What is Sangria? How to enjoy Sangria

In a previous article I introduced sangria made with dried fruit, but I've now written an article sharing some more information about sangria.

What is Sangria?

Sangria is a type of cocktail made by adding fruit, spices, and sweeteners to wine. It is said to have originated in Spain and Portugal, and is characterized by its fruity and refreshing taste. It is often made with a red wine base, but there are also variations that use white wine or rosé wine.

History and Origins of Sangria

The history of sangria is long, dating back at least to medieval Europe. It is named after the Spanish word "sangre," which means "blood," and is derived from its red color. Sangria was a type of alcoholic drink that was drunk to avoid unsanitary water at the time, and unique recipes were developed in each region.

How to Make Sangria

The basic sangria recipe is simple and typically calls for the following ingredients:

• Red wine: 1 bottle
• Orange: 1 piece
• 1 lemon
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Brandy: 2 tablespoons
• Carbonated water: appropriate amount
• Your favorite fruits (apples, berries, etc.): as much as you like

Cooking:

1. Slice the oranges and lemons thinly.
2. Combine the red wine, fruit slices, sugar, and brandy in a large pitcher.
3. Mix well and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight.
4. Just before drinking, add carbonated water, pour into a glass and enjoy.

Wines suitable for sangria

The key to making sangria with wine is to choose one that pairs well with fruit and sweeteners. The following varieties are particularly recommended:

• Red wine: Medium-bodied and fruity. Tempranillo, Garnacha, and Merlot are ideal. These wines blend well with the fruit flavors and add depth to the sangria.
• White wine: A light, fruity white wine is best, typically Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Verdejo. These wines pair well with citrus and berries, making a refreshing sangria.
• Rosé wine: A fruity, light rosé wine is best, preferably one with a strong fruity aroma, such as Rosé Grenache or Rosé Sangiovese, which will add a vibrant aroma and color to your sangria.

Variations of Sangria

There are many variations of Sangria. Below are some popular examples:

• White Sangria: Made with white wine and citrus fruits and berries.
• Rosé Sangria: Made with rosé wine and peaches and berries.
• Sparkling Sangria: Made with sparkling wine for a refreshing taste.

You can also change the fruits you use depending on the season to add a seasonal touch: berries and citrus in summer, apples and pears in autumn, and pomegranate and cinnamon in winter.

How to enjoy sangria and its health benefits

Sangria can be enjoyed in a variety of situations. We will introduce how to enjoy it for each situation.

Home party with family and friends

Sangria is a great drink to make and serve in a large pitcher. With colorful fruits floating in it, sangria looks gorgeous and will be the center of attention at a party. A popular style is to place the pitcher on the table and let each person pour at their own leisure.

Barbecues and picnics

Sangria is also great for outdoor events, and is especially appreciated chilled on hot summer days. For picnics, it's convenient to make it ahead of time, chill it and bring it in a to-go container. Packed with fresh fruit, sangria pairs well with grilled meats and snacks.

Dates and romantic dinners

Sangria is also recommended for stylish dinner dates. Rose sangria and white sangria in particular have a light, fruity taste that will make a gorgeous start to your meal. It's also great to serve it with dessert.

Christmas and Holiday Season

Hot sangria with warm spices is recommended for the winter holiday season. Spices such as cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise are warmed with red wine to fill the whole house with a wonderful aroma. It is good to enjoy it with Christmas dinner appetizers and desserts.

As a healthy refreshment

Sangria is packed with fruit, so it's also a great way to get your vitamins. It has a low alcohol content, so it's perfect for when you want a light drink. To make a healthy sangria, use honey or agave syrup instead of sugar, and mineral water instead of carbonated water.

Health Benefits of Sangria

The antioxidant effect of polyphenols

Polyphenols are antioxidants found in abundance in red wine. Their antioxidant properties remove active oxygen from the body and prevent cell aging. This supports cardiovascular health and helps prevent arteriosclerosis and heart disease. Polyphenols also have anti-inflammatory properties, reducing the risk of chronic inflammation.

