Sangria

Sangria is a cocktail made for sharing. A fresh, vibrant pitcher of the Spanish punch served during a summer BBQ is guaranteed to put a smile on everyone’s faces.

Beyond being a Spanish invention, little is known about the origins of sangria. The name is generally believed to be taken from the Spanish word sangre, which means blood – no doubt in reference to the drink’s deep red colour.

Apart from a few staple ingredients, sangria is wonderfully adaptable – recipes vary widely by region and, perhaps more pertinently, what is available! It’s a cocktail perfectly suited to spontaneity – a bottle of plonk, a rummage in the back of the liquor cabinet, a good dash of lemonade and whatever you’ve got left in the fruit bowl can result in a surprisingly delicious and refreshing drink.