Savor the flavor of summer with this refreshing mixed berry sangria. This beverage encapsulates the taste of ripe, juicy berries melding with the richness of red wine and brandy, accented by a burst of citrus from fresh orange juice. It's the perfect partner for a sun-drenched patio or a cozy evening indoors.
All of the ingredients for this sangria recipe are easily accessible in any supermarket. However, it's important to note that the choice of red wine can greatly impact the final flavor. Consider a fruity, medium-bodied wine like a Merlot or a Zinfandel. For the mixed berries, feel free to use fresh or frozen, and any blend of strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, or blackberries.
Mixed Berry Sangria Ingredients
sugar: Adds sweetness to balance the tartness of the berries and wine.
orange: Provides a citrusy contrast to the berries and wine. Its juice and zest can add depth to the sangria.
mixed berries: The star of this recipe, they impart a delightful fruitiness to the sangria.
red wine: Serves as the base of the sangria. Choose a fruity, medium-bodied variety.
brandy: Intensifies the flavors and adds a warm kick.
orange juice: Brightens the flavors of the sangria.
extra fruit: Enhances the flavor and presentation of the sangria. Can be a mix of citrus slices and extra berries.
soda water: Gives the sangria a lightly fizzy finish. Adds a refreshing lift.
One reader, Dalia Delaney says:
This mixed berry sangria recipe is a game-changer! The blend of berries, red wine, and brandy creates a delightful burst of flavors. The addition of orange juice and soda water gives it a refreshing twist. It's the perfect drink for a summer gathering or a cozy night in. Cheers to this delicious concoction!
Mastering the Art of Mixed Berry Sangria
How to muddle the fruit: Use a wooden spoon or a muddler to gently press and mix the sugar, orange chunks, and mixed berries in the pitcher to release their juices and flavors.
How to steep the sangria: Allow the mixture of red wine, brandy, and orange juice to sit for at least 5 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
How to serve the sangria: Pour the prepared sangria into glasses filled with ice and extra fruit for a refreshing presentation.
How to add bubbles: If desired, top the sangria with soda water or a splash of blood orange soda to add effervescence and enhance the flavor.
How To Make Mixed Berry Sangria
This sangria recipe should be a staple at every summer party. It packs a citrus punch and can be customized with your berries of choice.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3tbspsugar
- 1orange,cut into chunks, seeds removed
- 1¼cupsmixed berries,such as blueberries, raspberries, or strawberries, fresh or frozen
- 3cupsred wine,(one 750 ml bottle)
- ⅓cupbrandy
- ¾cuporange juice
- fruit,extra, optional for garnish
- soda water,or blood orange soda, optional
Instructions
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Place the sugar, orange chunks, and berries into a pitcher and smash with a wooden spoon or a muddler to release some of the juices and break up the fruit a little bit.
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Add the red wine, brandy, and orange juice and steep for about 5 minutes or up to 2 hours.
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Pour into glasses filled with ice and extra fruit.
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If desired, add some soda water or a little blood orange soda to the sangria.
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Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 146.01kcal
- Fat: 0.14g
- Saturated Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.05g
- Carbohydrates: 14.68g
- Fiber: 0.99g
- Sugar: 11.01g
- Protein: 0.55g
- Sodium: 4.13mg
- Calcium: 17.60mg
- Potassium: 206.24mg
- Iron: 0.54mg
- Vitamin A: 4.82µg
- Vitamin C: 22.58mg
Elevate Your Mixed Berry Sangria with This Simple Technique
When making your mixed berry sangria, it's important to remember that the type of red wine you use can greatly affect the overall taste. A full-bodied wine like a Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot will give your sangria a robust, rich flavor, while a lighter wine like a Pinot Noir or a Zinfandel will result in a more fruity and light sangria. Don't be afraid to experiment with different wines to find your perfect balance. Also, using fresh, in-season berries will give your sangria a more vibrant and flavorful taste.
