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SoCal Citrus Sangria
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This delicious SoCal Citrus Sangria starts with fan-favorite California Zinfandel. The boldness of the Zinfandel wine can stand up to the bright, zesty citrus flavors. We add a splash of honey for just enough sweetness and balance.
What type of wine is good for Sangria?
California Zinfandel is perfect in this recipe; known for being a little bit rambunctious, it can take your palate on an odyssey of flavors, from raspberry to black pepper, cloves and licorice. Zinfandel is one of California’s oldest and most revered vines. In fact, California is proud to call Zinfandel our signature grape. Though the varietal is grown throughout many parts of California, Lodi in the Central Valley is considered the Zinfandel Capital of the World because it produces about 40% of the Golden State’s premium Zinfandel wine.
What is traditional Sangria made of?
Sangria is a wine punch typically made with red wine and chopped fruit. California citrus season is in full swing and this SoCal Citrus Sangria recipe calls for freshly squeezed orange juice, plus orange and lime slices that impart even more bright flavor.
Did you know that Spanish missionaries planted the first winegrapes in California? They’re also believed to have first planted citrus trees in the Golden State over 250 years ago. The first commercial citrus groves appeared in Southern California decades later. The introduction of the navel oranges and railroads spurred California’s “second Gold Rush” of agriculture. The groves have now spread throughout the San Joaquin Valley.
Is it better to make this SoCal Citrus Sangria the night before?
Making your Sangria ahead allows the wonderful flavors to meld and makes for a richer tasting cocktail. We recommend making the SoCal Citrus Sangria at least 30 minutes in advance, but if you can wait even longer it’ll taste even better.
Still thirsty? We’ve got even more delicious California wine cocktail recipes for you to try!
A Simple Rosemary and Roasted Grape Wine Cocktail Recipe
Wine cocktails are a new trend in the alcoholic beverage market and we are here for it! In our latest wine cocktail creation, we paired the flavors of jammy roasted grapes, woodsy rosemary, and bright fresh lemon with the effervescent bubbles of sparkling wine. It’s quite honestly pure magic for the tastebuds.
Strawberry Lemon Smash Cocktail
Strawberry Lemon Smash: a delicious strawberry lemonade cocktail made fizzy with California sparkling wine. California strawberries are available year-round, too. In winter, strawberries ship from Southern California; production moves north with the warmer spring temperatures, and berries are grown throughout the state through summer. Wine is, of course, a year-round option too – so you can make this cocktail now, and then once it becomes one of your favorites, you can enjoy it anytime!
Farmers Market Wine Cocktail
This Farmers Market Wine Cocktail from G Free Foodie is essentially a next-level savory sangria. It’s like a combination of the best parts of your summer garden and relaxing on the patio on a warm summer evening. But with Pinot Noir.
Really, it’s a wine-based Bloody Mary made with concentrated fresh tomato goodness. Have I sold you yet? Just make one. Then you and your friends can decide how you want to describe it – while you’re pouring another.
SoCal Citrus Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 750 ml bottle California Zinfandel
- 2 cups fresh orange juice
- Juice of two limes
- 1 orange sliced
- 1 lime sliced
- honey to sweeten optional
For Serving
- Ice
- Garnish: thinly sliced orange and lime wheels
Instructions
- Add the wine, fresh orange juice, lime juice, orange slices and lime slices to a large pitcher and stir to combine.
- Taste and add 2-3 tablespoons of maple syrup or honey to sweeten if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice and fill with sangria. Top with fresh orange and lime slices for garnish.