Vitamin C in Fruits

The fruits used in sangria are rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C boosts the immune system and is effective in preventing colds and influenza. Vitamin C also helps produce collagen, so it is expected to have a skin-beautifying effect. In addition, its antioxidant properties protect the skin from ultraviolet rays and prevent aging.

Dietary fiber promotes digestion

The fruits in sangria are also rich in dietary fiber, which helps regulate the intestinal environment and prevent constipation. Dietary fiber also helps prevent sudden rises in blood sugar levels and keeps you feeling full for longer, making it useful for dieting. It also helps reduce cholesterol absorption, helping to maintain cardiovascular health.

Relaxing effect due to low alcohol content

Sangria has a low alcohol content, making it perfect for when you want to have a light drink or relax. A small amount of alcohol can have a relaxing effect and help reduce stress. It can also be enjoyed as a light alcoholic drink with meals, and can help stimulate appetite and aid digestion.

How Sangria is drunk in Japan

The way sangria is consumed in Japan has been influenced in recent years by the growth of the wine market and changes in consumer tastes.

Growth of the wine market

The wine market is growing rapidly in Japan. The culture of enjoying wine is spreading, especially among young people and women. From 2019 to 2023, the Japanese wine market is expected to grow at an average annual rate of more than 5%. This growth has also led to the popularity of sangria, which is easy to make and delicious and is supported by many people.

Dealing with people who don't like alcohol

In Japan, the number of people who do not like alcohol or who are limiting their alcohol intake due to health-consciousness is increasing. It is said that about 30% of Japanese people do not like alcohol. Sangria is popular as a drink that even people who do not like alcohol can enjoy because it has a low alcohol content and can be diluted with fruit juice or soda water.

Young people turning away from alcohol

Young people in Japan are increasingly turning away from alcohol. This is said to be due to growing health consciousness and changing lifestyles. However, sangria is easily accepted by young people because of its fruity and refreshing taste, and against the backdrop of this trend, it is gaining attention as a new way to drink alcohol.

Sangria in cafes and restaurants

Sangria is increasingly being served as a popular menu item at cafes and restaurants in Japan. Colorful sangria is served especially at fashionable cafes and bars that target women, and is often shared on social media such as Instagram. Sangria that is full of fruit is also visually beautiful and photogenic, making it increasingly popular among young people.

How to enjoy a home party

Home parties are becoming more and more popular in Japan, and sangria is at the center of them. It's easy to make at home, so it's great for enjoying with friends and family. You can enjoy it in a variety of situations by using seasonal fruits or making a non-alcoholic version.

Why Sangria Makes a Great Gift

Sangria is also a very popular gift. Below we will explain in detail why sangria is a great gift and the people and events it is suitable for.

Visual beauty

Sangria looks very gorgeous, and the beautiful colorful fruits floating in it make it an attractive gift. Just put it in a clear bottle or jar and tie a ribbon around it to make a stylish present.

Recipient and event

• For family and friends: For entertaining on birthdays, anniversaries, and at home parties.
• Business Partners: A cool glass of sangria makes a great casual gift, especially during hot weather.
• WEDDINGS AND EVENTS: These make great wedding gifts or event favors, and you can even create special labels with the bride and groom's names and the date.
• Seasonal Gifts: A hot sangria set makes a great Christmas or New Year gift, perfect for the holiday season.

Responding to health-conscious needs

Sangria is healthy because it is full of fruit, rich in vitamins and dietary fiber. It can be given as a healthy drink to meet the growing health consciousness of the people. It can be made into an even healthier gift by using honey or agave syrup instead of sugar, and mineral water instead of carbonated water.

A sense of surprise

Homemade sangria will be a special surprise for the recipient. The warmth and originality of the handmade product will be conveyed, and the feelings of the giver will be conveyed even more to the recipient. In particular, adding a homemade label or message card will make it a unique gift.