As the weather gets warmer, nothing satisfies my thirst more than a refreshing glass of sangria. The fruity, flavorful combination of wine and juices makes for a delicious summer cocktail. And while many different variations of sangria exist, I must say that this Merlot Sangria recipe is my absolute favorite.

The full-bodied Merlot pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the fruit juices, while brandy adds a touch of warmth to the mix. Fresh strawberries, orange slices, and lemon wedges pack in just the right amount of tartness and texture.

I discovered this recipe during a weekend getaway in Napa Valley and have been making it ever since. It’s the perfect accompaniment to any summer party or barbecue, but I warn you – it’s so delicious that it may become the star of the show!

Give this Merlot Sangria recipe a try and you’ll see why it’s become a staple in my home. The flavors are simply poppin’ and it’s an easy sangria to make that will have your guests asking for more. Trust me – this is the best-ever Merlot sangria recipe you’ll ever taste!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sangria is one of those drinks that is perfect for any occasion. It’s refreshing, customizable, and always a crowd-pleaser. But what sets this merlot sangria recipe apart from the others is the depth of flavor that comes from using a full-bodied red like merlot. Trust me, you will love it!

The sweetness from the fresh strawberries, sugar, and orange juice blend seamlessly with the boldness of the merlot, creating a flavor explosion that will have your taste buds poppin’. Adding brandy to the mix gives it a little kick and takes the drink to another level.

This easy-to-make sangria recipe is perfect for any time of year, but in my opinion, its rich flavor profile makes it especially suited for cooler months. Whether you’re cuddled up by a roaring fire or serving holiday cocktails at a festive gathering, this merlot sangria is sure to be a hit.

Just imagine sitting down to relax after a long day with a glass of this stunning red sangria in your hand. The aroma alone will transport you straight to the heart of Spain. So why not make it tonight? You won’t regret it!

Ingredient List

“Sipping on sweet summer with a glass of Merlot Sangria”

Let’s take a closer look at the ingredients for this delightful Merlot Sangria Recipe, a perfect mix of red wine and fruity sweetness. Here’s everything you’ll need to create 8 servings of this delicious sangria recipe:

750 ml bottle red wine, preferably Merlot
1 cup orange juice
Juice of 1 lemon
Juice of 1 orange
1 orange, sliced
2 lemons, sliced
1 green apple, sliced
Handful of fresh strawberries, quartered
½ cup brandy
4 tablespoons sugar

These ingredients combine to make a refreshing and flavorful sangria that is perfect for any occasion. If preferred, you can adjust the portions or swap certain ingredients to suit your taste. Let’s move on to the next section to learn how to make this delectable merlot sangria recipe.

The Recipe How-To

“A refreshing twist on traditional sangria”

Creating the Perfect Merlot Sangria: Follow These Simple Steps

If you’re a wine lover, you’ll want to give this Merlot Sangria Recipe a try. A perfect consume for any occasion, be it a friend’s night, a family feast, or an intimate dinner with your loved one, Merlot Sangria can make gatherings more fun and lively. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients

1 bottle of Merlot (750 ml)
1 cup brandy
1 cup orange juice
Juice from 1 lemon
2 cups sliced fresh strawberries
1 orange (sliced)
1 apple (sliced)
1/2 cup loosely chopped fresh strawberries
4 tablespoons sugar

Instructions

Begin by prepping all your fruit, cutting it into roughly equal bite-sized pieces.
In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the Merlot red wine and brandy.
Add the juice of one juiced lemon, the sliced orange and orange juice, and sugar to the pitcher or bowl.
Mix well until the sugar dissolves completely.
Add sliced apples, strawberries and other ingredients to the mixture.
Stir again until everything is fully combined.
Refrigerate for at least an hour so that the flavors blend together beautifully.
Take out before serving and give it a good stir one more time.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this tasty sangria over ice or add sparkling water for an extra effervescent touch. It pairs well with other Mediterranean dishes, such as tapas or grilled meat.

Whether you’re serving appetizers or looking for something to sip alongside light meals such as grilled salmon or roasted chicken breasts – this Merlot Sangria is sure to hit the spot!

Substitutions and Variations

“When life gives you Merlot, make sangria”

There are countless ways to put your own spin on this merlot sangria recipe, whether you want to add an extra burst of flavor or make it your own signature drink for your next gathering. Here are some substitutions and variations you can try:

– Switch up the fruit: Use different kinds of fresh fruit in your sangria based on what’s in season or what you have on hand. Try using sliced peaches, chunks of pineapple, or even pomegranate seeds for a unique twist. You can also use frozen fruit if fresh isn’t available.

– Use different wines: While merlot is an excellent choice for red sangria, don’t be afraid to experiment with other red wines like pinot noir or cabernet sauvignon. You can also mix different types of wine like sauvignon and merlot for a more complex flavor.

– Adjust the sweetness: If you want a sweeter sangria, add more sugar or use a sweetened fruit juice instead of orange juice. On the other end of the spectrum, you can reduce or eliminate the added sugar altogether and let the natural sweetness of the fruits shine through.

– Add some spirits: For a boozy kick, consider adding additional spirits like vodka, gin, or rum to your merlot sangria. A splash of triple sec or Cointreau can also enhance the flavors.

– Experiment with herbs and spices: Adding herbs and spices like cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, mint leaves, or basil can give your merlot sangria a subtle but delightful boost in flavor.

Regardless of whatever substitutions and variations you decide to try out, always remember that your palate is king! The beauty of a good sangria is the freedom to customize it according to what tastes best to you. So don’t be afraid to get creative and make a version that speaks to your preferences.

Serving and Pairing

“A fruity and flavorful concoction perfect for outdoor gatherings”

This merlot sangria is a refreshing and versatile drink that can be paired with a variety of foods. You can serve it chilled, over ice, or even add some soda water for a bit of fizz. It’s great for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying a relaxing evening in.

