Stars & Stripes Sangria: A Red, White, and Boozy Salute! 🇺🇸🍷🍓🍊
Raise a glass to festive fun with this vibrant Stars & Stripes Sangria! This easy-to-make pitcher cocktail is a delightful blend of rich red wine, a touch of brandy for warmth, and the sweet citrus notes of orange liqueur and juice. The addition of cranberry juice adds a hint of tartness and that essential red hue, while slices of strawberries, blueberries, and oranges create a beautiful visual and infuse the sangria with fruity goodness. Perfect for summer barbecues, holiday gatherings, or any celebration where red, white, and blue spirit is in the air!
Ingredients:
1 bottle (750ml) red wine (like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or a fruity Spanish Rioja)
½ cup brandy (adds a warming depth and complexity)
¼ cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec, for sweet citrus notes)
¼ cup fresh orange juice (enhances the citrus flavor)
¼ cup cranberry juice (adds a touch of tartness and that vibrant red color)
½ cup sliced strawberries (for sweetness and a pop of red)
½ cup blueberries (the “stars” of our patriotic mix!)
½ cup sliced oranges (adds a bright citrus aroma and flavor)
Ice
Fresh mint sprigs for garnish (for a refreshing and aromatic touch)
Let’s Mix Up Some Patriotic Punch!
Step 1: Combine the Boozy Base
Grab a large pitcher or bowl – something with enough room for all the liquid and fruit.
Pour in the entire bottle of red wine.
Add the brandy, orange liqueur, orange juice, and cranberry juice.
Step 2: Stir in the Fruity Stars and Stripes
Give the liquid mixture a good stir to combine all the boozy and fruity elements.
Gently add the sliced strawberries, blueberries, and sliced oranges to the pitcher. The strawberries will contribute their sweetness and red color, the blueberries will act as our “stars,” and the oranges will add their bright citrus notes.
Step 3: Chill for Flavor Fireworks!
Cover the pitcher or bowl and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 2-4 hours. This crucial step allows the flavors of the wine, brandy, liqueurs, and fruit to meld together beautifully, creating a more harmonious and delicious sangria. For an even more intense flavor, you can chill it overnight.
Step 4: Serve with Ice and a Fresh Finish
When you’re ready to serve, fill your glasses with ice.
Pour the chilled sangria into the ice-filled glasses, making sure to get some of the fruit in each serving.
Garnish each glass with a fresh sprig of mint for a refreshing aroma and a touch of green.
Step 5: Enjoy Your Red, White, and Boozy Celebration!
Serve immediately and enjoy this vibrant and refreshing Stars & Stripes Sangria with friends and family! It’s the perfect drink to celebrate summer gatherings or any patriotic occasion.
Tips for a Star-Spangled Sangria:
Choose a Good Wine: Select a red wine that you enjoy drinking on its own. A fruity and not overly tannic wine like Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot works well.
Fresh Fruit is Best: Use ripe, fresh fruit for the best flavor infusion.
Don’t Water it Down Too Much: Add ice to the serving glasses rather than directly to the pitcher if you plan on the sangria sitting out for a while.
Adjust Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter sangria, you can add a tablespoon or two of simple syrup or agave nectar to the initial mixture.
Get Creative with Fruit: Feel free to add other red and blue fruits like raspberries or blackberries.
Variations for Your Festive Fun:
White Wine Sangria: Substitute a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc and use white peach slices and raspberries along with the blueberries.
Sparkling Sangria: Top each serving with a splash of sparkling wine or club soda for extra fizz.
Kid-Friendly Version: Omit the wine and brandy and use grape juice or cranberry juice as the base, along with the fruit and a splash of sparkling cider.
This Stars & Stripes Sangria is a festive and flavorful way to celebrate with a refreshing and boozy twist. The combination of red wine, brandy, citrus, and berries creates a delightful drink that’s perfect for any red, white, and blue occasion. Cheers to good times and great company! 🇺🇸🍷🍓🍊💙🎉
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