The Soul of Summer: A Guide to Authentic Traditional Sangria

There is a timeless magic to the sound of ice clinking against a pitcher, the bright pop of a citrus peel, and the deep, ruby-red swirl of a classic Spanish sangria. Long before it became the sweet, heavily carbonated party punch of modern brunch menus, sangria had humble, deeply historical roots in the Iberian Peninsula.

Far from a rigid recipe, traditional sangria is an art form—a celebration of seasonal fruits, robust wine, and the effortless, joyful hospitality of Spain.

A History Born of Necessity

The word sangria originates from the Spanish sangre, meaning blood, a nod to the deep red color of the traditional wine base. However, its ancestry goes back centuries.

In ancient times, mixing water with wine was common practice to make it safer for consumption. To make the drink more palatable, locals would infuse it with local spices, herbs, and fruits.