Summer is just around the corner and our bar is what some would consider negligently overstocked with wine. A batch of Sangria, Spain’s answer to the quintessential patio drink is not only in order, but well overdue! Anyone who has ever enjoyed a glass (or two or three) with us will tell you that this seemingly harmless libation is just as destructive as it is delicious. In our rendition, we opted for a sangria blanca or blonde sangria substituting the traditional red wine with a white. The result is a more delicate wine punch without sacrificing potency. The refreshing combination of watermelon, citrus and fresh basil has a little bite with the addition of ginger. A favourite amongst all of our friends, this stuff goes down so easy you’ll have to consider doubling the recipe!
Disclaimer: We at The Flirty Foodie take absolutely no responsibility for any debauchery, bad dance moves or spontaneous karaoke that may take place after consumption…you have been warned.
Sunset Sangria
Serves 6
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups seedless watermelon, cubed
- 2-3 tablespoons ginger, julienned
- 3 tablespoons fresh sweet basil, chopped
- 1 lime, sliced into rounds
- 1/3 cup Cointreau (or any other brand of Triple Sec you like)
- 6-7 cups dry white wine (This is an approximate. We fully support the free pour method)
- 2 cups white grape juice
- 1 cups soda water (Alternatively you could use ginger ale or 7-up if you like it sweeter.)
Method
- Place watermelon, ginger, basil and lime into a large pitcher.
- Add cointreau, white wine, and white grape juice.
- Refrigerate. Let the flavours mingle for a couple hours for best results but we pass no judgement if you just can’t do it.
- Add soda to taste just before serving.
What is your favourite summertime beverage?
I’m normally a margarita girl but this looks so good. Can’t wait to try this!
Try it Karen. It packs the same amount of punch as a marg sans the brain freeze!
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What kind of white wine did you use? I’m a huge fan of Moscato (specifically, Beringer. Oh Lordy.) and wonder if that would work well or if a different white wine would be better.
Thanks for the comment Erica. We just used a simple dry white wine. We’ve been hearing great things about using Moscato in sangria though so we say give it a go! We’d love to hear how it turns out:)
What flavor does the basil add? I’m not sure about adding it. Would the flavor be really off if I skipped the basil?
You can definitely make it without, but the basil adds a wonderful aroma to the sangria. The flavour isn’t overpowering. It adds to the complexity of the drink.
So….I think I put too much lime in the drink because it has a little bitter/zesty after-taste. Is there anything I can do to change it back to where the lime is not too over powering?
You can do several things to lighten the lime flavour. You can either substitute 1/2 of the lime for a sweeter citrus such as orange or use the full amount of lime and add more grape juice to balance out the tartness.
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