Sangria
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There’s nothing quite like fresh citrus in the middle of winter! And in the citrus state of Florida where Mr. M. and P. (meat and potatoes) and I just spent a few chilly days, this was a delightful recipe to enjoy and salute the beginning of a new year! For my first healthy food recipe post of the new year, I chose a light version of a classic citrus drink to help me (and you) seriously start the year out right!
Like many of you, I love to try new recipes and new cuisines. The theme this month for the Cooking Light group is “Mexican — Dreaming of a Summer Fiesta”, which is a cuisine that I rarely prepare other than what we enjoy for party appetizers (especially our guacamole)! So here’s a great recipe for Sangria! This beautiful Mexican and Spanish beverage just sounds so fresh and citrus-y with all of the fruit and spices infused in the liquid concoction! Plus oranges, lemons, and limes are in the peak of season at this time. And so gorgeous to look at in the midst of a winter day!
If you live in an area where the skies are cloudy or gray, this colorful beverage should certainly brighten your day. And it tastes wonderful — with less guilt!
Sangria
- Prep Time: 0 hours
- Additional Time: 0 hours
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Ingredients
- Sangria
- 1 (1.5-liter) bottle dry red wine, divided
- 2 Tbsp. brandy
- 2 Tbsp. Triple Sec (orange-flavored liqueur)
- 1/3 cup sugar
- 2/3 cup fresh orange juice (fresh squeezed would be awesome!)
- 2 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lime juice
- 2 Tbsp. fresh squeezed lemon juice
- 5 whole cloves
- 3 whole allspice
- 1 (3-inch) cinnamon stick
- 2 cups sparkling water, chilled
- 8 orange wedges
- 5 lemon slices
- 5 lime slices
Instructions
- Combine 1/2 cup wine, brandy, liqueur, and sugar in a 2-quart glass measure.
- Microwave at high 1 minute or until mixture is warm; stir to dissolve sugar.
- Stir in the remaining wine, juices, cloves, allspice, and cinnamon.
- Chill at least 2 hours.
- Strain mixture into a pitcher, and discard spices.
- Just before serving, stir in sparkling water and the remaining ingredients.
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i cant stand it.. you make food so perfect and delicious.. i feel im in heavens just looking at those pictures ahh!
Sangria, when done well, is a wonderful Summery drink! I love ones with fresh oranges and not too much sugar. The one you shared today seems yum and I look forward to trying it when the bite of Swedish Winter gives way to some warmer temperatures again.
Happy New Year to you – hope you had a great start to 2012!
Charlotta
Space for Inspiration
absolutely delicious and breathtakingly beautiful
Great way to start the New Year.
My dad loved to prepare his Sangria for the Holidays.
Have a wonderful year 2012!
Mely@Mexicoinmykitchen
Yum. I could use a jug of this right now!
I am jealous that you are drinking sangria. We are more into the hot rum toddy stage here in Canada! I have never added the spices.
Gorgeous sangria, Roz! Maybe I should crank up the furnace and whip up a batch š
Oh how I wish I could have this, so wonderful.
It’s so pretty!
Thanks Vivian and Anne! I’ve added the Sangria recipe to your Linky!
That looks so good! I’m going to have to try this very soon.
Thanks for sharing!
A delicious drink! Your version is perfect.
Happy New Year!
Cheers,
Rosa
awesome blog!!
No need to worry about it being the ideal thing in the middle of winter Roz. That’s the ideal thing for me right now in the heat of our summer! LOL I love it!
You’ll never guess. I just started my very first linky party today. I’d so love it if you popped in and shared this recipe. I’ve always loved all your recipes and I know my Aussie friends would too.
Thanks Roz and oh, Happy New Year!
http://domesblissity.blogspot.com/2012/01/thriving-on-thursdays-linky-party-1.html
Anne @ Domesblissity xx
This looks so refreshing! Luckily south Texas winters are still a little warm and this would be perfect for an afternoon cook out!
Val, This group is always so much fun and so creative. It seems that the selection of recipes always works out perfectly! Thanks again for such a great blogging idea!
Kristen, I think this was my second time to try Sangria. Really light and delicious recipe! I’m glad I tried it!
Velva,
Oh yes, totally perfect for a Florida winter day! Or SC or Ohio, or NY, or just about wherever!
Gorgeous photos as well as a very tempting cocktail Roz. This rounded out our meal beautifully!!!
My goodness these pictures are making me thirsty. I have had sangria once and loved it. I have been wanting to make it myself but I know that I will be the only one to drink it. Which thinking about it now… may not be a bad thing :oP
Kristin
This is a beautiful sangria to enjoy in Florida on a Winter’s Day….It goes perfectly all year.
May your 2012 be everything that you hope for, and more.
Cheers.
Velva
Hey MM, Sandi, Giz, Claudia, and Lisa . . . wish you were here to down this pitcher of fruity goodness! Cheers to all of you!
I would have no problem finishing the whole jug – the ingredients in this one are wonderful. Love love love the shot with the lime slice.
Sangria does cut the bite of some Mexican foods and adds so much zest to the proceedings. I love your fresh, citrusy take on it! Happy 2012!
Sangria is the perfect drink for our Mexican Fiesta ~ and I can’t believe you found a recipe on Cooking Light!
Guilt Free drinks!!
Oh Roz, this looks delicious, what a great way to start the new year š
Hi, Roz. Happy New Year! This sangria looks like an excellent way to start off the year. Love the vibrant colors.