When the Texas weather warms up in spring, it’s the perfect time to enjoy a refreshing beverage. Sangria and spritzers are ideal for the season, and with a Texas twist and ingredients from Spec’s, you can create delicious drinks for any gathering. Here are some recipes and ideas to help you craft the perfect springtime drink.
How To Make Sangria With Red Wine & Sprite
Sangria, a beloved Spanish beverage known for its refreshing and flavorful profile, is a versatile punch that typically incorporates wine, fresh fruit, and a medley of other mixers. The combination of red wine and Sprite results in a delightful concoction that has a touch of sweetness and effervescence, making it an ideal choice for casual gatherings and celebrations.
The harmonious blend of red wine’s rich and robust notes with the bright, citrusy sweetness of Sprite creates a balanced and invigorating flavor profile. The Sprite’s carbonation adds a playful fizz that enhances the overall drinking experience, while its subtle sweetness complements the natural fruit sugars present in the Sangria. This simple yet effective addition transforms the traditional Sangria into a more approachable and enjoyable beverage for those who may find the classic version too dry or tart.
The versatility of Sangria allows for endless variations and customizations. A variety of fruits, such as oranges, lemons, limes, berries, and apples, can be added to infuse the Sangria with natural sweetness and vibrant flavors. Additional mixers, such as brandy, liqueur, or fruit juice, can also be incorporated to elevate the complexity and depth of the beverage.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine (see recommendations below)
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup brandy
- ¼ cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup diced fresh fruit (such as oranges, lemons, limes, and berries)
- 2 cups Sprite
- Ice
Instructions:
- In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, orange juice, brandy, and simple syrup.
- Add the diced fruit and stir gently.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, add Sprite and stir.
- Serve over ice and garnish with additional fruit slices if desired.
Recommended Red Wines from Spec’s:
- Carlo Rossi Sangria Red Blend: This wine is perfect for sangria and large gatherings due to its fruity notes and approachable style. The flavors of red and citrus fruits complement the addition of fresh fruit.
- Cruz Garcia Real Sangria Tempranillo: An ideal base for sangria recipes due to its balance of sweetness, bold fruit flavors and smooth texture. Authentic Spanish Tempranillo grapes create vibrant notes of citrus, cherry, and red berries that pair well with fresh fruits. The light effervescence and touch of spice add complexity without overpowering the mix, making it a perfect accompaniment for mixers like orange juice, brandy, and Sprite.
How To Make The Best White Sangria
White sangria, the refreshing, vibrant alternative to traditional red sangria, offers a lighter and crisper profile that perfectly complements warm weather and celebratory occasions. This delightful mix showcases the flavors of white wine and fresh fruits such as citrus slices, berries, pineapple and mango. The sweetness of the fruit is balanced by the subtle tartness of the wine, creating a harmonious and refreshing flavor experience.
To further elevate the complexity and depth of white sangria, a variety of complementary spirits are often added. Brandy, for its warmth and depth, or a touch of orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier, for its bright citrus notes, are popular choices. A splash of sparkling water or club soda adds a touch of effervescence, while fresh herbs like mint or basil lend a fragrant and refreshing aroma. The combination of these ingredients creates a symphony of flavors and aromas that is both sophisticated and approachable, making white sangria a versatile and crowd-pleasing beverage for any gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of white wine (see recommendations below)
- ½ cup peach schnapps or elderflower liqueur
- ¼ cup brandy
- ¼ cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup diced fresh fruit (such as peaches, apples, and citrus slices)
- 1 cup club soda or lemon-lime soda
- Ice
Instructions:
- In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, peach schnapps (or elderflower liqueur), brandy, and simple syrup.
- Add the diced fruit and stir gently.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, add club soda or lemon-lime soda and stir.
- Serve over ice and garnish with additional fruit slices if desired.
Recommended White Wines from Spec’s:
- La Vieille Ferme Blanc: This French white wine is a refreshing and balanced blend of Bourboulenc, Grenache Blanc, Ugni Blanc, and Vermentino grapes. Its bright orchard fruit flavors and subtle minerality make it a perfect base for white sangria. The wine’s flavors can be enhanced and complemented by the addition of fruits, liqueurs, and other spirits.
- Chateau Ste. Michelle Sauvignon Blanc: The wine’s origin in Washington State is key to its distinct character. The region’s cool climate and long growing season allow for the development of crisp acidity in the grapes, which translates to a refreshing tang in the finished wine. This acidity is perfectly balanced by notes of citrus fruits like lemon and lime, as well as tropical hints of pineapple and mango. These bright, fruity flavors complement the sweetness of the other sangria ingredients, while the acidity keeps the drink from becoming overly rich.
