For this month’s herb infused cocktail of the month, I’m changing things up a little bit. We have a few events coming up at The Oaks Bed and Breakfast and want to have an easy way to mix up a big batch of cocktails so they are ready when ordered. For this month we are trying out and mixing up some delicious Sangria.
The best thing about Sangria is that you can make it your own. If you want it to be sweeter, add more juice. If you want to have a white Sangria instead of a red, use white wine. There are even Sangria recipes that do not use wine at all, but are rather a mixture of a multitude of spirits. However you choose to make your Sangria is the right way. There can be no wrong ways. Sangria works great as a party drink, since it can be made ahead of time to be ready for pouring when your guests arrive.
Dress up your Sangria with matching fruit to the flavors you are melding together. Or with whatever fruit you have on hand. We like to use berries and citrus, specifically oranges or blood oranges. Apples can work as well, since there should be some citrus to help keep them from turning brown.
For this month, we are keeping to a more traditional Sangria and using red wine. But we will also probably end up swapping our wines around to change things up, based on the event.
Sangria
2 cans Underwood Pinot Noir
1 ½ cups pineapple juice
1 cup Cognac
A mix of fresh fruit
Splash of Club Soda
Fresh Mint
Prepare your fruit in your pitcher that you will serve your guests. Cut up larger pieces like apples to make them bite sized. Add in all the liquid except the Club Soda. The Club soda will be added after pouring into glasses to give it that bubbly look. We have used black berries, oranges, green apples, and strawberries today. Garnish with a slice of fruit and mint. Mint makes the perfect herb to pair with your Sangria.
Like we said earlier, make this your own. Mix up your wine options with a white wine. We used cans since it’s easy to use and makes portioning the drink easier. If you want a more tart drink, change out your juice option. Orange juice or even cranberry juice. Club soda can also be substituted with Sprite or Sparkling water.
This makes an easy mocktail as well. Drop the wine, and cognac, and mix in more juice and bubbles of choice. You can always use sparkling wine, for a little extra touch of class for those not imbibing in alcohol. Remember to always drink responsibly, and have a designated driver. Cheers!
