When hosting a party, there are many options available in the line of alcoholic beverages that one can offer guests. However, supplying bottles of spirits and bottled beverages can become very costly – especially if there are many guests. Here are some options that are tasty and won’t break your bank.
Sangria
A wine punch with its origins in Spain and Portugal, Sangria has many variations – some with spices and additional alcohol, while others prefer to keep the flavors simple. Often made with red wine, Sangria means “bloody” in Spanish – and has a characteristically deep red coloring. White wine can be used as a substitute for the red wine to create Sangria Blanca.
Spicy Sangria Ingredients
- 1 Bottle Red Wine
- Fruit – such as oranges, apples and lemons (cut into cubes) and whole berries
- 2 Heaped Tablespoons Castor Sugar
- 1 Stick Cinnamon
- 1 Shot Cointreau
- 1 Shot Brandy
- 1 Can Soda Water
- Ice Cubes
Add the sugar and the wine to a large mixing jug and mix together well. Stir in the Brandy and Cointreau, and add the fruit. It can be chilled in the refrigerator overnight to infuse the tastes into the fruit. Just before serving, decant into a serving jug and add the Soda Water and the ice. Generally it is advised that the drink is poured into glasses while retaining the fruit and ice in the jug – however, some people like the look of the fruit in the glasses, adding a festive feel to the party. This will serve four people over a dinner – just double up according to the number of guests you invite.
Simple Sangria
If you are in a rush and don’t have access to the Cointreau or Brandy in the recipe above, there is quick Sangria that can be made in the following manner:
- 1 Bottle red wine
- Diced apples, oranges, peaches, or strawberries (any fruit you have in the home will do. You can mix more than one fruit, or just use one type)
- 2 Tablespoons of sugar
- Dash of orange juice
- 2 Shots of gin, vodka or rum
- 4 Cups of ginger ale, sprite, or soda water
- Ice
Put the fruit – squeezing out the juice of some of the pieces if possible - and sugar in a pitcher and mix together and allow to stand for a few minutes. If you are using fruit such as diced strawberries, add them just before serving to prevent them becoming soggy. Add the wine and stir well and chill overnight if possible. This infuses the flavors, but if you are in a rush, it can be served immediately with lots of ice. Just before serving, add the ginger ale/soda water/sprite and ice. Served in wine glasses, this will serve approximately 4-6 people.
Tami Struwig - Tami is a freelance writer who currently writes from her home in South Africa, while her two Labradors lounge at her feet. She is ...
