Sangria and paella. Two gems of Spanish gastronomy that are perhaps more popular worldwide than in Spain itself. Sangria is often the drink tourists want to order as their first Spanish beverage (ideally alongside Spanish paella as their first meal).
For Spaniards, however, the traditional bar drink is the extremely popular tinto de verano. They also love sangria, but they usually prepare it at home according to traditional recipes. In authentic sangria, the fruit must be macerated in the wine for several hours to allow the flavors to blend. This process is often skipped in many tourist spots, where tourists are frequently served a quickly and easily prepared tinto de verano with a shot of vermouth and a few freshly cut fruit pieces, which is not traditional sangria.
As a result, sangria in Spanish restaurants often has the reputation among locals of being a tourist drink. However, it is certainly possible to find traditionally prepared sangria! In Madrid, for instance, it is served at the restaurant Ojalá (I tried it there with my parents in August 2021, and it was perfect – see my tips on Where to Eat in Madrid), and you can find it elsewhere as well.
It’s worth seeking out; traditionally prepared sangria is excellent.
Spanish Sangria
The History of Sangria
Spanish sangria has roots that date back to Roman times. Over 2,000 years ago, the Romans traveled across the Iberian Peninsula, planting vineyards along the way. Water was not safe to drink at that time, so it was common to add alcohol, which killed any bacteria. The Romans also experimented with adding fruit, spices, and herbs, laying the foundation for modern sangria. By the 18th century, sangria had become a popular drink at Spanish celebrations and festivals, from where it later spread around the world.
🇪🇸 Tip: After a great Spanish food, make sure to experience some authentic Spanish flamenco. I attended a performance at Las Carboneras tablao flamenco in Madrid, which I highly recommend. However, performances are available all over Spain, and you can buy tickets in advance online.
Types of Sangria
There are many different variations of sangria. The base is always wine, most commonly red, but you can also find white sangria. Fresh fruits like oranges, lemons, apples, pears, or peaches are added to sangria. For additional flavor, you can add brandy, vermouth, or even vodka. Ice is essential, as is a little soda or still water if desired. In Spain, every household makes its own sangria, there is no single universal recipe.
Some of the most popular types of sangria include:
- Traditional Spanish sangria with red wine and citrus fruits
- White sangria with white wine, peaches, and nectarines
- Cava sangria with sparkling cava wine and strawberries
- Sangriarita – a combination of sangria and margarita
How to Make Sangria
Making sangria is very simple. It takes minimal time to prepare, and the result is always fantastic. Simply cut the fruit into pieces, place it in a pitcher, and pour wine over it. For better flavor, I recommend adding a little vermouth or brandy and a whole cinnamon stick. Let the sangria sit in the fridge for at least 4 hours, ideally overnight, so the flavors blend beautifully. By allowing the fruit to macerate in the wine for a long time, you’ll create true, authentic sangria. Before serving, add chilled water (or soda if you prefer a sparkling version), ice, and garnish with citrus slices. If you enjoy a variety of flavors and are not afraid to experiment, don’t hesitate to add less traditional fruits like watermelon, pineapple, or mango to your sangria.
Interesting Facts About Sangria
- According to legend, sangria was first served to British sailors in the port of Cádiz.
- In 1964, sangria was declared the national drink of Spain at the World’s Fair in New York.
- In some regions of Spain, sangria is not consumed and is considered a tourist drink.
- The largest sangria in the world was mixed in Marbella in 2011. It had a volume of 1970 liters.
Cheers, and drink responsibly!
🇪🇸 Tip: After a great Spanish meal, go for a wine tasting or a vineyard tour, which you can find throughout Spain. It is worth it! 🍷
