Festive Sangria Cocktail and Mocktail Recipes

Sangria is often thought of as a summer drink, but it’s not really much more summery than a champagne punch, which is usually designated to holiday parties. So, I like to buck the trend and serve sangria to my guests on New Year’s Eve. It’s always appreciated; I can tell you that much. Sangria is a wine punch that comes from Spain or Portugal, I’m not sure which was first, but now, it’s consumed throughout the world. I like to serve sangria along with tapas – either at New Years or any old cocktail party. Sure, some guests will prefer beer, but most enjoy the fruity taste of this alcoholic beverage.

Whenever you serve sangria, you should keep in mind that the alcohol is largely masked by the fruitiness. So, if guests aren’t careful, they can easily overdo it. Although the wine is diluted with fruit juice, there is also triple sec and sometimes also brandy added to the mix. In order to combat the potential drunkenness, it’s a good idea to have a mocktail version on hand. By the way, it’s also a nice gesture to have a virgin sangria around for any kids, pregnant women or just anyone who doesn’t drink alcohol. This way, they still feel like they’re partaking in all the festiveness of the event. At my party this year, I’m inviting a few people from work. The accountant is a recovering alcoholic and the paralegal is expecting, so I know at least two people will be enjoying the sangria mocktail.

Here are two recipes you can try:

Sangria Recipe

1 Bottle of zinfandel (red, not white)

1 Lemon cut into wedges

1 Orange cut into wedges

1 Lime cut into wedges

2 Tbsp sugar

½ cup of orange juice

2 Shots triple sec

1 shot brandy

1 Small can of diced pineapples (with juice)

4 Cups ginger ale

Pour the wine into a large pitcher and squeeze in lemon, lime and orange juice from each wedge. Toss the wedges in and add pineapple, orange juice, triple sec and brandy. Refrigerate overnight, and then add ginger ale right before serving.

Sangria Mocktail

Sangria Recipe

1 qt grape juice (not from concentrate)

1 Lemon cut into wedges

1 Orange cut into wedges

1 Lime cut into wedges

2 Tbsp sugar

½ cup of orange juice

1 Small can of diced pineapples (with juice)

4 Cups ginger ale

¾ cup powdered lemonade drink mix

Pour the grape juice into a large pitcher and squeeze in lemon, lime and orange juice from each wedge. Toss the wedges in and add pineapple and orange juice. Refrigerate overnight, and then add ginger ale and lemonade mix right before serving.