When the sun’s blazing down and the Fourth of July’s excitement is just around the corner, nothing screams celebration quite like a glass of Red White and Blue Sangria. It’s like sipping on a burst of fireworks, each flavor popping with its own unique vibrance. I remember last summer, sitting on the porch, the fizz tickling my nose, as I watched my dog chase after fireflies—pure magic in a glass!
Steps
- Combine white wine, strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and brandy in a large pitcher. Stir the mixture well to ensure the fruits are evenly distributed in the wine.
- Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for 1 to 4 hours. This chilling period allows the flavors to blend together nicely.
- When ready to serve, add sparkling white wine, sliced apples, and a handful of ice to the pitcher. Stir gently to mix everything.
- Pour the sangria into glasses over ice and enjoy your refreshing drink!
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of chilled dry white wine
- 1 pound of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
- 2 cups of fresh blueberries
- 1 cup of fresh raspberries
- 1/2 cup of brandy or orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier or Cointreau)
- 1 bottle of chilled sparkling white wine (such as cava or champagne)
- 3–4 Granny Smith apples, cut into star shapes if desired
- Ice
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of wine for the sangria?
- Certainly! While the recipe suggests using a dry white wine, you can also experiment with rosé wine for a different twist. Just keep in mind that the choice of wine will influence the overall sweetness and flavor profile of the sangria.
- What fruits can I substitute for the red and blue berries?
- You can get creative with the fruits! Instead of strawberries and raspberries, try using watermelon, cherries, plums, red grapes, or pomegranate arils. For the blue component, blueberries are typically used, but you can add or substitute with other fruits of your choice.
- Is it necessary to use sparkling wine?
- No, it’s not essential. If you don’t have sparkling wine available, you can simply use two bottles of still white wine. The sangria will be just as delightful without the bubbles.
- How long should I refrigerate the sangria before serving?
- It’s best to refrigerate the sangria for 1 to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to blend well. However, be aware that the longer it sits, the redder the sangria may become, so for a lighter color, you might want to serve it sooner.
- Can I use a non-alcoholic option for the liqueur?
- Absolutely! If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, you can replace the brandy or orange liqueur with apple juice or another white juice. Just note that this may increase the sweetness of the drink.
Tips
- Opt for a drier white wine to prevent the sangria from becoming overly sweet, which will allow the fresh fruit flavors to shine through.
- If you want to add a festive touch, use a star-shaped cookie cutter to cut the apples into star shapes, enhancing the patriotic theme of the sangria.
- Remember to chill the sangria base for 1-4 hours to let the fruity flavors meld together. However, if you prefer a lighter color, serve it sooner as the drink tends to darken over time.
- If you don’t have sparkling wine, you can use two bottles of still white wine instead, though the sparkling version adds a celebratory fizz to the drink.
Equipment
- Large Pitcher – For mixing and serving the sangria.
- Small Star Cookie Cutter – Optional, for cutting apple slices into star shapes.
- Wine Chiller or Ice Bucket – To keep the wine chilled, especially if serving outdoors.
