She Strengthens

Sparkling Sangría: A Refreshing Twist on a Classic

When it comes to warm weather drinks, sangría is a timeless favorite. But why settle for the ordinary when you can add a touch of elegance with a splash of bubbly Lambrusco? Farnoush Deylamian, former bar director of Aziza restaurant in San Francisco, shares her secret to creating a show-stopping sangría that’s both potent and balanced.

The Perfect Blend of Flavors

To craft this sophisticated cocktail, you’ll need a few key ingredients, including dry Lambrusco, gin, brandy, Cointreau, and Simple Syrup. The combination may seem unexpected, but trust us, it’s a game-changer. Be sure to choose a dry Lambrusco, like Ca Berti Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro “Robusco”, to avoid an overly sweet flavor profile.

A Delicate Touch

When preparing this sangría, remember to handle the ingredients with care. Over-mixing can result in a flat, lifeless drink. Instead, gently muddle the fruits to release their juices, then add the remaining ingredients and shake until chilled. Strain the mixture into a large wineglass and top with the Lambrusco, mixing thoroughly with a bar spoon to preserve the bubbles.

Recipe at a Glance

Yield: 1 drink
Difficulty: Easy
Total Time: 10 minutes
Active Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

• 5 large or 10 small ice cubes, plus more for shaking
• 1/2 medium lemon, peeled and sliced into small cubes
• 1/2 medium lime, peeled and sliced into small cubes
• 1/2 medium orange, peeled and sliced into small cubes
• 1 ounce brandy
• 1 ounce Cointreau
• 1 ounce gin
• 1 ounce Simple Syrup
• 5 ounces dry Lambrusco

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Add the measured ice cubes, lemon, lime, and orange to a cocktail shaker and muddle until the fruits exude their juices.
2. Add more ice until the shaker is three-quarters full.
3. Add the brandy, Cointreau, gin, and simple syrup.
4. Shake well until chilled, about 20 seconds.
5. Strain the mixture into a large wineglass and top with the Lambrusco.
6. Mix thoroughly with a bar spoon and serve.