I can’t believe I’m talking about the sushi bar/restaurant Ben and I went to for happy hour in Kansas City AGAIN (it was Kona Grill by the way. Can you tell we had fun?) but pinky swear, this is the last time I’ll bring it up. Oh wait…yeah, no. This is it.
Anyway, after perusing the drink specials after a hot and sweaty marathon shopping session, I noticed Sangria was on the list and my eyes instantly lit up. Cold and refreshing Sangria. With fruit! I like food in my drinks. Ben hates it. I guess he’ll make an exception for blue cheese stuffed olives, but what person in their right mind wouldn’t?
We bellied up to the bar and the bartender asked us for our order. I’d like a Sangria? Like it was a question. It wasn’t. I WANTED THE SANGRIA!
She looked around, leaned in, and whispered, Trust me, you don’t.Â
Damn. Thanks for letting me know, new best friend, but damn. I really wanted that Sangria! Turns out it was basically Koolaid with wine – an overly-sugary version of the summery cocktail that’s supposed to have just a kiss of sweetness.
I ordered my go-to mojito and all was right with the world (their mojitos are bomb, by the way. They come with a rock candy swizzle stick. ‘Nuf said.) but in addition to leaving craving Kung Pao Chicken Lettuce Wraps, our visit also had me thirsty for Best-Ever Sangria, which I came home and promptly made to share with you!
Red wine is mixed with rum and fizzy club soda then lightly sweetened with lots of fresh fruit and a touch of sugar to create the perfect summer cocktail to sip while the sun sets on a hot summer night.
I think people hear the word “Sangria” and think “complicated.” Some Sangria recipes can be complicated – calling for a few different liquors and mixers – but this recipe is different. It’s incredibly easy and calls for everyday ingredients, many of which I’m sure you already have on hand. Plan ahead when making this recipe because it does need to sit in the fridge for several hours or up to overnight. Your patience will be rewarded though, on your first refreshing gulp of this Best-Ever Sangria!
Here’s what you need for a pitcher of Sangria. If you’ve got more than four thirsty friends or family members, I’d make a double batch!
You’ll need white rum, club soda, or ginger ale if you like a sweeter sangria, a lemon, orange, sugar and one bottle of Merlot or Cabernet. I actually prefer Merlot in this Sangria and speaking of, a few years ago at a Flip Flop Wines tasting event I learned that the movie Sideways basically demolished Merlot sales in this country for years and years after it was released. How sad!
I, for one, AM drinking Merlot!
Pour the bottle of wine into a large pitcher along with a sliced lemon and orange, 2-4 Tablespoons sugar (depending on how sweet you like your Sangria – I usually add 3) and 2 shots white rum.Â
Muddle the lemon and orange slices with a big spoon then stash the pitcher in the fridge for at least several hours, or up to overnight. Whatever you do, don’t skip this step because the flavor of the Sangria is totally different at this point vs after sitting and marinating. Patience, grasshopper.
When it’s (finally!) time to serve, add 2 cups club soda or ginger ale. I’ve had this Sangria both ways and it’s totally delish whichever route ya’ go. I will say, if you’re using Ginger Ale you could probably get away with using 1 Tablespoon sugar, or none at all.
Pour the fizzy Sangria over ice then add all kinds of fresh fruit add-ins. My favorites are sliced strawberries, blueberries, and frozen grapes!
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Best-Ever Sangria
Description
Best-Ever Sangria takes minutes to prepare, and is lightly sweet and perfectly refreshing.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle merlot (could use cabernet)
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2-4 Tablespoons sugar, depending on how sweet you like your Sangria
- 3oz (2 shots) white rum
- 2 cups club soda or ginger ale
- Fresh fruit add ins: sliced strawberries, kiwis, blueberries, fresh/frozen grapes
Directions
- Combine wine, lemon, orange, sugar, and rum in a large pitcher then use a wooden spoon to muddle the fruit. Refrigerate for at least several hours or overnight. When ready to serve, add club soda (or ginger ale, if using) to the pitcher then serve in glasses filled with ice and fresh fruit add ins.
