Citrus Sangria

Sangria is one of my favorite drink @ Spanish restaurants. One liter of this yummy concoction will cost an average of $20 in restaurants. This will usually give 4-5 people a glass each. Now, making it at home will of course cost less (just like every other food you make yourself!).

There are many versions and many ways to make sangria. You can add almost any kind of fruits to this “punch” and it will still be good. There are even white wine versions of Sangria which are equally yummy. It’s all about your personal preference. Just be sure to serve it ice cold though! And don’t water it down too much! =)

CITRUS SANGRIA RECIPE

Ingredients;

• 1 Large Bottle of Merlot (1.5 L), Chilled
• 1 Cup Orange Juice
• 1 Cup Water
• 1/2 Cup Sugar
• 1 Orange, Thinly Sliced
• 1 Lime, Thinly Sliced
• 1 Lemon, Thinly Sliced
• 2-3 Cups Ice (or more)

Method:

Put 1 Cup of water and sugar in a pot over medium high heat and let mixture cook until all sugar has dissolved. Set syrup aside and let it cool.

Empty a whole large bottle of merlot, orange juice, syrup (half or all) and fruit slices. Let mixture sit for about 30 minutes to an hour (or more) in the fridge. Add ice into the bowl  before serving.

June’s comments: I used Sutter Home’s Merlot which cost less than $10 for a large 1.5L bottle. Feel free to garnish your wine glass with a slice of citrus tucked at the rim of the glass for garnish! You don’t need to use all the syrup for the Sangria. This is up to you on how you like your Sangria, on the sweeter side or not. This large bowl of Sangria was enough for 5 people, about 2 glasses each.