Sangria | Été Season 1 • Episode 5
Channel: Jarrel Benedict
Date: 10/09/2020

A Gastronomie et Mixologie Web Series
Été Season 1 • Episode 5

Sangria is one of the most quintessential summer drinks, at least for me. Mostly because it’s the only thing we drink when we’re patio hopping—something that we haven’t done this summer.

As we draw the season to a close, I couldn’t help but make a classic version of it. This cocktail only has five ingredients—orange juice, apples, oranges, brown sugar, and red wine.

Use whatever orange juice you like, although a freshly squeezed one would be best. Alas, I am too lazy to press my oranges. For the apples, I used granny smith apples. It’s not just great for pies! The natural tang of it goes really well with the sweetness of the Cara Cara navel oranges that I used. I love this variety not only for its deep, almost red colour (people sometimes mistake it for blood oranges) but for its very complex flavour profile. It’s hard to describe it. You must taste one. Bonus, it’s less acidic and seedless! To add a little extra sweetness, I included a dash of light brown sugar. You’ll find that most recipes do, but feel free to use a different sweetener or skip it altogether. I add some because I find it rounds the flavours out. Finally, the wine. Best thing to remember when making sangria is to use a low tannin wine (no Cab Sauvs, please). On a regular day, I would go from a Grenache or Pinot Noir. However, I don’t feel like dragging my ass to LCBO to grab a bottle, especially with the pandemic still going on. I have a bottle of XOXO Red Sangria that was sent to me by Tom & Carly for my birthday. I don’t know what kind of wine they use, but it’s already infused with blueberry, pomegranate, and orange. It tasted superb.

You can also add liqueurs like brandy (a favourite), triple sec, or rum. Sadly, I have none at home (again, not feeling like going to LCBO). I know some people like adding cinnamon, ginger, and fizzy drinks, among other things, but I wanted to keep this one simple. Pro tip: let it rest for a while. Ideally overnight if you can, but half an hour at the least will do. It’s tempting to just gulp it all up after making it, but, trust me, it’ll taste better.

I know the summer is ending, but it’s never too late for a glass or two of this sangria. Santé!