Red and White wines are used as a base in making Sangria.
Sangria is an alcoholic drink with a red wine base that is mixed with various fruits, juices and soda to create a light fruity drink that is as appealing in the heat of summer as it is in the cold of winter. Though there are many variations on the Sangria drink, the Chicago styles use white as well as red wine as the base. An exact recipe depends on the tastes of the person mixing the drink as much as it does on what fruits are in season.
Instructions
1. Pour both bottles of wine into a clean punch bowl. Stir in the sugar, some Chicagoans prefer honey, until it is dissolved. Mix well and let the wine sit while you prepare the rest of the sangria.
2. Wash the fruit that you will be using in the drink. Purists don't like using canned fruits, but they will work in a pinch. Cut apples and pears into cubes and place into a separate bowl. Red delicious a sweet flavor to the punch while granny smith apples give a tart bite. Using both types will add even more flavor.
3. Squeeze the juice of one lemon or lime, depending on your preference into the bowl with the apples and pears. The juice will prevent the apples and pears from turning brown while you are making the rest of the sangria and will add a sour flavor to the drink.
4. Cut up three or more different seasonal fruits to give more of a variety of flavors. Oranges, limes, fresh pineapple spears, or plums make good additions to this drink. Add all fruits together into the and stir well.
5. Add both shots of vodka and brandy to the bowl. Other options for the liquor to add include rum, scotch or grand marnier. Stir and cover punch bowl with plastic wrap. Set bowl into refrigerator overnight. This will allow the flavors to blend together to create a delicious Sangria punch.
6. Remove the bowl from the refrigerator when it is time to begin serving. Add 1/2 liter of ice-cold Sprite or ginger ale to give a carbonated fizz to the Sangria. Add three or four scoops of orange or lemon sherbet and some ice and you are ready to begin serving your Chicago style sangria to guests.
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