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Portuguese Sangria Recipe

How to make Portuguese Sangria

a person holding a sangria wine glass standing next to a body of waterSangria is the best wine cocktail for a hot day. This recipe comes from chef Vasco, our hostess, during a Portugal Food Tours – cooking vacation. Our chef Vasco usually makes this drink for our travelers to quench their thirst!
In this photo, you can see Susan and Melissa (mother and daughter) drinking authentic Portuguese white sangria.

Get the recipe and make yourself this fantastic wine cocktail at home! Cheers! Saúde!

What is Sangria?

Under EU regulations, only Portugal and Spain can label their product as Sangria. A similar drink is a punch.

It is a cocktail with chopped fruit, wine (red or white), spices, and other spirits.

Is sangria Spanish or Portuguese?

Sangria is often associated with both Spanish and Portuguese cuisines. It’s a popular beverage in both countries and has variations in each region. The exact origins of sangria are debated, but it likely has ancient roots in Spain.

In Spain, sangria is a well-known and widely enjoyed drink. It typically consists of red or white wine mixed with chopped fruit, sweeteners, and sometimes additional spirits. Spain is famous for its red wine sangria, which is often made with ingredients like citrus fruits, apples, and brandy.

In Portugal, a similar drink known as “sangria” is also prepared, typically using red or white wine and a mix of fruits. The ingredients and preparation methods can vary, but the concept is quite similar to Spanish sangria.

Read more: Best Time to Visit Portugal.

When is Sangria served?

a tray of food on a picnic table and white portuguese sangria recipeIt is perfect for enjoying a nice hot summer day outside. You can make this drink for a picnic or summer party.

How to order Sangria in Portugal?

  • Um copo de sangria – a glass of Sangria.
  • Um jarro de sangria – a pitcher of Sangria.

Read more: Best Things to Eat in Portugal?

How is Sangria made?

Read here our easy recipe.

Portuguese White Sangria Ingredients:

Make yourself a pitcher of Sangria Portugal.

  • 500 ml bottle of Portuguese White Wine (dry wine)
  • 150 ml soda or sparkling water
  • Two glasses of white Port wine (shot glass – or another wine brandy)
  • Two glasses of any whisky (shot glass)
  • Two oranges (sliced)
  • One lemon (sliced)
  • One apple (sliced)
  • 2 cups of ice cubes
  • One chopped orange (fresh fruit)
  • One bunch of white grapes, cut in half without the pits
  • One apple chopped
  • 1 or 2 cinnamon sticks
  • Some sugar, to taste
  • Mint leaves

a woman sitting and enjoying a Portuguese sangriaInstructions:

  • Add the ice, fruits, and sugar to the pitcher.
  • Add the liquids to the pitcher.
  • Mix it well with a spoon.
  • Let it sit for at least 10 to 15 minutes to chill, and the sangria fully absorb the fruits’ flavors.
  • Serve very cold!

From the Recipe Archives

We don’t know about you, but we’re eating and drinking our way through the pandemic. Here are some recipes to keep you going!

Check out our culinary vacations in Portugal.

Enjoy sangria, as well as local Portuguese wines, during your cooking classes at Portugal Food Tours.

Is it possible for homemade sangria to spoil?

Yes, homemade sangria can go bad over time. Here’s why:

1. Oxidation: The main culprits for the potential spoilage of homemade sangria are the fruit and wine. Both of these components are prone to oxidation. Oxidation occurs when the fruit is exposed to air for an extended period, causing it to deteriorate and lose its freshness. Additionally, wine can also oxidize, leading to changes in its flavor and aroma. As these ingredients oxidize, the sangria may lose its vibrant taste and become less appealing.

2. Microbial Growth: Homemade sangria contains a combination of fruit juices, which are rich in sugars, and wine, which typically has a moderate alcohol content. While the alcohol in the wine can act as a preservative to some extent, if the sangria is not stored properly (especially in a cool environment), it can become a breeding ground for unwanted microbes. These microbes can lead to fermentation or spoilage of the mixture, resulting in an off-putting taste and potential health risks if consumed.

In summary, homemade sangria can indeed go bad due to the natural characteristics of its ingredients.

How long should you let the fruit soak in sangria?

The recommended duration for allowing fruit to soak in sangria is generally about 2 to 4 hours, although certain recipes may suggest overnight soaking for a deeper flavor infusion. It’s worth noting that in Portugal, sangria is often prepared at restaurants when customers order the drink, which means it may not undergo extended fruit soaking.

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