Celebrating sangria
A cool pitcher of sangria on a sweltering summer night is synonymous with relaxation. And lingering over the sweetly potent blend of wine, spirits, and fruit is made more enjoyable by good food and good conversation, though admittedly I sometimes throw together a helter-skelter batch to sip by myself on the back porch as I let the chaos of my day melt away.
Sangria is typically served as a party drink, the more fun equivalent of those big bowls of spiked punch that you ladle into a glass at awkward family gatherings. Traditionally, it’s made with red wine, brandy, sugar, oranges, and apples, though there are countless variations. Essentially, it’s a mish-mash of booze and sweet fruits, meant to be consumed in a social setting.
Naturally, since we’re in the waning days of summer, there are endless versions of sangria available in Boston, some closer to the original version, some pushing the creative envelope with wacky ingredients. Pretty much all of them are incredibly refreshing, so you’re guaranteed to find a sangria that suits your palate.
