Sangria in Rio
Adapted from Scott Rixe, bar manager, Poppy, Seattle
This sangria includes plenty of fresh summer berries and citrus to cut down on sweetness and balance out the classic red wine mix. Cachaça adds “grassy, earthy and vegetal flavors,” says Rixie, noting that the flavors pair well with the wine’s natural pepper and dark fruit notes. Cream Sherry blends in with a rich, warming spice note.
In terms of presentation, go lavish. “Garnish with all the fruits and flowers you’ve got,” says Rixie.
- 1 cup strawberries
- 1 cup raspberries
- ¾ cup simple syrup
- 2 bottles (750-ml) red wine (Tempranillo or Tempranillo/Cab blend recommended)
- 1 cup Cachaça
- ¼ cup Cream Sherry
- ¼ cup lime juice
- ¼ cup lemon juice
In a blender, combine the strawberries, raspberries and simple syrup. Purée, then fine-strain. Discard the pulp.
In a large pitcher, pour in the strained fruit. Add remaining ingredients and ice. Stir to combine. Garnish with citrus wheels and strawberry slices, or “all the fruits and flowers you’ve got.” Serves 12.
Kara Newman reviews spirits and writes about spirits and cocktail trends for Wine Enthusiast. She's the author of Shake.Stir.Sip.: 40 Effortless Cocktails Made In Equal Parts (Chronicle Books, 2016) as well as ROAD SODA: Recipes and techniques for making great cocktails, anywhere (Dovetail Press, 2017). Email: spirits@wineenthusiast.net