Sangria is a popular Spanish punch that is typically made with red wine and chopped fruit. It’s often served in restaurants, bars, and at parties. Choosing the right glassware can enhance the sangria drinking experience.
Wine Glasses
A traditional wine glass is a great option for serving sangria. The tulip or rounded bowl shape helps contain the chopped fruit and pulp from the sangria mixture. The stem allows you to hold the glass without warming the sangria with your hands. Look for a wine glass with a capacity of at least 12-14 ounces to allow for fruit and ice.
Red Wine Glasses
Since sangria is made with red wine, using a red wine glass is always appropriate. Red wine glasses have a wide, rounded bowl which allows you to easily swirl the sangria to release aromas. The wide opening also makes it easy to drink from while allowing you to enjoy the fruit garnishes. Choose a large red wine glass with a 20-24 ounce capacity.
White Wine Glasses
Though not as ideal as a red wine glass, a white wine glass can work well too. White wine glasses have a narrower opening which helps concentrate aromas. The smaller bowl also cools the sangria faster once ice is added. Select a white wine glass with a 16-20 ounce capacity for sangria.
Other Glassware Options
Besides wine glasses, other types of glassware can also accentuate sangria. Consider these options:
Pitcher
For sangria service at big parties, pitchers are perfect for pouring glasses of sangria for guests. Clear glass pitchers allow you to showcase the colors and fruits of the sangria mix. A pitcher also makes it easy to replenish sangria glasses as needed.
Mason Jars
For a casual, rustic feel, mason jars are great for sangria. The wide mouth allows you to fill up with ice and fruit. Mason jars are inexpensive and come in a range of sizes. Depending on the jar, they can hold 16-34 ounces.
Margarita/Hurricane Glasses
The margarita or hurricane glass has a wide, bowl-shaped design that can hold ice cubes, fruit slices, and plenty of sangria. These glasses often hold 20 ounces or more. They have thick bases that provide stability.
Flute Glasses
Though not ideal for the chopped fruit, a flute glass can provide an elegant presentation for sangria. The narrow opening helps prevent the pulp from filtering through for a neater drinking experience. A flute displays the sangria’s bright color. Use a 12-16 ounce flute.
Irish Coffee Mugs
Irish coffee mugs have thick glass bottoms and handles for easy sipping. The wide bowl provides ample room for sangria components. Mugs are casual and affordable, perfect for backyard barbecues and game days. Look for a 20-22 ounce mug.
Tips for Picking Glassware
Here are some useful tips for selecting sangria glassware:
- Look for a glass with a 12 ounce or greater capacity to accommodate ingredients
- Choose glasses with some weight and thickness to resist cracking
- Select a wider bowl or opening to easily add ice cubes and fruit
- Consider glasses with stems to prevent hand warmth from melting ice cubes
- Choose versatile glassware like wine glasses that work for other drinks too
- Pick visually appealing glassware to showcase the sangria colors
- Consider economy—inexpensive glasses like mason jars allow for easy serving
Best Glasses for Sangria
The most suitable glasses for properly enjoying sangria are:
| Glass Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Red Wine Glass | Ideal bowl shape, large capacity, shows sangria colors |
| White Wine Glass | Elegant presentation, enhances aromas |
| Pitcher | Easy pouring for parties, displays sangria |
| Mason Jar | Casual style, inexpensive, customizable capacity |
| Hurricane Glass | Holds ice and fruit well, durable and stable base |
Conclusion
Sangria is typically served in wine glasses, but other glassware like pitchers, mason jars, and hurricane glasses can also enhance the experience. Choose glassware with ample capacity and wide openings to accommodate ice, fruit slices, and other sangria ingredients. Red wine glasses and white wine glasses allow you to appreciate the aromas and presentation. Glass pitchers provide easy pouring at parties. Casual mason jars and hurricane glasses give a laid-back feel. Whatever type of glass you choose, be sure it shows off the vibrant colors and textures of your homemade or specialty sangria!