Fresh Merlot Sangria
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Beat the heat with a super easy and utterly refreshing Merlot Sangria, the ultimate summer adult beverage that’s a hit at any gathering!
This no-fuss concoction blends Merlot’s smooth, fruity vibes with a riot of citrus flavors, making it the perfect homemade drink to enjoy with friends.
Let’s dive into why this sangria is a game-changer for your summer festivities.
Why This Sangria Recipe Stands Out
- Merlot Magic: By choosing Merlot, known for its smooth and fruity profile, this sangria recipe ensures a delicious base that complements the added fruits and spirits beautifully.
- Fresh Fruits: The vibrant mix of lemon, lime, and orange slices adds a refreshing zest and makes for a stunning visual presentation that’s sure to impress.
Merlot Sangria Recipe
Basic Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Brandy
- 1/2 cup Triple Sec
- 1/3 cup Frozen Lemon Juice Concentrate
- 1/3 cup Orange Juice
- 1/4 cup Lemon Juice
- 1/4 cup White Sugar
- 10 oz. Maraschino Cherries (with juice)
- 750 ml Dry Red Wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot recommended)
- Slices of Lemon, Lime, and Orange for garnish
Enhanced Flavors: Including brandy and triple sec introduces complexity and depth to the sangria, elevating it from a simple wine punch to a sophisticated cocktail.
How to make Red Wine Sangria with Merlot
Combine the Spirits and Sweeteners: In a large pitcher, mix the brandy, triple sec, frozen lemon juice concentrate, orange juice, lemon juice, and white sugar. Stir until the sugar is well dissolved.
Add the Cherries: Incorporate the maraschino cherries along with their juice into the mixture, ensuring a sweet and slightly tart undercurrent in your sangria.
Pour in the Wine: Gently stir in the dry red wine, preferably a smooth Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon, to maintain the sangria’s fruity integrity.
Garnish with Fresh Fruit: Add the sliced lemon, lime, and orange to the pitcher. These not only contribute to the flavor but also enhance the visual appeal of the sangria.
Chill to Perfection: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4-6 hours, though letting it sit overnight is ideal for the flavors to fully meld and intensify.
Q&A
Can I use a wine other than Merlot?
While Merlot is ideal for its fruity notes, other dry red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon work well too.
How to store leftover homemade Sangria
Sangria keeps well in the fridge for 3-5 days, often tasting even better the day after making it.
Can other fruits be added to Sangria?
The beauty of sangria is that you can get creative with various fresh fruits like strawberries, peaches, pineapples, or kiwis.
Grapefruits are incredibly refreshing, while pears and apples add a wonderful flavor and texture.
🍷Sangria is versatile, so mix in your favorites.
How to prevent sangria from getting watery.
Opt for reusable ice cubes to keep your sangria chilled without diluting the flavors.
⭐Serve Homemade Sangria with
- Dinner – Sliders, Meatballs, or Pasta
- Appetizer – Burrata Salad, Caprese Salad, Baked Brie Dip
- Dessert – Tiramisu Dip
Cheers to a summer filled with refreshing sips of your new favorite Merlot Sangria!
Merlot Sangria with Fresh Fruit & Spirits
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/2 cup triple sec
- 1/3 cup frozen lemon juice concentrate
- 1/3 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 10 oz. maraschino cherries (do not drain)
- 750 ml. dry red wine (try Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot)
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1 lime sliced
- 1 orange sliced
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher, mix together 1/2 cup of brandy, 1/2 cup of triple sec, 1/3 cup of frozen lemon juice concentrate, 1/3 cup of orange juice, 1/4 cup of lemon juice, 1/4 cup of white sugar, and 10 oz. of maraschino cherries (do not drain).
- Add Wine and Fruit: Stir in 750 ml of dry red wine. Add the sliced lemon, lime, and orange.
- Chill: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate. Let the sangria chill overnight, or at least for 4-6 hours. This allows the flavors to blend together and enhances the taste.
Notes
Expert Tips
- Try to find bottles that have been aged less than two years.
- You don’t necessarily want to drink white wine with sangria—it tends to overpower the other components. Instead, opt for a rosé or sparkling wine.
- I use whatever summer fruits look freshest at the market.
- You may be tempted to skip the sugar altogether because you think it will mask the tartness of the fruit. But if you leave out the sugar, the acidity of the fruit won’t balance itself out properly.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer: The nutritional data provided here is auto-calculated and intended for your convenience only. As it’s generated via automation, its accuracy may be compromised. For precise nutritional insight, please compute the values utilizing the actual ingredients in your recipe through your chosen nutrition calculator or application.
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