Sangria seems to be a difficult drink to make - so many restaurants serve a syrupy and overly sweet version with a lime as a garnish.
Here's big news: Sangria is not rocket science! It's a simple beverage that people in Spain made with the ingredients they had on hand. Here are some keys to make great variations of the delicious beverage:
1. Keep it simple! If a recipe calls for a bunch of liquors and flavored vodkas, chances are, it's over-doing it. Stick to one wine, one portion of a single liquor, and fruit.
2. Buy good fruit to go in it! Don't expect the alcohol to make the fruit taste good - the fruit is present to offer a light and fresh sweetness that makes the beverage refreshing. You will always need a citrus, but after that, pick out what looks good.
3. Chose a mild wine that can easily complement and absorb new flavors.
3. Porous fruits do work. They offer up their flavor as the liquid seeps into their substance.
5. Use a club soda or light flavored soda (like "peach lemon" that you can find in the specialty soda section - chose a flavor that works with your fruit). Be sure to add right before serving.
As you compliment your wine with your fruit, you should find yourself drinking a lightly sweet, refreshing beverage.
These tips are given to you by Rebecca Sanborn, favorite local bartender.
