sangria
Sangria is a refreshing alcoholic beverage originating from Spain and Portugal, typically consisting of red wine mixed with chopped fruit, a sweetener like sugar or honey, and often a splash of brandy or soda water. The mental image is a large glass pitcher filled with ice, vibrant citrus slices, and deep red liquid, served during a warm, sunny afternoon outdoors. It is a quintessential social drink, almost exclusively associated with warm weather, outdoor parties, and casual gatherings. While red wine is the traditional base, white or sparkling wine versions are common; the term is rarely used in formal dining contexts, serving instead as a hallmark of festive, relaxed hospitality.
In conversation
Planning a picnic
Should I bring some sangria for the park tomorrow?
Should I bring some sangria for the park tomorrow?
That sounds perfect, especially with this heat!
That sounds perfect, especially with this heat!
Sangria is strongly linked to warm weather and outdoor social events.
At a tapas bar
Would you like to start with a pitcher of our house sangria?
Would you like to start with a pitcher of our house sangria?
Yes, please, and make sure it has plenty of fresh fruit!
Yes, please, and make sure it has plenty of fresh fruit!
It is common to order sangria by the pitcher for a group.
Examples
We made a large pitcher of sangria for the barbecue.
We made a large pitcher of sangria for the barbecue.
The sangria was infused with peaches, berries, and a hint of cinnamon.
The sangria was infused with peaches, berries, and a hint of cinnamon.
Despite the traditional recipe calling for red wine, I find white wine sangria to be more refreshing on a humid day.
Despite the traditional recipe calling for red wine, I find white wine sangria to be more refreshing on a humid day.