Time-Saving Hacks for Mixed Berry Sangria Preparation
Prep ahead: Chop fruits and prepare the sugar, wine, and brandy mixture in advance to save time when making the sangria.
Use frozen berries: If fresh berries are not available, using frozen berries can save time on washing and cutting.
Quick steep: If you're short on time, you can steep the sangria for just 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Chill ingredients: Chill the wine, brandy, and orange juice beforehand to reduce the time needed for the sangria to cool before serving.
Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of sangria and store it in the refrigerator for a few days, allowing the flavors to develop and saving time for future servings.
Substitute Ingredients For Mixed Berry Sangria Recipe
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add a natural sweetness and depth of flavor to the sangria, and it also pairs well with the fruits and wine.
red wine - Substitute with cranberry juice: Cranberry juice can provide a similar rich color and fruity flavor to the sangria, while also making it non-alcoholic for those who prefer a non-alcoholic version.
brandy - Substitute with rum: Rum can bring a different depth of flavor and sweetness to the sangria, complementing the mixed berries and orange juice.
orange juice - Substitute with pineapple juice: Pineapple juice can add a tropical twist to the sangria, providing a sweet and tangy flavor that pairs well with the mixed berries.
mixed berries - Substitute with sliced peaches: Sliced peaches can offer a similar juicy and sweet element to the sangria, adding a different fruity dimension to the drink.
orange - Substitute with lemon: Lemon can provide a citrusy brightness to the sangria, similar to the orange, while adding a slightly different flavor profile.
Presenting the Perfect Mixed Berry Sangria
Elevate the glassware: Choose elegant, crystal-clear glassware to serve the mixed berry sangria. The presentation should exude sophistication and refinement, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
Garnish with fresh berries: Adorn the rim of the glass with a medley of fresh mixed berries to add a pop of color and a touch of natural beauty to the presentation.
Incorporate citrus twists: Add a delicate twist of orange peel to each glass, creating a visually appealing and aromatic element that complements the sangria's flavors.
Utilize a stylish pitcher: Present the sangria in a sleek, elegant pitcher that showcases the rich, vibrant hues of the beverage, adding an element of flair to the serving process.
Enhance with edible flowers: Introduce a subtle touch of elegance by delicately placing edible flowers atop the sangria, creating a visually stunning and Instagram-worthy presentation.
Serve on a silver tray: Elevate the presentation by serving the sangria on a polished silver tray, exuding luxury and sophistication while adding a touch of old-world charm to the overall dining experience.
Accompany with artisanal glass stirrers: Offer artisanal glass stirrers as an accompaniment, adding a touch of refinement and providing a functional yet stylish element to the presentation.
Use a linen napkin: Present the sangria glass on a crisp, white linen napkin to add a touch of elegance and create a clean, polished look that complements the overall presentation.
Essential Tools for Crafting a Delightful Sangria
Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting, slicing, and chopping ingredients.
Chef's knife: A versatile kitchen knife used for a variety of tasks such as chopping, slicing, and dicing.
Mixing bowl: A bowl used for combining ingredients and mixing them together.
Wooden spoon: A kitchen utensil used for stirring, mixing, and cooking.
Pitcher: A container with a spout used for mixing and serving beverages.
Muddler: A tool used for mashing fruits and herbs in cocktails and beverages.
Ice: Used for chilling drinks and keeping them cold.
Glasses: Used for serving the mixed berry sangria.
Preserving the Freshness: Storing and Freezing Mixed Berry Sangria
- Sangria can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The longer it sits, the more the fruit flavors will infuse into the wine.
- To store, pour the sangria into a large pitcher or container with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure to include all the fruit pieces as well.
- If you want to make the sangria ahead of time, prepare it without adding the soda water or ice. Add these just before serving to keep the sangria bubbly and chilled.
- For best quality, consume the sangria within 3 days of making it. The fruit will start to break down and become mushy after this time.
