While the mercury continues to rise, we still intend to “chill out” with friends and family sipping something to soothe the body, mind and soul.

Sangria – perfect for summer

Many a story exists to explain how Sangria was invented; some refer to the need to do something with leftovers wine, and others speak of the fact that “punch” was very popular with the people of the Iberian Peninsula several hundreds of years ago. Wine was safer than water at the time so it was the main ingredient in the punch which was called Sangria, perhaps named after the Spanish word for “blood” — “sangre” — because of its typical dark-red colour. In essence, Sangria began as a red wine-based punch with chopped fruit, a sweetener, and a small amount of added brandy. Since its introduction to this side of the world, so many variations of the recipes now exist; there are now white and pink versions of this one-time red-only drink.

Many wine producers now make Sangria mixes and pre-mixed Sangria in order to assist you with making this very popular summertime favourite.

Mixing your own Sangria

To make the traditional red Sangria – begin the process a day or two before (the fruits need to soak in the mix) your gathering. Pour a few bottles of medium or full-bodied red wine into a punch bowl, then fill it with the small cuts of fruits that you plan to use. The fruits can include any mix of orange, lemon, lime, apple, peach, melon, berries, pineapple, grape, kiwifruit and mango. Also add a splash of brandy. Keep refrigerated. When it’s party time, 10 – 15 mins before, add a clear carbonated beverage like Sprite or 7UP. To support the red wine, you can also use mixes like those made by Carlo Rossi or a new one on the market called Don Simón Sangría. These mixes can be used with or without the wine. Taste, and make adjustments where you see fit.

Other Wine Choices

The ever popular Moscato is still a growing favourite; most of the leading wine producers represented in Jamaica now have one available. Do taste a few till you find the one you like, as they are made with different levels of sweetness.

Pinot Grigio is getting popular again, and on my recent supermarket wine aisle crawl, I realised that Jamaica has much to choose from. Again, do try a few from the Old World (more subtle, earthy) and some from the New World (bolder, fruit forward) as they do taste very different. There is a little Italian wine region that I really like a lot, but its wines don’t get their due: Orvieto. Most popular are the white wines from this region, I find them to be simple, elegant, light and very refreshing wines – perfect for a summer sip.

Christopher Reckord – Businessman, Entrepreneur & Wine Enthusiast. Send your questions and comments to creckord@gmail.com. Follow us on twitter: @DeVineWines @Reckord