6 best fruits to put in your Sangria
Lady in red… dark red
Sangria is a punch, traditionally made from red wine and chopped fruit, often combined with other ingredients or spirits, which originated from Spain and Portugal. Considering the rich and dark red colour of a Sangria co*cktail, it’s not hard to see that the word means bloodletting in Spanish and Portuguese.
While the red wine component seems reasonably straightforward, it’s certainly fair to ask what fruits go into a Sangria?
Sangria is one of the most popular drinks in Spanish cuisine and is commonly served in bars, restaurants, and at festivities throughout Portugal and Spain. The term can be traced as far back as the 18th century.
Sangaree was a predecessor to Sangria and served either hot or cold and it likely originated in the Caribbean from there it was introduced to mainland America, where it was common beginning in the American colonial era.
What fruit goes into a Sangria?
It is recommended to add citrus, stone or tropical fruits for the perfect Sangria. If you prefer softer fruits such as berries, watermelon or melon, then add them just before serving so they don’t get too soft and mushy.
Don’t forget to add a splash of sparkling water or soda for a little bit of extra fizz.
The best suited and ideal fruits to add to a Sangria are, in no particular order, are:
- Apples – For a traditional take on a red wine Sangria, go with apple. Just be sure to pick a variety you enjoy eating. Cut the apple into cubes or thin slices, depending on which presentation you prefer.
- Oranges – This is the classic citrus fruit people add to red wine-based Sangria. Orange pairs perfectly with the next go-to fruit on this list.
- Lemons – Don’t have oranges in your fruit bowl? Lemon is another citrus fruit to try when preparing Sangria. It pairs well with a white or sparkling Sangria and is perfect for warm days.
- Strawberries – Strawberries work great with both red and a white or sparkling wine Sangria.
- Pineapples – Pineapples are the perfect balancer and tend to bring about a balance between different tastes and the wine.
- Peaches – Slice juicy chunks of peach into white wine Sangria in place of apple. It makes it super refreshing and delicious.
- Plums – Swap apple for plum for a red wine Sangria with a little twist.
While Sangria recipes vary wildly, even within Spain and Portugal, with many regional distinctions, the base ingredients are always red wine, and freshly cut fruit (or some means to add a fruity tone) to sweeten the flavour.
Some even prefer to boost the alcohol content a little by adding other creative craft spirits.
While individual flair may appeal to different palates and ideas, the global consensus is that the Sangria is here to stay! Olé!