Pair this merlot sangria with light and fresh foods such as grilled seafood, salads, or cheese and charcuterie boards. The fruity and acidic flavors complement the flavors of these dishes perfectly. For example, the orange and lemon in the sangria recipe bring out the natural sweetness of a summer salad with fresh strawberries.

If you’re looking for something more substantial, try serving this merlot sangria alongside hearty dishes such as slow-cooked stews or spicy Mexican food. The bold flavors of the sangria stand up well to the rich and intense flavors of these dishes.

And if you’re feeling experimental, try pairing this merlot sangria with desserts like berry tarts or dark chocolate. The sweetness of the fruit in the sangria combines nicely with these desserts to create an indulgent after-dinner treat.

Regardless of what you pair it with, this merlot sangria is sure to be a hit at any gathering. And with its easy-to-make recipe ingredients and make-ahead steps, preparing it is also hassle-free. So grab yourself a glass and cheers to a perfect summer day!

Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating

“Pour yourself a glass of sunshine with this Merlot Sangria”

This Merlot Sangria recipe can be made ahead of time, which makes it an excellent choice for entertaining guests. You can prepare it a day in advance and keep it chilled in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

If you have any leftover sangria, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. A glass pitcher with a lid is an excellent option for storing leftover sangria because it makes it easy to pour and serve.

When you’re ready to serve again, give the sangria a good stir and add more ice as needed to keep it refreshing. If you added any fruit, like strawberries, oranges or apples, you can remove them before storing the sangria in the fridge, as they can get mushy the longer they sit in the liquid.

Reheating sangria is not recommended as heat will affect the flavor of the wine and destroy any subtle flavors that have developed over time. Instead, allow the sangria to come to room temperature before serving again.

This Merlot Sangria recipe is sure to become a crowd-pleaser, even better if served alongside a light cheese plate or fresh fruit. Be sure to make enough because it will go quickly!

Tips for Perfect Results

“A refreshing way to beat the summer heat”

To achieve the best results of this Merlot Sangria recipe, I suggest following these helpful tips.

Firstly, make sure to use a good quality red wine like a Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. The wine you choose will greatly affect the overall flavor of your sangria. Also, using a medium to full-bodied wine will help balance out the sweetness of the fruit and brandy.

Secondly, when you add the sugar to your sangria, it’s important to make sure it’s fully dissolved before adding any other ingredients. This will ensure that your sangria is evenly sweetened throughout.

Thirdly, be cautious with the amount of brandy you add. While it does add a nice flavor and kick to the sangria, too much can easily overpower the other flavors in the mix. One cup should be plenty.

Fourthly, let your sangria chill in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This will give all of the flavors time to meld together and create a delicious and refreshing taste.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to experiment with substitutions and variations! You can swap out fruits such as apples or peaches for the strawberries and oranges, or try using a different type of wine such as a Zinfandel, Shiraz, Tempranillo or Grenache depending on your preference.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to make the best ever Merlot Sangria that is sure to impress both yourself and your guests.

FAQ

Now that you have all the information you need to make the perfect merlot sangria, let’s address some frequently asked questions (FAQ) that may come up during the process. Understanding these common concerns can help make your wine sangria cocktail the best it can be!

Is Merlot a good wine for sangria?

I recently came across a lovely merlot that is an absolute delight to savor. It offers a perfect blend of fruity flavors and a subtle touch of spice that makes each sip an experience in itself. This wine is so smooth and easy to drink that you’d almost want to describe it as effortless. What’s remarkable about this merlot is that despite being so smooth, it is bold enough to make a statement in a mixed drink like sangria. It holds up quite well against the various fruits and other ingredients that go into making sangria a flavorful elixir.

Is Merlot or Cabernet better for sangria?

When it comes to red wine, the taste really depends on what you prefer. For a red wine that has a delicate and refreshing taste, pinot noir is a great option. If you’re looking for something with more richness and flavor, merlot is a solid choice. And if you’re in the mood for a bold and full-bodied red wine, you can’t go wrong with a cabernet sauvignon.

Is Cabernet Merlot good for sangria?

When it comes to finding the perfect match for your fruit-based dishes, it’s important to consider wines that complement the flavors rather than overpower them. I recommend opting for wines that are known for their fruit-forward taste, such as cabernet sauvignon, merlot, Rioja, zinfandel, shiraz, tempranillo, or grenache. However, the most crucial aspect is to select a bottle that you would enjoy drinking independently, as this will ensure a successful pairing.

What’s the best red wine for sangria?

When it comes to concocting a fantastic sangria, I always suggest going with either Garnacha or Pinot Noir. Garnacha hails from Spain, making it a perfect choice for a Spanish-style sangria. Opt for a reasonably priced bottle (less than $20) that you would genuinely savor by itself.

Bottom Line

In conclusion, whether you are hosting a summer barbecue, a holiday party or just want to enjoy a refreshing drink on a hot day, the Merlot Sangria recipe is the perfect drink for you. With its combination of fresh fruit, red wine and brandy, it is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. It is an easy drink to make that requires only a few simple ingredients from your kitchen.

Not only is this drink delicious and refreshing, but it also provides an excellent opportunity to experiment with substitute ingredients or variations. You may add different types of wine such as cabernet sauvignon or pinot noir, various fruits like sliced green apples, pineapples or cherries depending on your taste preferences.

Whether you are a fan of red wine or not, the Merlot Sangria recipe is the best way to appreciate the flavor of Merlot. It is an ideal drink to relax with friends and family at any occasion. So don’t hesitate; grab some Merlot and get to mixing. This recipe can guarantee that you’ll have the best Sangria ever.

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