Summer Sangrias
like apples, oranges, and cinnamon, sangria has long been a favorite for summer sipping. While red wine is the traditional base of this versatile drink, it can easily be swapped out for white. Apples can be switched to pears, limes, and strawberries—whatever is in season. Similarly, the history of sangria is not set in stone.
Some believe it originated with the ancient Romans, who could not safely consume their water and wanted to dilute the strong alcohol content in their wine. Some believe British sailors working at an alcohol-free port added the ingredients to their wine, hiding it from anyone who might suspect what they were truly drinking. The strongest and most relevant connection, however, is with Spain and Portugal, where the name sangria originated. From there, the beverage spread around the world, officially debuting in the United States during the New York World’s Fair in 1964.
