Sangria Party Essentials: Variations, Food Pairings And Hosting Tips
One of the best drinks to prepare at a summer brunch or game night hosted during warm weather, sangria is a delicious cocktail brimming with the sour and tangy notes of citrus fruits and the intensity of good quality red, white or sparkling wines. What makes this cocktail stand out at house parties is the ease with which it can be prepared.
So, when you are next hosting a small group of friends at home for a celebration, you might want to throw a sangria-centric party to enjoy the classic Spanish cocktail.
Planning for such a party means looking at multiple sangria variations which can be prepared according to the taste preferences of your guests. You can also craft a food menu that pairs well with sangria so guests can enjoy some delicious culinary delights along with cocktails.
Moreover, a sangria party spells good taste without the obligation of making it a very sophisticated affair. So make sure you adjust the vibe of your party in a way that is welcoming without being a formal do.
Read on below for some ideas about how to serve sangria and pair it with different foods at your next summer party:
Sangria Variations
At a sangria party, you would want to offer different types of this cocktail so guests can enjoy several interesting concoctions made from wine and fruits. Keep merlots, chardonnays and pinot grigios as they are well-suited to both red and white wine sangria recipes. You can prepare a rosé sangria too, for savouring the flavours of a sparkling wine and swap out the brandy for quality white rum in this recipe. Additionally, if mangoes and pineapples are in season in the tropics, you can also prepare sangria variations celebrating these summer fruits to infuse a more flavourful touch into the cocktail.
DIY Sangria Stations
Another way to make your sangria party interesting is to set up DIY stations where guests can prepare their own take on the cocktail. Offer cut-up fruits like apples, oranges, strawberries, raspberries, pineapples, and more which can be muddled into the sangria. Along with this, lay out a bottle or two of Captain Morgan Dark Rum or Ciroc Ultra Premium Vodka as liquor options to build the base of this cocktail. You can also tuck recipe cards into the DIY station so guests can glance at the method and quantities before mixing their drink.
Sangria Glasses
Another important aspect of any cocktail event is glassware. A drink served in the right glass releases its aromas and elevates the experience of savouring the mix. You can use long-stemmed wine glasses to swirl the cocktail and explore its fragrances or you can go for mason jars and goblets if your cocktail is heavily loaded with chopped fruits. And when you are making a large batch of sangrias, serve it in pitchers or carafes so that the drink and all its fruit garnishes can be readily poured into serving glasses.
Colourful Ambience
Sangria has origins in Spanish regions and it is often enjoyed here as a drink on festive and celebratory occasions. Undoubtedly, a party featuring sangria is a favourite among guests having this cheery vibe with lots of music and colourful red, green, white and yellow drapes and throws reflecting a joyous atmosphere. You can set up small tables with colourful tablecloths and vibrant wine glasses to enhance the appeal of this setting.
Food Pairings
At a sangria party, what you need is an array of tapas or Spanish appetisers that go well with the drink. Serve croquettes, tortillas, patatas bravas as well as grilled chorizos and chicken skewers as flavourful munchies. Seafood also pairs splendidly with sangria so you might want to serve pipirrana or a Spanish seafood salad or even a classic seafood paella for a richer meal that will complement the sour and citrusy qualities of the cocktail.
*Drink Responsibly. This communication is for audiences above the age of 25.
