Spanish Theme Party – Part 2
Written by Mike Cheliak on July 16, 2009 – 8:37 am -WHITE SANGRIA (Sangria Blanca)
This clear version of Sangria is a very refreshing and tasty summer drink that is a nice contrast to the traditional red version. Both the spiked and virgin versions are really great and they look fantastic on a table side by side with the red sangria. While recipes are important as a basic guideline, it is always nice to experiment as well. Try adding some berries (my daughter LOVES raspberries) or try a different combo of fruit. Any way you slice it, this is a really nice presentation at any party table!
INGREDIENTS
White Grape Juice for making ice cubes
2 cups water
2 small bunches fresh mint
3/4 cups sugar
4 cinnamon sticks
6 cups white wine (I used CASTILLO DE MONSERAN VIURA)
(If you are making Virgin Sangria, used a good White Grape Juice such as Welch’s)
4 Peaches, peeled, pitted and sliced
4 Pears (I used Anjou), cut into chunks
4 medium oranges, sliced crosswise
4 lemons, sliced crosswise
6 cups White Champanade or suitable sparkling white grape cider
Mint leaves, to garnish (optional)
PREPARATION
To make the grape juice ice cubes, pour the juice into two ice trays and freeze until the sangria is ready to serve.
Combine the water, sugar, mint leaves and cinnamon sticks in a saucepan. Bring to a boil and reduce to a low simmer for 15 minutes. Remove from heat and cool. Remove the cinnamon and mint. Transfer the liquid to a large non-reactive container.
Add the wine, peaches, pears, and the orange and lemon slices to the serving bowl. Mix well, and refrigerate overnight.
To serve you will need a very large punch bowl (or two smaller). Add the mixture and the sparkling beverage to the bowl along with grape juice ice cubes. Garnish each glass with some fresh mint. As an alternative, you can separate your mixture pitcher by pitcher. Just add equal amounts of mixture and fruit to a glass pitcher, add some of the ice cubes and top with sparkling cider.
Makes 16-20 servings
Next post will be Red Sangria and then into the FOOD!
In happiness and health as always!
Mike C.
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