The holidays can be a stressful time of year, so it’s no coincidence National Sangria Day, December 20, 2017, falls right in the middle of them. Forget shopping, forgetting complicated cooking recipes, forget awkward family functions. Put some relaxation back into your month with a little sangria.
A little splash of history
The name sangria comes from the word sangre, or blood, and refers to the drink’s often dark color. The first sangrias were likely dark wine, watered down with mixes of water, wine, herbs and spices. Since water was often unfit for consumption because of bacteria, the ancient Romans probably added anything they could to help kill off the germs and disguise the taste of mediocre table wine. Thus, sangria was born.
Though Spain and Portugal can claim its origins, today sangria is enjoyed all over the world. Whether you drink it on a patio in the summer to cool off, or by the fire in the winter to stay warm, sangria is a delicious, fun alternative to basic wine or cocktails.
And the best part — it’s easy to share! So whip up a pitcher of one of these ah-mazing looking recipes, invite some friends over and settle in for a little of your own holiday magic.
Christmas Sangria
Keep it seasonal.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/511651207650113112/
Caramel apple sangria
A little something for the sweet tooth.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/19984792076290314/
Cranberry Apple
Celebrate the season.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/489555421980719003/
Summer Berry Sangria
The berries make this one extra merry.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/88875792629960542/
Strawberry Lemon White Sangria
Light and luscious.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/412783122082206612/
Strawberry Peach Sangria
Refreshing.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/151011393737979843/
Winter Sangria
Red wine and winter spices like cinnamon and nutmeg will help you warm up.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/56787645280085179/
Pomegranate & Strawberry red wine sangria
So many good things in this pitcher.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/304415256047964536/
Blackberry sangria
Blood oranges and blackberries come together for a simple red wine sangria.
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/191473421640918739/
Sparkling Sangria Punch
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/36310340726750395/
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/AQuVdP1XbryZDJFd8H4zuaR-MCgBjaJ1DltvqvHfn2HotE7C0v7PbbA/
Also see, why you should always store your wine bottles horizontally.