Who doesn’t love a cool, refreshing drink on a hot summer day? As sangria sees a return to popularity at catered events, we like to spice ours with non-traditional ingredients to keep our guests coming back for more. Here are six options for an edgier twist on the original, sweet cooler:
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Orange Sangria, for a start close to home. Try adding orange liqueur and a tart orange soda (like San Pellegrino Aranciata) to your classic sangria base.
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Crisp Fruit Sangria: instead of the classic mix of orange, mixed berries, and sugar, try green apples and lemon slices for a dryer, clearer concoction.
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To go entirely off-piste, try something with a sparkling wine base (Cava is best, but Prosecco or traditional Champagne will do) and build it out with peaches and lavender for a botanical, sweet delight.
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For a better white sangria, use blood oranges, kumquats, and mint to even out a balanced, beautiful evening drink.
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For the dryest twist, start with a mix of Cava and grapefruit juice, brightened and cooled with slices of fresh ginger (be sparing, it’s strong!), clean cucumber, and radishes.
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Finally, for an edgier, more rugged twist, try the popular Basque Cooler Kalimotxo: half cola and half red wine. You can spruce it up with a float of ouzo or an anise liqueur (for those who want something stiffer and less sweet).
Enjoy and stay cool!
