How To Improve Store Bought Sangria: EASY Tips!
For those who appreciate a refreshing glass of sangria, it’s no secret that quality can vary greatly when it comes to store-bought options.
But, fear not, as there are simple ways to enhance the flavour and overall enjoyment of these ready-made tipples!
This article will guide readers through the process of elevating store-bought sangria to new heights.
The key to improving store-bought sangria lies in identifying complementary ingredients that enhance the base wine and accentuate the drink’s refreshing qualities.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can turn even the most mediocre store-bought mix into a crowd-pleaser fit for any occasion.
Let’s get stuck into how to improve store bought sangria!
How To Improve Store Bought Sangria: Choosing the Right Base
Finding the perfect store-bought sangria can make all the difference when you wish to enjoy a refreshing drink without the hassle of making it from scratch.
Considering a few key factors will help you make the best choice for your taste buds and elevate your sangria experience.
Firstly, pay attention to the wine base used in the bottled sangria.
The traditional base for sangria is red wine, but there are also variations using white or rosé wines. A well-reviewed white sangria option is Lolea Sparkling White Sangria No. 2.
When selecting a sangria, consider your personal preferences and the occasion for which you’re serving the drink.
Next, evaluate the sweetness of the sangria.
Store-bought sangria often contains added sugar, which may lead to an overly sweet taste. While you can always adjust the sweetness later by adding less sugar, choosing a sangria with a lower sugar content from the beginning can save you time and effort.
Lastly, consider the fruit flavours present in the bottled sangria.
Traditional sangria recipes include oranges, apples, and other citrus fruits, but there are countless variations depending on the wine used and your personal taste. Look for a sangria with fruit flavours that suit your preferences, and don’t be afraid to try new combinations.
By taking the time to choose the right store-bought sangria, you’re setting the foundation for a delicious and enjoyable drink that can be easily personalised and enhanced to suit your unique palate.
Adding Fresh Fruit
One of the best ways to enhance the flavour of store-bought sangria is by incorporating fresh fruits into the mix.
By using seasonal fruits, you can create a delightful aroma while giving your drink a more personalised touch.
Some of the most popular fruits to add to sangria include apples, oranges, lemons, strawberries, pineapples, peaches, and plums.
These fruits offer a variety of flavours that complement the existing sangria taste, and can be found at your local supermarket or farmers’ market.
If you want to keep your sangria chilled without diluting it with ice, consider using frozen fruit.
Frozen blueberries, strawberries, or grapes are excellent choices for this purpose, as they will help maintain the drink’s temperature without altering its taste.
In addition, adding herbs such as mint or basil can change the sangria’s profile and provide a refreshing twist. Just remember to be mindful of the amount of herbs, adjusting it according to your personal preference.
Feel free to get creative with the fruit combinations and create your own signature sangria recipe. The key is to experiment with flavours, textures, and colours, providing a unique and memorable experience for both you and your guests.
Adjusting Sweetness
In this section, we will discuss various sweetening options and how to balance sweetness for a more enjoyable sangria experience.
Sweetening Options
There are several ways to add sweetness to your store-bought sangria:
- Fruit: Adding fresh fruit not only enhances the flavour but also adds a touch of natural sweetness to the sangria. Opt for ripe and sweet fruits such as strawberries, peaches, or mangoes.
- Simple Syrup: A quick and easy way to sweeten the sangria is by adding a small amount of simple syrup. You can make this by dissolving equal parts sugar and water in a saucepan over low heat.
- Honey or Agave Nectar: Alternatively, you can use honey or agave nectar to add a milder, more natural sweetness to your sangria. Be sure to mix it well before serving.
Balancing Sweetness
When adjusting the sweetness level of your sangria, it is crucial to maintain a balanced flavour profile. Here are some tips to help you do so:
- Citrus: Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice can help counteract excess sweetness and brighten up the overall flavour. This is also recommended by Kitchn to make store-bought sangria taste a bit fresher.
- Sparkling Water: Top up the sangria with some sparkling water for a more refreshing drink without adding extra sweetness.
- Dry Red Wine: If your store-bought sangria is too sweet, you can balance it by mixing in a more dry red wine, such as a Tempranillo or Rioja. This will not only reduce the sweetness but also add depth and complexity to the drink.
Adding Additional Alcohol
When it comes to enhancing store-bought sangria, introducing extra alcohol can elevate the flavour and create a more sophisticated taste.
Several types of alcohol can be added to bottled sangria, each imparting its unique character to the beverage.
One popular option to consider is red wine. Adding a dry red wine, such as Tempranillo or Rioja, can provide the sangria with more depth and richness. Avoid sweet wines like Moscato or Port, as they may make the sangria overly sweet and overpowering.
Another choice to intensify the flavour of the sangria is brandy. Brandy complements the fruity notes of the sangria and adds a warming sensation to the drink. If you’re unsure about which brandy to use, seeking advice from a staff member at your local liquor store is a helpful approach.
Lastly, rum is an alternative alcohol to consider. Light or dark rum can contribute a unique taste, depending on your preference. Rum typically adds a hint of sweetness and highlights any tropical fruit flavours present in the sangria.
When adding any of these alcohols, start with a small amount and gradually adjust according to taste. Also, bear in mind that letting the sangria marinate with the additional alcohol and fruits for at least 12 hours can enhance the overall flavour profile (source).
Enhancing Flavour with Herbs and Spices
Experimenting with herbs and spices can bring a whole new dimension to your store-bought sangria.
There are endless combinations to try, but a good place to start is with fresh herbs like mint, basil, and rosemary.
These herbs can impart delightful aromas and subtle flavours that complement the fruity nature of sangria.
For example, adding a few sprigs of mint can provide a refreshing twist, while incorporating basil leaves can afford a touch of herbal richness.
Rosemary, on the other hand, lends a woodsy note that balances the fruitiness of the drink.
Remember to bruise or gently muddle the herbs before adding them to the sangria to release their essential oils and intensify their flavours.
For a more exotic touch, consider using spices like cinnamon, star anise, or ground nutmeg. These spices can infuse your sangria with warm, aromatic notes and create a unique, irresistible taste.
When adding spices or herbs, always remember to do so in moderation, as too much flavour can overpower the fruits and wine.
To help control the intensity of the flavours, consider creating a homemade spice mix by combining your chosen herbs and spices in the following proportions:
| Herb/Spice | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mint | 4-6 sprigs |
| Basil | 3-4 leaves |
| Rosemary | 1 small sprig |
| