A Toast with History (Older Than You Think)
Many believe sangría was born as a tourist trend, but the truth is its origins date back centuries. Although there's no exact consensus, it’s said that as far back as the 18th century, in the wine regions of Spain and Portugal, people prepared similar drinks: wine mixed with fruit and spices—a delicious way to “revive” wine and enjoy it in a sweeter form. Its name comes from its color: sangría, like sangre (blood), due to its deep red tone. And although it has evolved over the years, its essence remains the same: a drink to share—refreshing, joyful, and very, very Spanish.
What Makes a Good Sangría?
Ah, my friend! There are almost as many versions as there are Spanish families. But if you want to make an authentic sangría at home, here’s a foolproof basic recipe:
Ingredients:
-
1 bottle of young, fruity red wine (like Don Simón, available at Your Spanish Corner!)
-
1 orange, sliced
-
1 lemon, sliced
-
1 peach or apple, diced
-
2 tablespoons of sugar
-
A splash of brandy or liquor (optional, but very traditional)
-
Lemon soda or classic gaseosa like La Casera to lighten it up (with an irresistible bubbly touch!)
-
Ice, lots of ice
Preparation:
-
In a large jug, mix the wine with the fruit and sugar. Let it rest in the fridge for at least a couple of hours (the longer, the better the flavor).
-
Just before serving, add ice and soda.
-
Serve well chilled, preferably under the sun or next to some tapas.
Tip: If you prefer a more modern twist, try it with white wine or cava. There’s a sangría for every taste!
Sangría and Nostalgia: An Inseparable Pair
For many of us, sangría brings back memories of endless summers with friends, village festivals, beach holidays, seaside bars with grilled sardines, and those long lunch conversations that stretched into sunset. It's one of those things that, even from a thousand kilometers away, connects you to home with the very first sip.
And the best part? You can recreate that feeling wherever you are. On your balcony, in your living room, at a picnic in the park… All you need are the right ingredients—and you can find them all at Your Spanish Corner.
Create Your Own “Sangría Kit” and Bring Spain Anywhere in Europe
In our online store, you can find:
-
Spanish red wine ideal for sangría
-
Sodas like La Casera or Schweppes Lemon
-
Essentials like pitchers, long spoons, and caña-style glasses
-
And of course, tapas to go with it: olives, fuet casa tarradellas, Manchego cheese, patatas bravas…
Because what we miss most when we're away isn’t just the flavor of our dishes, but what they represent: moments, memories, roots.
And You? Who Would You Share a Sangría With Today?
Tell us in the comments your favorite sangría recipe or that anecdote that always comes to mind when you taste it. And if you decide to make it at home, we challenge you to become our top ambassador—tag us on social media! We love seeing how, in every corner of the world, people can enjoy a little piece of Spain thanks to you.
