Sangria, a famous Spanish beverage, is a delicious blend of red wine and fruits. This version of Red Sangria with Ginger Ale adds a refreshing twist, making it perfect for a summer brunch or a backyard party. The ginger ale gives it a surprising pop that is both delightful and invigorating.
Photos of Red Sangria With Ginger Ale Recipe
All the ingredients listed are easily available in any supermarket. However, for the red wine, you might want to go for a dry variety like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, which complements the citrus fruit flavors nicely. Brandy is another key ingredient; you can find it in the spirits section of your supermarket.
Ingredients for Red Sangria with Ginger Ale
Red wine: Acts as the base of the sangria and brings a rich, fruity flavor.
Oranges: Adds a sweet citrusy tang.
Lemons and limes: Offer a zesty kick that balances out the sweetness.
Sugar: Sweetens the sangria, making it more palatable.
Ginger ale: Adds a refreshing fizziness and a unique twist in flavor.
Brandy: Gives the sangria an extra punch and depth of flavor.
One reader, Cassandry Stringer says:
This red sangria with ginger ale recipe is a game-changer! The blend of citrus and ginger ale adds a refreshing twist to the classic sangria. The flavors are perfectly balanced, and the ginger ale gives it a delightful fizz. It's a hit at gatherings and always leaves everyone asking for the recipe. Cheers to this delightful concoction!
Key Techniques for Making Red Sangria with Ginger Ale
How to prepare the sangria: A step-by-step guide on mixing the wine, orange juice, sugar, and brandy in a large pitcher, and adding the citrus slices before refrigerating.
How to infuse the flavors: Detailed instructions on letting the sangria sit in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours to allow the flavors to meld and develop.
How to add the ginger ale: A guide on stirring in the ginger ale just before serving to add a refreshing fizz to the sangria.
How to serve the sangria: Instructions on serving the sangria over ice, either strained or with the fruit slices, for a delightful presentation and taste.
How To Make Red Sangria with Ginger Ale
Enjoy this red sangria for a cold drink and taste a fruity balance of tangy oranges, lemons, sweet dry red wine and mellow ginger ale.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 3cupsdry red wine,(1 bottle), used Merlot
- 3oranges,two sliced, one for juicing
- 2lemons,sliced
- 2limes,sliced
- 2tbspsugar,optional
- 1cupginger ale,or club soda, or lemon-lime soda
- 1shotbrandy
Instructions
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Stir together the wine, orange juice, sugar, and brandy in a large pitcher until the sugar is dissolved. Then add in the orange, lemon, and lime slices, then stir briefly to combine.
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Refrigerate the pitcher and let it sit, preferably for 8 to 12 hours.
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Just before serving, stir in the ginger ale until mixed.
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Serve the sangria poured over ice, either strained or served with the fruit slices, and enjoy!
Nutrition
- Calories: 275.56kcal
- Fat: 0.27g
- Saturated Fat: 0.03g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.07g
- Carbohydrates: 33.98g
- Fiber: 4.11g
- Sugar: 23.12g
- Protein: 1.60g
- Sodium: 12.71mg
- Calcium: 73.90mg
- Potassium: 476.92mg
- Iron: 1.40mg
- Vitamin A: 11.77µg
- Vitamin C: 77.39mg
Helpful Technique Tip for Making This Sangria Recipe
When making your red sangria, it's important to choose a dry red wine that you enjoy drinking on its own. The flavor of the wine will greatly influence the overall taste of the sangria. Also, when adding the ginger ale, make sure it's chilled. This will help keep the sangria cold without diluting it too much with ice. Lastly, allowing the sangria to sit in the refrigerator for 8 to 12 hours will help the flavors meld together, resulting in a more flavorful and refreshing drink.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing This Sangria Recipe
Prep ahead: Chop and slice all the fruits and mix the wine, orange juice, sugar, and brandy the night before. This will allow the flavors to meld and develop, saving time on the day of serving.
Use pre-sliced fruits: Consider using pre-sliced fruits to save time on preparation. Many grocery stores offer pre-sliced citrus fruits, which can be a convenient time-saver for this recipe.
Quick chill: If you're short on time, you can place the pitcher in the freezer for about 30 minutes to quickly chill the sangria before serving.
Efficient mixing: Use a long-handled spoon for mixing the sangria in the pitcher to ensure that the ingredients are thoroughly combined without creating a mess.
Ready-to-serve: Consider using ready-to-serve ginger ale to save time on preparation. This can be a convenient option for busy cooks.
Substitute Ingredients For Red Sangria With Ginger Ale Recipe
dry red wine - Substitute with cranberry juice: Cranberry juice provides a similar tartness and fruity flavor that complements the other ingredients in the sangria.
oranges - Substitute with tangerines: Tangerines have a similar citrusy flavor and can be a great substitute for oranges in the sangria.
lemons - Substitute with grapefruit: Grapefruit can provide a slightly different citrus flavor while still adding a refreshing acidity to the sangria.
limes - Substitute with kiwi: Kiwi can offer a tangy and slightly sweet flavor, similar to limes, adding a unique twist to the sangria.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey can add sweetness and depth of flavor to the sangria, and it dissolves easily in the liquid.
ginger ale - Substitute with sparkling water with a dash of ginger syrup: This alternative provides the effervescence and hint of ginger flavor that ginger ale offers.
brandy - Substitute with rum: Rum can add a rich and complex flavor similar to brandy, enhancing the depth of the sangria.