Crafting the Ideal Spritzer
Key Points to Remember
- Keep it Cold: Start with chilled wine and sparkling mixers for a refreshing spritzer.
- Find the Right Ratio: Use 3 parts wine to 1 part sparkling water as a base, then adjust to your liking. More sparkling water creates a lighter drink, while less creates a stronger wine flavor.
- Get Creative with Garnishes: Fresh berries, citrus slices, herbs, or edible flowers add visual appeal and enhance the flavor.
More Tips for Success
- Prioritize Quality: A good wine makes a good spritzer; choose a high quality wine.
- Explore Sparkling Options: Try club soda, tonic water, or flavored sparkling water in addition to classic sparkling water.
- Choose the Right Glass: A tall glass showcases the bubbles and garnishes.
- Use Plenty of Ice: Large ice cubes melt slowly and prevent excessive dilution.
- Make a Big Batch: Prepare a pitcher of spritzer for parties and let guests add their own garnishes.
- Make it Non-Alcoholic: Replace the wine with sparkling grape juice or flavored kombucha for a delicious mocktail.
Our Best White Wine Spritzer
A simple yet elegant cocktail, the white wine spritzer is a light and refreshing beverage that perfectly complements a warm Texas afternoon. Combining white wine with a bit of fizz, this drink is ideal for warmer days.
Ingredients:
- 3 oz chilled white wine (recommendations below)
- 1 oz chilled club soda or sparkling water
- Ice
- Optional: fresh fruit slices or herbs for garnish
Instructions:
- Fill a wine glass with ice.
- Pour the chilled white wine over the ice.
- Top with club soda or sparkling water.
- Gently stir to combine.
- Garnish with fresh fruit slices or herbs if desired.
Best Wines to Use for Spritzers
Budget-Friendly Picks
Under about $10, these wines are light, refreshing, and perfect for casual spritzers on a budget.
White Wine
Casal Garcia Vinho Verde – Budget (~$7): A light-bodied, slightly spritzy white with tangy acidity and bright notes of lemon-lime and green apple. It’s low in alcohol (around 9–10% ABV) and ultra-refreshing, so it holds its crisp flavor even when diluted. This makes a fantastic base for spritzers – you get zesty flavor without overwhelming strength.
Rosé Wine
La Vieille Ferme Rosé – Budget (~$8): A dry, fruity French rosé bursting with red berry flavors (think strawberry and raspberry) and delicate floral hints, finishing crisp and refreshing. Its light, clean profile means it won’t turn overly sweet when you add mixers, and it’s inexpensive enough to generously pour for a crowd. The bright fruit flavors shine through a spritzer, keeping the drink flavorful. accentuate the rosé’s fruity-floral notes.
Sparkling Wine
- Segura Viudas Brut Cava – Budget (~$9): A superb Spanish Cava with tight, lively bubbles and a clean, dry character. It offers crisp apple and pear notes with a hint of herbs, backed by good acidity.
Mid-Range Picks
In the $10–$20 range, these wines offer great value and more refined flavors to step up your spritzer game.
White Wine
- Kim Crawford Sauvignon Blanc – Mid (~$13): A famously fresh Sauvignon Blanc loaded with ripe tropical fruit flavors – passion fruit, melon, and grapefruit burst from the glass.
Rosé Wine
- Whispering Angel Rosé – Mid (~$18): A high-quality rosé known for its elegant balance of fresh red-berry fruit and a fine floral character.
Sparkling Wine
- La Marca Prosecco – Mid (~$14):This popular Italian Prosecco boasts a fruity flavor profile that’s sure to please a crowd. Its aroma evokes fresh citrus and honeysuckle, while the palate experiences lively notes of green apple, ripe lemon, and juicy peach.
Premium Picks
For those willing to splurge ($30+), these exceptional wines bring extra complexity and elegance to your spritzers.
White Wine
- Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc – Premium (~$30): This top-tier Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is an iconic wine with complex flavors. It features notes of passion fruit, juicy honeydew melon, and bright citrus, with a subtle hint of green herbs and blackcurrant leaf on the nose.
Rosé Wine
- Domaines Ott “Château de Selle” Rosé – Premium (~$50):This renowned luxury rosé from Provence has an aromatic nose of citrus zest and white flowers. Its exceptionally refined flavor profile includes notes of yellow peach, subtle tropical mango, and a touch of minerality.
Sparkling Wine
- Veuve Clicquot Brut Champagne – Premium (~$50): This well-known Champagne offers a delightful balance of rich flavor and lively effervescence. Its aroma boasts notes of orchard fruits, such as apple, pear, and white peach, complemented by hints of citrus and a characteristic toasty brioche scent, a result of aging on the lees.
