Dear Sangria,
Remember me? Because sometimes when I have too much of you, I don’t remember you. Anyway, I’m going to get to the point. I’m going to express my love thanks to National Sangria Day on December 20th. Let’s just call that our anniversary, because you know I’ll be celebrating that you’re in my life.
Your delicious wine punch was first made in Spain and Portugal, where those fortunate enough were able to enjoy you on a hot summer’s day. Those in eastern and southern parts of those countries are lucky enough to enjoy you year round. I still try and figure out how something could be so perfect – wine, a touch of brandy, and chopped fruit combine to make a refreshing alcoholic drink. The best part? Sangria is usually enjoyed at parties, where you serve as the center of attention in the punch bowl. The centerpiece has nothing on you, Sangria. With oranges, lemons, apples, and peaches thrown into a bowl of happiness with a touch of brandy, you steal the show every time, and are a drink that brings people together.
Your predecessor, spiced wine, dates back to ancient times in Europe, where everyone from children to grandparents enjoyed a glass because the alcohol content killed most bacteria that was usually found in water. Probably the perfect alternative to water. I need water to live, but I need wine to be happy (in a non-alcoholic kind of way).
Your twin, Sangria made with white wine, is enjoyed in Argentina. Known as sangria blanca or clerico, and it’s a refreshing twist. In Portugal, cinammon and medronho brandy (from strawberry trees) are used to make this drink. Still, no matter what variation, you are the perfect drink to enjoy on a hot day.
The best thing about you? Even those who aren’t “into wine” (I don’t get those people either), enjoy your refreshing, summery self all over the world. There are bottled variations of sangria, but those don’t do you any justice. When people make sangria with mulled wine and orange juice as another variation, videos like this should be turned into a weird sangria drinking game.
I also hereby swear to stop being the girl who takes all the fruit when pouring herself a glass. You deserve more than that, Sangria!
See you at my next summer party,
I had the best sangria of my life in Portugal. Oh sangria, how I love thee.