle of wine into a pitcher, add half a cup of liquor or liquors/liqueurs, and a half- or third-cup of fruit. For garnish, McColl suggests adding mint, strawberry, or an orange slice to the side of the wine glass. Jeri Carter, the owner of Queen’s Reward Meadery in Tupelo, Mississippi, has been experimenting with mead and sangria. Mead, made from fermented honey mixed with water and fruits, is well-suited for creating sangria. Carter believes that the appeal of sangria lies in the fact that some people enjoy the idea of wine but not its taste. Blackberry, cranberry, and lemon meads are appealing alternatives for those who don’t enjoy the flavor of wine. To cater to those who prefer sweeter sangria, Carter suggests adding Moscato or a dash of Sprite. For a drier sangria, she recommends using a dry champagne or sparkling wine that doesn’t add sweetness like Sprite does. Carter enjoys incorporating strawberries, blueberries, and apple chunks into her sangria but advises against adding orange slices as they can make the drink too bitter. The key is to strike a balance between the different flavors. In conclusion, sangria is a delicious and versatile drink that can be customized according to individual preferences. By following expert tips and recommendations, you can create a fantastic sangria at home. Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé wine, there is a sangria recipe out there that will suit your taste buds. So, gather your favorite fruits, select your preferred wine, and get creative with this delightful concoction. Cheers to enjoying a glass of homemade sangria on a warm-weather day!

**Blog Post Title:** Experimenting with Sangria: A Refreshing Twist for Summer

**Intro:**

Sangria, a classic Spanish drink, has always been a favorite among wine enthusiasts. But what if we told you that there’s a whole new world of possibilities when it comes to this fruity concoction? In this blog post, we will take you on a journey of experimenting with sangria, introducing you to unique ideas and flavor combinations that will surely impress your guests at your next summer gathering.

**Body:**

1. **Getting Creative with Fruit:** While most recipes call for fresh fruit, have you ever considered using frozen fruit to add a twist to your sangria? By freezing the fruit in wine and making ice cubes or a slushie, you can create a visually appealing and refreshing beverage. For instance, frozen peaches work wonders in sangria as they retain their texture and prevent the drink from becoming overly mushy.

2. **Breaking the Rules with Liquor:** We often associate sangria with wine and brandy, but have you ever thought of adding a shot of tequila to the mix? Many would presume that tequila might not complement the flavors of sangria, but sometimes it’s the unexpected combinations that surprise us the most. One adventurous sangria enthusiast, Monica Carter, shares her experience of adding tequila to sangria and how it turned out to be absolutely delicious. Who would’ve thought?

3. **Adding a Spicy Kick:** If you’re someone who enjoys a bit of heat, why not try making a spicy sangria? Monica Carter, known for her love of experimenting, plans on using her honey habanero mead to create a unique twist on this classic drink. She believes that as you add other fruits and juices, the spiciness is naturally diluted, resulting in a well-balanced and tantalizing beverage.

4. **The Perfect Summertime Drink:** Whether you choose to stick to the traditional recipe or go for a more adventurous spin, everyone can agree that sangria is the ultimate summertime drink. With its fruity flavors and a touch of alcohol, it offers a refreshing experience without overwhelming your senses. Picture yourself sitting outside on a hot summer day, sipping on a glass of chilled sangria – pure bliss.

**Conclusion:**

In conclusion, sangria is not just a simple blend of wine and fruit. It is a canvas for creativity and experimentation. By thinking outside the box and exploring different combinations of fruit, liquor, and spices, you can create a personalized sangria that will leave a lasting impression on your guests. So, go ahead, let your imagination run wild, and embrace the refreshing twist of sangria this summer. Cheers to new flavors and memorable moments!