- If you have leftover sangria that you want to save for later, you can freeze it into ice cubes or popsicles for a refreshing summer treat.
- To freeze, pour the sangria into ice cube trays or popsicle molds. If using popsicle molds, you can add fresh fruit pieces to each mold for added flavor and texture.
- Freeze the sangria until solid, then transfer the cubes or popsicles to a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Frozen sangria cubes can be added to glasses of wine, soda water, or cocktails for an instant flavor boost. The popsicles make a delicious and refreshing treat on their own.
- Frozen sangria will keep well for up to 3 months in the freezer. After this time, the flavor and texture may start to deteriorate.
Surprising Trivia About Mixed Berry Sangria
Sangria is believed to have originated in Spain and Portugal. It was initially a summer drink made with red wine and fruits, and it has since become popular worldwide.
Budget-Friendly Entertaining: Is Mixed Berry Sangria Cost-Effective?
This mixed berry sangria recipe offers a moderate level of cost-effectiveness for a household. The use of seasonal mixed berries and oranges can be budget-friendly, while the red wine and brandy may increase the overall cost. The addition of orange juice and soda water can also contribute to the expense. Considering the serving size for a household of four, the approximate cost would be around $20-$25. The overall verdict rating for this recipe would be 8/10, as it provides a delightful and refreshing beverage with a reasonable cost.
Is Mixed Berry Sangria Healthy or Unhealthy?
The mixed berry sangria recipe, while refreshing and enjoyable, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe contains a significant amount of sugar, which adds empty calories and can contribute to weight gain and other health issues when consumed in excess.
- The main ingredient is red wine, which contains alcohol. While moderate alcohol consumption may have some potential health benefits, excessive intake can lead to various health problems.
- The recipe also includes brandy, another alcoholic beverage that adds to the overall calorie and alcohol content of the sangria.
- The fruits used in the recipe, such as oranges and mixed berries, do provide some vitamins and antioxidants. However, the nutritional benefits are somewhat overshadowed by the added sugar and alcohol.
To make this sangria recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the amount of added sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or agave nectar in moderation.
- Use a smaller quantity of red wine or opt for a lower alcohol content wine to decrease the overall alcohol intake.
- Replace the brandy with a splash of unsweetened fruit juice, such as cranberry or pomegranate, to add flavor without the extra alcohol.
- Increase the proportion of fruits in the recipe to boost the vitamin, mineral, and fiber content. Add a variety of colorful fruits like sliced apples, pears, or peaches.
- Instead of serving the sangria over ice, freeze some of the fruit beforehand and use them as ice cubes to avoid diluting the drink and add an extra fruity flavor.
- Limit the portion size of the sangria and alternate with glasses of water or sparkling water to stay hydrated and reduce overall alcohol and calorie intake.
An Editor's Take on This Refreshing Mixed Berry Sangria
This mixed berry sangria recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The use of fresh berries and orange chunks adds a refreshing and vibrant touch to the drink. The addition of brandy and orange juice complements the red wine beautifully, creating a well-balanced and flavorful sangria. The option to add soda water or blood orange soda provides a fun and effervescent twist. Overall, this recipe offers a perfect blend of sweetness and tartness, making it a wonderful choice for entertaining or simply enjoying a relaxing evening. Cheers to a delightful and refreshing mixed berry sangria!
Enhance Your Mixed Berry Sangria Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
Exploring Alternative Sangria Recipes
Why trust this Mixed Berry Sangria Recipe:
This mixed berry sangria recipe offers a delightful blend of red wine, brandy, and orange juice, creating a luscious and refreshing beverage. The addition of fresh mixed berries and orange chunks infuses the drink with natural sweetness and vibrant flavors. The option to add soda water or blood orange soda provides a fizzy twist, enhancing the overall drinking experience. With its simple preparation and the opportunity to let the flavors meld, this recipe promises a delightful and enjoyable sangria that's perfect for any occasion.
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