Sangria Fresca

Sangría literally means bloodletting in Spanish.^[2] The term sangria used for the drink can be traced back to the 18th century. According to the SAGE Encyclopedia of Alcohol, sangria’s origins “cannot be pinpointed exactly, but early versions were popular in Spain, Greece, and England.”^[3][4]

Sangaree, a predecessor drink to sangria that was served either hot or cold, likely originated in the Caribbean (West Indies),^[5][6] and from there was introduced to mainland America, where it was common beginning in the American colonial era but “largely disappeared in the United States” by the early twentieth century.^[5] Sangria as an iced drink was reintroduced to the U.S. by the late 1940s through Hispanic Americans and Spanish restaurants,^[5] and enjoyed greater popularity with the 1964 World’s Fair in New York.^[4][5]

Sangria made with blueberries, lemon, lime, grapes and other fruits

Sangria recipes vary wildly even within Spain, with many regional distinctions.^[7] The base ingredients are always red wine, and some means to add a fruity or sweeter flavour, and maybe boost the alcohol content.

Traditionally may be mixed with local fruits such as peaches, nectarines, berries, apples, pears, or global fruits such as pineapple or lime,^[7] and sweetened with sugar and orange juice.^[8][9] Spanish Rioja red wine is traditional.^[10][11]Some sangria recipes, in addition to wine and fruit, feature additional ingredients, such as brandy, sparkling water, or a flavored liqueur.^[7]

Sangria blanca (sangria with white wine) is a more recent innovation.^[12][13] For sangria blanca, Casas recommends dry white wines such as a Rueda, Jumilla, or Valdepeñas.^[14]

The definition of sangria under European Union law from a 1991 Council Regulation states: 

Under European Union law, the use of Sangria in commercial or trade labeling is now restricted under geographical labeling rules. The European Parliament approved new labeling laws by a wide margin in January 2014, protecting indications for aromatized drinks, including Sangria, Vermouth and Gluehwein. Only sangria made in Spain and Portugal is allowed to be sold as “Sangria” in Europe; sangria made elsewhere must be labeled as such (e.g., as “German sangria” or “Swedish sangria”).^[17]