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Cherry Sangria

Course: Drinks
Cuisine: American

Equipment

  • Equipment Needed: Large pitcher, wooden spoon, and measuring cups

Materials

  • Ingredients
  • For the Cherry Sangria:
  • 1 bottle 750 ml red wine (Spanish wine like Tempranillo is great, but any dry red wine works)
  • 1 cup cherry juice preferably unsweetened
  • 1/2 cup brandy optional
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur like Triple Sec or Cointreau
  • 1 cup fresh cherries pitted and halved (frozen cherries work too)
  • 1 orange sliced
  • 1 lemon sliced
  • 1 lime sliced
  • 1-2 tablespoons sugar optional, to taste
  • 2 cups club soda or lemon-lime soda for added sweetness

Instructions

  • Method
  • Prepare the Fruit: Start by washing and slicing the oranges, lemons, and limes. If you're using fresh cherries, pit and halve them. This is where the cocktail gets its vibrant color and flavor.
  • Combine the Ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, cherry juice, brandy, and orange liqueur. Stir well to mix all the ingredients.
  • Add the Fruit: Gently add the prepared fruit to the pitcher. This step is not only for flavor but also adds a beautiful visual appeal to the sangria.
  • Sweeten to Taste: If you like your sangria a bit sweeter, add the sugar and stir until it’s dissolved. Remember, you can always add more sugar later, but you can't take it out!
  • Let It Chill: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (or up to 24 hours). This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  • Serve: When you're ready to serve, add the club soda or lemon-lime soda to the pitcher for a refreshing fizz. Pour the sangria into glasses filled with ice, and garnish with extra fruit slices if desired.
  • Tips and Variations
  • Wine Alternatives: For a lighter version, you can substitute the red wine with white wine or even sparkling wine.
  • Fruit Variations: Experiment with different fruits like strawberries, peaches, or apples. They all work wonderfully in sangria.
  • Brandy-Free: If you're avoiding alcohol, simply omit the brandy and use more juice or soda instead.
  • Dietary Needs: For those with dietary restrictions, opt for organic wines or low-sugar juices. Always check the labels!