Rose sangria is a popular pink-hued sangria made with rosé wine as the base. It is fruity, sweet, and perfect for sipping on a hot summer day. But what ingredients go into this refreshing cocktail? Let’s take a closer look at what makes up this pink drink.
The Base – Rosé Wine
The key ingredient that gives rose sangria its signature pink color and flavor is rosé wine. Rosé wines are made from red wine grapes, but with limited contact with the grape skins during winemaking. This gives rosé its light pink hue. Any style of rosé wine can be used, but some common choices include:
- Pinot Grigio
- White Zinfandel
- Provence-style rosé
- California rosé
The rosé wine provides the base flavor and alcohol for rose sangria. An inexpensive rosé works well since it will be mixed with other ingredients. Typically, rose sangria recipes call for about one 750 mL bottle of rosé wine per 3-4 servings of sangria.
Fruit Juices
Fruit juice is another essential component of rose sangria. The fruit juice provides natural sweetness and fruity flavor. Common fruit juice choices include:
- Orange juice
- Pineapple juice
- Mango juice
- Peach juice
- Pear juice
- Apple juice
- Cranberry juice
Citrus juices like orange and pineapple are classic sangria mixers that pair well with the rosé wine. Tropical juices like mango and peach add more exotic flavors. Apple, pear, and cranberry juices also work nicely. Combining a few complementary fruit juices creates depth of flavor.
Recipes generally call for around 1-2 cups of fruit juice total for a 750 mL bottle of wine. Adjust according to taste preference.
Sliced Fruits
Fresh fruit is also added both for visual appeal and to reinforce the fruit flavors. The most common fruits used are:
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Limes
- Apples
- Peaches
- Strawberries
- Pineapple
- Mango
- Grapes
The sliced fruits are typically added to the sangria mixture and allowed to infuse for a couple hours or overnight before serving. Citrus wheels and wedges work well to garnish the glasses too.
Sweeteners
A small amount of sweetener can be added to balance the acidity of the wine and fruit juices. Common options include:
- White sugar
- Brown sugar
- Honey
- Agave nectar
1-3 tablespoons is usually sufficient for 750mL of wine. Honey and agave nectar add extra flavor dimensions as well.
Spices and Herbs
Spices and fresh herbs can add subtle complementary flavors to rose sangria. Some possibilities are:
- Cinnamon
- Star anise
- Mint
- Basil
- Rosemary
- Lavender
- Thyme
- Cardamom
Add these spices sparingly, starting with 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon. Their flavors can become overpowering. Fresh herb sprigs also make beautiful garnishes.
Soda Water or Ginger Ale
A splash of soda water or ginger ale helps add some effervescence to rose sangria. The bubbles also lighten the mouthfeel.
Ice
Rose sangria is always served over ice. Not only does this chill the drink, but also dilutes it slightly to balance the sweetness. Either ice cubes or crushed ice work well.
Making Rose Sangria
With all the ingredients in hand, it’s easy to make rose sangria at home. Here is a simple recipe:
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle (750mL) rosé wine
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Soda water or ginger ale
Instructions:
- Add the rosé wine, orange juice, pineapple juice, sliced fruits, raspberries, honey, and cinnamon stick to a large pitcher. Stir to combine.
- Refrigerate for 2-4 hours to allow flavors to meld.
- When ready to serve, add ice and top off with a splash of soda water or ginger ale.
- Garnish sangria glasses with orange slices and fresh raspberries.
- Enjoy this refreshing rose sangria! Makes about 4 servings.
The long infusion allows the fruits to impart their flavors into the wine. Feel free to get creative and try different fruit, juice, and spice combinations!
Serving Suggestions
Rose sangria is very versatile and pairs well with many different foods. Here are some serving suggestions:
- As a summer cocktail alongside tapas, antipasti, or light appetizers
- With barbecue, like chicken or shrimp skewers
- Alongside Latin cuisine like ceviche, tacos, or quesadillas
- With Mediterranean spreads like hummus, baba ganoush, and tzatziki
- Next to charcuterie and cheese boards
- With brunch foods like eggs, waffles, yogurt parfaits, etc.
- As part of a dessert spread of fruits, cakes, and chocolates
The possibilities are endless! Just serve it nice and chilled. Fruity rose sangria is delicious any time of day.
Tips for the Best Rose Sangria
Here are a few tips to make stellar rose sangria every time:
- Start with abudget-friendly rosé – Save the expensive bottles forsipping on their own.
- Use very ripe, sweet fruit – This prevents having to addlots of extra sugar.
- Cut the fruits into different sizes and shapes – Creates visualinterest.
- Include some herb sprigs and edible flowers – Boosts the flavorexperience.
- Chill it for at least 2-4 hours – Allows the flavors to properlymeld together.
- Add the bubbles at the end – Preventsthem from getting flat.
- Use good quality fruit juices – No artificial flavors/sweeteners.
- Give it a taste and adjust sweetness or juice flavors as needed.
With high quality ingredients and enough chill time, you’ll have perfect rose sangria to enjoy all season long!
Non-Alcoholic Rose Sangria
Rose sangria can also be made alcohol-free, so everyone can enjoy it. Simply replace the rosé wine with an equal amount of non-alcoholic fruit juice or sparkling juice/soda. Top with lots of fresh fruit and a splash of soda water. Kids and non-drinkers won’t miss the wine!
Conclusion
With its beautiful pink color and fruit-forward flavors, rose sangria is the perfect drink for warm weather sipping. Now that you know how easy it is to make at home, you can whip up a batch to enjoy on the patio or at your next garden party. Rosé wine, fruit juices, fresh fruits, and a few other simple ingredients are all it takes to make this tempting cocktail. So give rose sangria a try – your tastebuds will thank you!