How to Beautifully Present This Sangria Recipe
Elevate the glassware: Present the sangria in elegant, crystal-clear glassware to showcase its rich color and enhance the overall drinking experience.
Garnish with citrus twists: Adorn the rim of the glass with delicate twists of orange, lemon, and lime peels to add a touch of sophistication and a burst of fresh citrus aroma to each sip.
Incorporate a stylish pitcher: Pour the sangria from a sleek, modern pitcher at the table, allowing the guests to witness the artful blending of flavors and the vibrant hues of the drink.
Use a decorative ice bucket: Serve the sangria over ice from a stunning ice bucket, adding a touch of luxury and ensuring the drink stays perfectly chilled throughout the dining experience.
Present with a branded coaster: Place the glass on a branded coaster, adding a personalized touch and elevating the overall presentation of the sangria.
Pair with elegant stemware: Serve the sangria in delicate, long-stemmed wine glasses to emphasize the sophistication of the drink and elevate the overall dining experience.
Essential Tools for Making Red Sangria with Ginger Ale
- Cutting board: A flat surface used for cutting and preparing ingredients.
- Chef's knife: A versatile knife used for chopping, slicing, and dicing.
- Pitcher: A container used for mixing and serving beverages such as sangria.
- Citrus juicer: A tool used to extract juice from citrus fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes.
- Stirring spoon: A long-handled spoon used for stirring and mixing ingredients in a pitcher.
- Refrigerator: Used for chilling the sangria and allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Ice: Used for serving the sangria over ice to keep it cold.
- Strainer: Optional tool for straining the fruit slices from the sangria before serving.
Storing and Freezing Red Sangria with Ginger Ale
- To store leftover sangria, pour it into an airtight container or pitcher and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days. The flavors will continue to meld and develop over time, making it even more delicious.
- If you want to prepare the sangria ahead of time, mix all the ingredients except for the ginger ale and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the ginger ale just before serving to maintain its effervescence.
- For longer storage, you can freeze the sangria without the ginger ale. Pour the mixture into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, leaving some space at the top for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months.
- To serve frozen sangria, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Once it's partially thawed, you can blend it into a slushy consistency or let it melt completely.
- If you've frozen the sangria in ice cube trays, you can add a few cubes to a glass and top it off with fresh ginger ale for a quick and refreshing drink.
- Remember to give the sangria a good stir before serving, as the fruit and other ingredients may settle at the bottom of the container.
Interesting Fact About Red Sangria with Ginger Ale
Sangria is believed to have originated in Spain and Portugal. It was initially a summer drink made with red wine and fruits. Over time, it has evolved to include various ingredients such as brandy, soda, and different fruits. The addition of ginger ale in this recipe gives the traditional red sangria a refreshing twist, making it a perfect beverage for gatherings and parties.
Is Making Red Sangria with Ginger Ale Cost-Effective?
This red sangria with ginger ale recipe is quite cost-effective for a household. The ingredients are relatively affordable and easy to find. The use of citrus fruits and red wine provides a refreshing and flavorful drink that can be enjoyed by the whole family. The addition of ginger ale and brandy elevates the taste without significantly increasing the cost. On a scale of 1-10, I would rate this recipe an 8 for its affordability and delicious outcome. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people would be around $15-$20, making it a budget-friendly option for a delightful beverage.
Is Red Sangria with Ginger Ale Healthy or Unhealthy?
The red sangria with ginger ale recipe, while refreshing and enjoyable, may not be the healthiest beverage choice. The main concerns are:
- High sugar content from the added sugar, ginger ale, and naturally occurring sugars in the fruits
- Alcohol content from the red wine and brandy, which can contribute to empty calories and potential health risks when consumed in excess
However, the recipe does include some beneficial ingredients:
- Citrus fruits (oranges, lemons, and limes) provide vitamin C and antioxidants
- Red wine, when consumed in moderation, has been linked to potential heart health benefits due to its polyphenol content
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following suggestions:
- Reduce the added sugar or replace it with a natural sweetener like honey or agave nectar
- Use a sugar-free or low-sugar ginger ale to minimize the overall sugar content
- Increase the proportion of fruits to boost the nutrient content and add more flavor without relying on sugar
- Opt for a lower alcohol content by using a wine with a lower ABV or reducing the amount of brandy
- Serve smaller portions to control alcohol and calorie intake
- Pair the sangria with a balanced meal that includes plenty of vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to promote overall health
By making these adjustments, you can still enjoy the delightful taste of red sangria while being mindful of your health and well-being.
Editor's Opinion on Red Sangria with Ginger Ale
This red sangria with ginger ale recipe is a delightful and refreshing twist on the classic sangria. The combination of dry red wine, citrus fruits, ginger ale, and brandy creates a well-balanced and flavorful drink. Allowing the mixture to sit and infuse for several hours enhances the depth of flavors, resulting in a delicious and aromatic beverage. The addition of ginger ale adds a subtle effervescence, making it perfect for any occasion. This recipe is a sure crowd-pleaser and a great choice for entertaining. Cheers to a delightful and enjoyable drink!
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Why trust this Red Sangria With Ginger Ale Recipe:
This recipe is a trusted classic, using dry red wine as the base for a rich and flavorful sangria. The addition of orange, lemon, and lime slices infuses the drink with a refreshing citrusy twist, while the sugar and brandy provide a perfect balance of sweetness and depth. The final touch of ginger ale adds a delightful effervescence, making this sangria a delightful and invigorating choice for any occasion. With a perfect blend of ingredients and a time-tested method, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy your guests. Cheers to a delightful and refreshing experience!
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