Independence Day Sangria Recipe

ByBob Jones

Independence Day is the ideal time to commemorate with a sangria that is as colorful as it is tasty and as much a part of the event as hot dogs and baseball. Sangria has its roots in Spain and Portugal and is tasty in almost any incarnation, but I particularly like my Independence Day Sangria for its layers of flavor and brilliant presentation.

The base is a bottle of dry, crisp white wine (I used La Playa, a lovely Sauv Blanc that hails from the Leyda Valley, just south of Santiago, Chile), and I really think that white wine is the way to go for this drink. Red wines can dominate in flavor and color too much for sangria’s purpose of being refreshing.

I adore how combining blueberries, sliced strawberries, and diced pineapple creates a distinctly patriotic fruit that is not only an array of vitamins and antioxidants but also a very safe path through which to enjoy heart-healthy fruits. And while I am very much a fan of the composition, with its thin slices of lime and lemon, and the citrusy brightness they bring, it is the choice of liquid that really takes this drink to the next level, for me: fizzy club soda or lemon-lime soda.

Either way, the drink is perfectly refreshing and a very safe bet for an invigorating drink to offer on a warm summer day—not to mention its high toastability factor, which I also very much appreciate.

Ingredients photo for Independence Day Sangria Recipe

Ingredients

Ingredients photo for Independence Day Sangria Recipe

White Wine (Dry): Furnishes a sharp, cool basis with flowery notes.

Brandy: Through its rich, forward-fruit notes, adds complexity and warmth.

Triple Sec: It imparts a sweetness and a citrusy depth that counterbalance the flavors beautifully.

Simple syrup: Sweetens the beverage, amplifying the fruity flavors without going overboard.

Antioxidant-rich blueberries add a burst of juicy flavor.

Strawberries, sliced: Present vivid color and are packed with natural sweetness.

They are rich in vitamin C.

Pineapple, diced: Adds tropical sweetness and a touch of tartness, elevating vitamin C content.

Lemon & Lime Slices: Pack a punch of zest and tang, while supplying a boost of vitamin C.

Ingredient Quantities

  • 1 bottle of dry white wine (750ml)

  • 1/4 cup brandy

  • 1/4 cup triple sec

  • 1/4 cup simple syrup

  • 1 cup blueberries

  • 1 cup sliced strawberries

  • 1 cup diced pineapple

  • 1 lime, thinly sliced

  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced

  • 2 cups club soda or lemon-lime soda

  • Ice cubes

  • Fresh mint leaves, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. In a big pitcher, mix together the dry white wine, brandy, triple sec, and simple syrup. Idea being, make it a well-combined mixture.

2. In the pitcher, combine the blueberries, strawberries, pineapple, lime, and lemon.

3. Gently stir the mixture to guarantee even distribution of the fruit.

4. Refrigerate the covered pitcher for at least 2 to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.

5. Just before serving, add the club soda or lemon-lime soda to the pitcher. Stir gently to incorporate.

6. Ice cubes should be filled into glasses.

7. Verser la sangria sur la glace, en veillant à ce que chaque verre reçoive un mélange de fruit et de liquide.

8. If you wish, you can garnish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint.

9. Before serving, gently stir the sangria in each glass.

10. Chill and savor your Independence Day Sangria!

Equipment Needed

1. Pitcher, large
2. Measurement cups
3. Spoon for stirring
4. Chopping board
5. Blade
6. Fridge
7. Servant glass
8. Tray for making ice cubes (or purchased ice cubes)
9. Optional: A small bowl you can use for the mint leaves

FAQ

  • What type of white wine should I use?A balanced sangria is best made using a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

  • Can I make this sangria ahead of time?Indeed, readying it several hours in advance or even the day prior permits the flavors to meld well. However, add the soda just before serving for that wonderful fizzy finish.

  • Is there a substitute for simple syrup?As an alternative to simple syrup, you can use either agave nectar or honey, adjusting for sweetness to taste.

  • Can I use frozen fruit?The best flavor and presentation come from using fresh fruit, but frozen fruit can work in a pinch.

  • How can I make it non-alcoholic?Replace the wine with white grape juice or apple juice, and leave out the brandy and triple sec.

  • What is the best way to serve the sangria?Present it in a generous vessel—be it a pitcher or punch bowl—with plenty of ice, and allow a ladle or large spoon to serve up what is, essentially, a fruit-infused cocktail (with or without the rimming sauce, you’re still in aesthetic and gastronomic territory governed by an essence of olde).

Substitutions and Variations

1 bottle of dry rosé wine instead of dry white wine
A quarter cup of Cointreau in place of triple sec
1/4 cup honey or agave syrup instead of simple syrup
1 cup of blueberries replaced with raspberries
2 cups of sparkling water in place of club soda or lemon-lime soda