The Superior Sangria for Summer
June 3, 2021
There’s nothing like a glass of sangria — well chilled and slightly boozy with fresh fruits marinating in its flavors — to tame the heat of summer afternoons. Fortunately, in San Luis Obispo County we can find ready-to-drink sangria and plenty of local ingredients for creating our own versions.
Glunz Family Winery & Cellars in Paso Robles makes three superior sangrias: red, white and rose.
“It’s a lot like making a big batch of limoncello,” explains the winery’s Matthew Glunz. Citrus rinds rest in high-proof brandy, infusing it with their flavors. Next, the brandy is combined with dry fermented wine and just enough sugar is added for a touch of sweetness.
Many traditional Spanish sangrias already have water added when served, but Glunz’s version is 11 percent alcohol with no water. Serving it over ice chills and slightly dilutes the cocktail to make it a true sangria that resembles original recipes served in Spain.
For a personalized twist on the beverage, there is no shortage of wines, spirits and sodas in the area to help you do so. This recipe for Summer Rose Sangria uses Vina Robles Huerhuero Vineyard 2019 Rosé with Calwise Spirits Co. Big Sur Gin. The strawberry notes of the wine and botanicals of the gin are complemented by Root Elixirs Strawberry Lavender Soda, which effervesces the booziness a bit.
Serve sangria with strawberries and raspberries at the start of the season. As summer progresses, make another batch and add white peaches, nectarines or plums to the mix.
Ingredients
Adjust Servings
| 1 to 2 cups fresh fruit, sliced | |
| (1) 750ml bottle Vina Robles 2019 Rosé, chilled | |
| 2 ounces Calwise Spirits Co. Big Sur Gin | |
| 1 or 212oz. bottles Root Elixirs Strawberry Lavender Soda | |
| Pinch of culinary lavender (optional) | |
| Ice for serving |
