Sunshine & Sangria: How To Plan For Outdoor Cocktail Fun, In 5 Steps
When the mercury rises and the call of the great outdoors becomes too tempting to ignore, there's no better companion than a trusty pitcher of sangria. This isn't just about slapping together wine and fruit; it's about crafting a beverage that becomes the heartbeat of your summer shindigs. Whether you're sprawled on a rooftop, lounging in your garden, or digging your toes into sandy beaches, here's how to ensure your sangria game is as on-point as your summer playlist.
Picking the Perfect Spot
The setting matters when you are outdoors. If you are a modernist and like rooftops, you would love sipping sangria against a stunning skyline. Gardens can be a bit more quaint and intimate, with flowers complementing the fruity notes of your drink. And if you are a beach body, you have found the perfect spot to enjoy your sangria—the sun, sand, and sea amplifying each refreshing gulp.
Mixing It Up
But how do you concoct the perfect sangria? The key to a delicious drink lies in its blend, and when it comes to sangria, nothing other than premium Spanish red wine will give you the ultimate experience. The fruits are as important as the spirit. If you like to go for the usual fruit (which is oranges, apples, and some lemons), consider venturing beyond the usual suspects. Toss in some kiwi for a zesty twist or pomegranate seeds for a sweetness that will leave you wanting more.
Serving Savvy
If the vibe is relaxed, mason jars are your go-to glassware for serving sangria. To make things easier, you could pre-fill them with your sangria, pop them in a cooler, and drag them along. With this arrangement, you've got grab-and-go goodness that keeps the party moving. For larger gatherings or somewhere messier and more crowded, like the beach, a dispenser with a tap minimises mess and lets guests refill at their leisure, ensuring you're not playing host outdoors.
Eco-Elegant Tips
Sustainability is sexy, folks. Dress your sangria up with edible garnishes that look gorgeous and cut down on waste. Also, big ice blocks aren't just a statement piece; they melt slower, keeping your sangria cool without watering it down. And if we're talking straws, let's skip them altogether or opt for the compostable kind.
The Finishing Touches
No drink, no matter how divine, is an island. Complement your sangria with a spread that screams summer—think light, nibble-friendly fare that guests can graze on. And the ambiance? That's where your killer summer tunes come in, setting the mood from lazy afternoon lounging to an impromptu dance-off as the evening wears on.
