Well, I hate to say it, but summer is winding down, and just in time for that last summer bash, I’ve put together a list of our favorite Sangria recipes! Sangria is the perfect drink for summer parties since it can be made the day before.  The more the wine marinates with the fruit, the better it tastes! The number-one thing to remember about Sangria is that the concept came from grabbing whatever fruit you have around the house and tossing it in! That’s what makes it so much fun!

First up is my Sangria recipe. It’s very traditional and very tasty! I like to use a dry Spanish Tempranillo because you’re adding sweetness with the fruit and liquor. This keeps the Sangria balanced and refreshing!

Jennifer’s Red Sangria Recipe:

• 1 Bottle Protocolo Red
• 1 Orange sliced thinly
• 1 Lemon sliced thinly
• 2 Limes sliced thinly
• 1 Nectarine cut into sections
• 1 Peach cut into sections
• ½ Cup Captain Morgan’s Spiced Rum
• ½ Cup Orange juice
• 1 Cup Lime Perrier

Add all ingredients except Perrier to a large pitcher, stir and marinate for an hour or overnight. Add the Lime Perrier just before serving.

All summer long, Nino’s has had its delicious fresh berries on sale. Here’s our take on a Berry Good Sangria! Perfect for your guests with a bit of a sweet tooth!

Berry Good Sangria

• 1 Bottle Black Ridge Merlot
• 1/2 Cup Chambord (or Blackberry Liqueur)
• 1/4 Cup Raspberry Vodka
• 1 1/2 Cup Raspberries
• 1 1/2 Cup Quartered strawberries
• 1 1/2 Cup Blackberries
• 2 Cups Ginger ale
• 1/2 Cup Sugar

In a large bowl, coat 1 cup of each of the berries with the sugar and let sit for an hour. Mix the wine and Chambord together in a large pitcher. Add the macerated berries to the mix, stir and refrigerate up to 24 hours. Add ginger ale and remaining berries just before serving.

I’ve been craving everything Passion Fruit lately and love using Passoa Passion Fruit liqueur in many of my summer cocktails–my Sangria recipe included! I use New Age White Wine because it is a blend of Muscat and Sauvignon Blanc, making it fruity but not too sweet. Moscato would work for this recipe as well since the pineapple and citrus lend acidity.

Pineapple Passion Sangria

• 1 Bottle New Age White Wine
• 1 Cup Passoa Passion Fruit Liqueur
• 1 Cup Pineapple juice
• 1 Cup Pineapple cut into chunks
• 1 Cup Mango cut into chunks
• 1 Lemon sliced thin
• 1 Lime sliced thin
• 1 Cup Club soda
• Mint sprig for garnish

Add all ingredients, except club soda, to a large pitcher and stir. Refrigerate overnight. Add club soda and stir again just before serving.

Our very own Chef Extraordinaire, Pete, has his own favorite Sangria recipe! It’s Peach Sangria Blanco, and it’s delish!

Pete’s Favorite Sangria

• 1 Bottle Riesling
• 1/4 Cup Spiced Rum
• 1/2 Cup Peach Schnapps
• 2 Tbsp. Granulated sugar
• 2 Peaches, pitted & diced 1″
• 2 Plums, pitted and diced 1/4″
• 1 Lemon, sliced 1/4″
• 1 1/2 Cups club soda

In a large glass pitcher, combine all ingredients except club soda, and stir well. Add club soda, give a gentle stir and serve.

So, even if it’s just a party of two after shipping the last kid off to college, Sangria is the perfect way to squeeze that last drop of fun from the waning days of summer.  It’s light, refreshing, and delicious. Give these recipes a try, and let me know what you think!

Enjoy!

– Jenifer Laurie