What is the perfect way to welcome the arrival of summer ? A fresh carafe of sangria is the ideal choice to make your dinner with friends even more festive. This traditional Spanish drink , loved all over the world, combines wine , spices and fresh fruit to create an irresistible mix that tastes of sun, joy and conviviality.
Sangria has roots deeply anchored in Spanish history and culture . This drink has traveled through the centuries and beyond national borders, evolving into numerous variations that reflect local traditions and tastes. In addition to its gastronomic value , sangria has taken on a strong cultural and social meaning over time. In fact, it is synonymous with conviviality , sharing and celebration, reflecting the Spanish philosophy of life , centered on family, friends and enjoying the small pleasures of life .
With our wine spices , organizing a cocktail party will be really easy: packs full of high quality spices ready to mix with wine. With a pinch of creativity and desire to experiment, you will be ready to amaze your guests with the best of mixology : a cocktail based on red or white wine that will represent shared happy moments .
The history of sangria
The first evidence of the use of spiced wine comes from ancient Egypt and Greece, where wine was frequently mixed with honey , herbs and resins to improve the flavor of the wine , but also to preserve it for longer , a crucial aspect in a era without modern conservation systems.
Sangria , in its modern form, can be seen as the natural evolution of this long history of spiced wine . The history of sangria begins in the Iberian Peninsula , where already in Roman times there was a habit of flavoring wine with fruit and spices. This practice was not just a matter of taste, but also a necessity: water was often polluted and wine represented a safer and more hygienic choice .
As the centuries passed, sangria continued to evolve. Each region of Spain has developed its own version of the drink, using the local fruit and wines available, resulting in a rich variety of recipes . Despite this diversification, the basic elements have remained the same: wine, fruit and spices to enrich the flavor.
The great leap of sangria, from a local drink to a global phenomenon, occurred in the 20th century, particularly during the 1964 New York World's Fair. Presented as a typical Spanish drink, sangria conquered the palates and hearts of Americans, from which it began to spread throughout the world.
White Sangria or Tinted Sangria: the ingredients for sangria
In the universe of sangria, fruit and spices play a leading role, intertwining their aromas with the wine to create that symphony of flavors that characterizes this sparkling drink. The choice of these ingredients is never random but follows the logic of complementarity and contrast , in a balance that smacks of tradition and innovation .
The fruit , with its natural sweetness, brings a freshness that balances the robustness of the wine. Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons are among the most traditional, offering a tart note that awakens the flavors, while apples and pears add a touch of sweetness and a crunchy texture . Peaches and apricots, with their summer scent , help create a softer and more enveloping dimension. Berries , pineapple and mango , on the other hand, introduce an exotic element and a palette of flavors that ranges from sweet to sour, enriching the drink with complex nuances .
Spices , on the other hand, are the secret to adding depth and character. Cinnamon sticks are perhaps the most loved, with their flavor blending perfectly with fruit and wine. Cloves and star anise can offer intriguing points of contrast, introducing pungent and aromatic notes that stimulate the palate.
The original recipe for making sangria satisfies both red wine and white wine lovers with its two versions. The classic version is that of sangria tinta , or red sangria, which is prepared by adding fruit such as oranges , apples and peaches . To make white sangria , on the other hand, use dry white wine for a lighter, more delicate flavor. White wine is combined with a selection of fresh, light fruits which can range from citrus fruits such as limes and lemons , to sweeter fruits such as grapes and melon .
