Sangria is such a classic Spanish drink that most people who have visited the country have tasted it in several variations. Here’s chef Rafael’s homemade recipe for sangria with a good splash of cognac and vodka or gin to taste.
If you ask a Spaniard where he or she is going to drink sangria, they will look at you with incomprehension. Spaniards never go out for sangria. It is served only to tourists in the country’s bars and restaurants. On the other hand, more Spaniards like to make the red drink at home, and in many homes they develop their own recipe. Alcohol is not spared in Spanish homes when the red fizzy drink is mixed with red wine, soft drinks and fresh fruit, and tastes far better than the store-bought sangria in Spanish bars. I had this Spanish sangria at the home of paella chef Rafael, and it tastes really good and is perfect for Danish summer evenings in the garden. You can serve it with snacks and tapas, and it also goes really well with paella.
How to make sangria
You will need:
1 bottle of red wine (it does not have to be the most expensive from the wine cellar)
1 Fanta or lemon soda
4-5 tbsp sugar
1 shot cognac
1 shot vodka or gin
Mix everything together in a glass jug and put it in the fridge.
Cut various fruits such as apples, oranges and pears into small pieces. Serve the ice-cold sangria with the fruit pieces and ice cubes.
Tips for snacks with your sangria
If you want to serve some tasty snacks with your sangria, try these delicious marcona almonds, cooked in the oven and seasoned with Moroccan spice Ras el Hanout.
If you fancy a change from sangria to another Spanish drink, try the delicious Valencía drink with freshly squeezed orange, cava and a splash of alcohol. It is very refreshing on a hot summer day.
