Thursday, July 29, 2010

Summer sangria

This might be the perfect weeknight summer drink - I hope you won't get the wrong idea when I tell you it reminds me of a wine cooler, except a million times classier.

peach + mint
{peach + mint}

It's fairly light, especially if you cut it with a bit of sparkling water. Perfect for sipping on the balcony on a warm evening (which we would have done, if the weather were willing to cooperate and warm up a bit).

summer sangria
{summer sangria}
Summer sangria (makes about 8 drinks - slightly modified from here)

1 cup loosely packed basil and mint leaves
3/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup lemon juice
3 cups good quality peach juice (TJs has a nice one)
1 (750 ml) bottle dry white wine (I used sauvignon blanc)
1 liter of sparkling water, if desired

:: Place herbs in a small saucepan and add the sugar and lemon juice. Smash the leaves with the back of a spoon, until they're a bit bruised.

:: Add about half of the peach juice and heat the mixture over medium heat. Bring just to a simmer and then turn off the heat. Allow the mixture to stand for five minutes or so.

:: Pour the mixture through a mesh sieve and into a heatproof pitcher. Add the remaining peach juice and the wine.

:: Chill at least one hour or overnight. Serve with sparkling water to taste (we filled each glass 1/4 full with sparkling water and then added sangria) and garnish with herb sprigs or peach slices, as desired.

23 comments:

  1. LOVE Sangria!! I'm going to try this recipe right away. Well...I'll at least wait until tonight :)

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  2. This looks so delicious! Although it makes me laugh, in England sangria is NOT considered a classy drink!! I guess when it comes to class, context is half the battle!

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  3. I normally don't like sangria because the variety and abundance of fruits is just overpowering, but this recipe with the peach and mint looks perfect!

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  4. oh, i've made this one before too. so refreshing.

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  5. this looks as good as it tastes...such a fun and refreshing spin on a classic sangria!

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  6. I love sangria! Mint, peach, and basil in one drink. Genius!

    brebeauty.com

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  7. i made something like this last summer, but with fresh peaches. i think i pureed the peaches and then tried to strain them because i don't like floating fruit in my sangria, but it didn't work so well. the liquid did not strain easily from the pulp so the sangria didn't taste much like peach. ah well.

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  8. Oh perfect. I've been looking for a wine-only summer sangria recipe for the wedding. I shall have to try this now. Just to see.

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  9. i agree with the earlier response, i typically do not like them because of the overload of fruit and sometimes brandy - this sounds perfect

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  10. OH, yum. This sounds delightful, will definitely have to try it!

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  11. Oooh...adding this to my list of summery drink recipes for an upcoming week at the beach.

    In a similar light/fruity/refreshing vein, you all might be interested in this Spiced Rose Gelatin With Peaches from last week's NYTimes http://nyti.ms/9SpfVx. Haven't made it yet, but its on the list!

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  12. mmmm I may need to make this this weekend!!!!

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  13. @ mixette - We're on the same page! I was looking at all the leftover peach juice in my fridge yesterday (we don't drink juice ever, really) and thinking about that NYT article. I'm thinking that I need to turn the juice into peach jello, for sure.

    @ numerous people who don't normally like sangria because of too much fruit/brandy - you will probably like this. It is sangria in name only, really. And it is light on the alcohol, which is why I think it is perfect for weeknights.

    I do love regular sangria but we spike ours with plum brandy which means it probably technically qualifies as a knock out drug. And you cannot serve it to people and expect them to make it home the same night. So this is a refreshing change of pace.

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  14. ooh! i've been looking for a perfect and light sangria to make with white wine and i do believe i've found it. thanks!

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  15. This looks delicious! I love the idea of Peach Sangria. I've always had red sangria but it's always been a little strong. Peach sounds refreshing! I'm having a little get together this weekend too - maybe I'll print this out! Thanks!

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  16. I made this for a dinner gathering last night and loved it! So summery and perfect. Your food posts are amazing and I refer to them often.

    Thanks for the inspiration!

    Best,

    Anna

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  17. Sounds yummy! I love sangria and I'll definitely have to try this!

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  18. well isnt that a cute pitcher!

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  19. ps, I made this on Friday after reading and it was a hit!!! :) Thanks again!!!

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  20. I just hosted my family for a week in Portland. It seems Sangria was the theme for the week. I may just have to make this up to keep the celebratory spirit alive. ;) Thanks for this recipe!

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  21. Yum! And I have an orchard for peach picking nearby! Peach sangria with a peach (and rasberry) cobbler perhaps? Thanks for the great recipe.

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