Liven up your next backyard soirée with the strong and sweet Sangria With Vodka.
I remember that gathering well, despite the fact that the very next morning I had to think really, really hard about it…
After a long week working with my best buddy—fixing this house and remodeling that one, striding through the neighborhood like conquering heroes—it was time to call it quits and have some fun on a Friday afternoon. Beers, of course, are always flowing, with some lovely loud music pumping. Some of us, every once in a while, crave a drink that has a little more punch to it, though. And that day we did.
Our little group is always pleasantly surprised by the contents of our friend’s liquor cabinet, and today was no different when a bottle of dry red wine appeared. So somebody suggested we make a pitcher of Sangria and pretend we’re in Tuscany or somewhere more exotic than Burbank. Then I remembered the recipe we’re looking at tonight, Sangria With Vodka. So back to the liquor cabinet I went, grabbing the large bottle of potato-distilled booze I know is always in there.
It was a group effort, making that delicious pitcher full of potent goodness. Soon enough, we were back outside, sipping and watching the sun begin to hide behind the horizon. That vodka added a nice layer of potency that snuck up on you while you were least expecting it, which felt quite nice. Before too long, we were all in the studio, jamming on our instruments and making a joyful noise.
Thankfully, that room is soundproof.
What is the best alcohol to use in a Sangria With Vodka?
Since this is a Sangria recipe, we’ll be needing a bottle of dry Spanish red wine, which will have bold, fruity flavors consisting of—but not limited to—blackberries and cherries melded with notes of vanilla, cinnamon and oak. Tempranillo, Garnacha and Rioja are all excellent choices. Adding a clear and clean-tasting vodka, like a Belvedere or Grey Goose, will add some extra punch, making this beverage an extra-potent one. The vodka will assimilate amongst the other flavors, keeping a nice overall balance to everything.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle dry Spanish red wine
- 1 cup vodka
- 1/2 cup triple sec
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 orange thinly sliced into rounds
- 1 lemon thinly sliced into rounds
- 1 apple cored and chopped into small chunks
- 1 ounce simple syrup or agave nectar optional
- 1 cup club soda, sparkling water, or lemon-lime soda to top
Instructions
- In a large glass pitcher or punch bowl, combine the entire bottle of red wine, the vodka, the triple sec, and the orange juice. Stir gently to mix.
- Add the sliced oranges, lemons, and chopped apple directly into the pitcher. If you prefer a sweeter sangria, now is the time to stir in your simple syrup or agave. Start with 1 ounce, stir, and taste. Add more if desired.
- Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor, let it chill for longer.
- When you are ready to serve, give the sangria a gentle stir. Fill individual glasses with ice and some of the fruit from the pitcher. Pour the sangria into the glasses until they are about three-quarters full.
- Top each glass with a splash of club soda, sparkling water, or lemon-lime soda.
Nutrition
What glassware and garnish are used?
When you’re ready to serve up these tasty tipples, fill some rocks glasses with ice, then garnish with a fresh and plump lemon wedge on top once your drinks are poured in.
What is the best soda to use?
A lemon-lime soda such as Sprite or 7UP is a good option, but club soda will work nicely also, especially if you’re looking to cut back on sugar, or if you’re not keen on having your finished libation come off as too sweet-tasting.
Other sangria variations worth trying
At the time of writing, we’re knee deep in autumn leaves and jack-o’-lanterns, with summer still barely hanging on. Here in Los Angeles this week, there’s going to be another heatwave, which means more pool time. That also means my friends will need something cool to sip on. Sangrias never let us down.
- Moscato Sangria – Have a bright, fruity and sweet tasting version of the summertime favorite.
- Mulled Wine Sangria – This full-bodied mixture is perfect for Christmas parties.
- Sweet July Rosé Sangria – This light and fresh concoction makes that warm evening extra special.
- Sangria Margarita – The best of both warm-weather stalwarts share the spotlight in this cocktail.
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