- Note: If using ginger ale instead of club soda, cut back on sugar.
This recipe is courtesy of Iowa Girl Eats, http://iowagirleats.com.
Frozen grapes are an awesome addition to this Sangria because they keep your drink cold but don’t dilute it like ice cubes. Win! To freeze grapes, just wash then dry them, and then freeze flat in a plastic baggie.
Whip up a pitcher quick to enjoy under the setting sun!
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This looks so good! I love your idea of using fruit that won’t lose color in the red wine, such as blueberries or green grapes. Sometimes I find that the sliced citrus gets a little too monochrome when soaked in red wine, but this sangria is beautiful! Perfect for serving to guests :)
This sangria looks delish! I have been trying to make more fun cocktails this summer and this will definitely be my next one!must be magic
While this looks amazing, I am a white wine girl. It would be great if you come up with a Best Ever White Sangria!!! I would be forever grateful!!
Here’s my white Sangria recipe! http://iowagirleats.com/2013/12/06/champagne-sangria-punch/
I love the frozen grapes tip!! Very handy
Yum! When I lived in KC years ago we used to sit on the patio at Harry’s Country Club in the Rivermarket area and down pitchers of Sangria on hot days. I remember them being really good, if you ever find yourself craving a sangria in KC again. And now I’m missing Kona!!! :)
ooo, sounds awesome – I love that area too!
OMG Sideways that is funny! “I will NOT drink Merlot!”
Didn’t you have a white wine recipe version of this, too? With different fruits or something?
Here you go! http://iowagirleats.com/2013/12/06/champagne-sangria-punch/
I can’t wait to try the Sangria! My husband and I love making all or your recipes! A little request… could Ben make a guest post?!? I bought my husband a smoker for his first father’s day this year and we are looking for some recipes and tips!!
Ahhh…you’re making me want to call my husband and drive down to the Plaza right this second! (He works on the Plaza) You’re definitely allowed to talk more about it by the way!! ;)
Loooove the idea of frozen grapes! Good call.
Questions:
Why did the movie Sideways demolish Merlot sales?
I’m not a fan of rum. Do you think I should sub vodka or another alcohol or leave it out?
There’s a famous line in that movie that says “I am NOT drinking any #$@! Merlot!” Funny in the movie, but devastating to Merlot sales. Way to go, Hollywood!
Oh, I would just leave the rum out, too!
AH! I love sangria! My favorite Mexican restaurant in Raleigh, NC has barbecue chicken nachos and citrusy strawberry vanilla bean sangria…it is dangerous. I tried my best to do a copy cat so if you want to check it out here is the recipe! Definitely a more complicated sangria but so so worth it! Bonus for Ben there isn’t any solid fruit :).
WOW, that sounds awesome, Caroline!!
sangria is my favorite beverage. had some with my dinner last night!
I just buy the premade bottle from Red Guitar and add my own fruit.
When I go to my inlaws for parties – they always have homemade sangria. So good!
this is just almost not fair. i’m so close, yet SO FAR away from being able to enjoy a pitcher of sangria (yes, i said a pitcher), i almost didn’t read this. but then i thought, that’s stupid, pin this for a month from now yo!
Almost there, Erin!
Ah, Kona’s happy hour gets us every single weekend. Love it! Sending love from Omaha!!
I like fruit in my drink too! It makes me feel fancy!
Looks fantastic, my mouth is officially watering
Gorgeous photos! I might try this with a rose wine too – sounds like the perfect summer weekend drink.
GAH – that just looks like so much fun! All of the colour in the photos are amazing.
http://www.dancingthroughsunday.typepad.com
Bec x
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That was nice of the waitress to warn you! I am totally mojito orderer usually too…but this sangria? Yes please! I am always down for a little switch up, especially when it involves wine. Pinned!
I’ve never had sangria! I don’t drink very often but this looks like a fun one to try this summer.
Isn’t it funny that a movie can have such an effect? I love Merlot! I’m so glad that bartender told you not to order it…paying for a bad drink is the worst. Can’t wait to try this this weekend :) I love your way back wednesday posts.