Sangria. The World Famous Spanish Cocktail

Sangria is a wine fruit punch that originated from the warm Mediterranean region and started as a summer drink in Spain and Portugal. No more in Spain, but today Sangria is one of the most popular drinks all over the world. Unlike many other drinks Sangria is one of the simple pleasures which can be enjoyed in every season and throughout the year.

But, Sangria is one of the best refreshing drinks, best enjoyed when summer sizzles.

People all over the world came to know about the delicious drink when it was presented at New York World’s trade fair held in 1964. People from all the countries loved Sangria which was served at Spanish world area. As it gained more and more popularity and was accepted by people worldwide, Sangria was soon imported under the label Yago Sant'gria.

Red wine, fresh juices, fruit and soda are the ingredients when mixed together form traditional Sangria. Sangria which uses white wine instead of red wine for their preparation is known as Sangria Blanca. Rioja region also known as Spain’s greatest wine region is the place for Traditional Sangria where Sangria is traced back. Red wine mixes well with the fruit and blend of two gives drink a blood red color. The drink is named so after the Spanish word Sangre which means blood both in Spanish and Portugal, due to its blood like red color.

The beauty of Sangria lies in the fact that in spite of being exotic and delicious, it is incredibly easy to make. The most important ingredient is wine so select your wine first. Traditional Spanish taste is achieved by using Rioja for your wine. After you have selected your wine, the first step is to pour the wine into large glass pitcher. Sangria is served in pitchers throughout Spain.

It’s the time to add fruit. Although Orange is the standard, but you can use anything varying from lemons to limes. Fruits should be cut into thin pieces. Put the piece into the pitcher after squeezing the juice into it.

Fruits present in the drink will blend itself with the wine to give the drink a natural juice flavor. If you want to give your drink a sweet taste, you can use sweetener like honey or sugar. You can also add some hard drink like vodka or gin if you want that extra kick.

Sangria is served chilled by adding Ice and soda just before serving.
Sangria is available in every bar and restaurant in Spain and for yearlong. There is no standard taste for sangria. Its taste vary with place and with restaurants.

You can prepare your own punch as per your own taste. You can prepare your perfect Sangria by trying different ingredients.

Alcoholic beverages like beer and other cosmopolitans are high in calories and may lead to health complaints. Such high calorie alcohols are disastrous for hard work of people who are continuously exercising, dieting and are more health conscious. We all love to spend time with our friends drinking and partying. An easily prepared drink complimented with amazing taste and health benefits can add life to party. Sangria is the one with all of these in it.

Sangria may not be the healthiest drink, but is much healthy when compared to most of the alcohols. Its ingredients contain lot of vitamins, minerals and are low in carbohydrate. Various ingredients added while preparing Sangria are all full of healthy nutrients. Oranges and other fruits added in it are rich in healthy vitamins and minerals. And red wine is a good anti oxidant which provide our body with cancer-fighting, heart-healthy anti oxidants.

Sangria is extremely popular in Spain and is now considered as fashionable worldwide. Alcohol is being replaced by Sangria in parties.

So, now enjoy partying with friends while staying away from almost all the bad effects of alcohol. Be the coolest one by switching on to Sangria which is also the healthiest alternative