Sangria is a typical beverage from Spain and Portugal, which usually consists of wine, chopped fruit, a sweetener, and a small amount of brandy. The fruit can include orange, lemon, lime, apple, peach, melon, berries, pineapple, grape, kiwifruit and mango. A sweetener such as honey, sugar, syrup or orange juice is often added to take any bitterness away from sour fruit or the brandy. Instead of brandy, other liquids such as Seltzer, Sprite or 7 Up may be added.

The use of the word sangria in labels is now restricted under European law. Only sangria made in Spain and Portugal is allowed to be sold under that name after the European Parliament green-lighted new wine labelling was introduced in January 2014.

Ingredients (to make 1 litre):
Ice
½ lemon
½ orange
2 tbsp white sugar
500ml red wine
250ml fresh orange juice
250ml ginger ale
50ml brandy
Mint to garnish
Ice cubes

Method:
1. Wash and chop the orange and lemon, including skins, and add to a pitcher.

2. Add the orange juice and sugar to the pitcher and stir with a wooden spoon to dissolve the sugar.

3. Add the ginger ale, red wine and brandy to the pitcher and stir.

4. Add ice cubes and serve. Garnish with a sprig of mint if preferred.

Why not have a Mocktail?
For a non-alcoholic alternative, mix 750ml cranberry juice, 500ml orange juice, 100ml fresh lemon juice, 30ml lime juice, 1 pear (diced) and 1 apple (diced).

PLEASE DRINK RESPONSIBLY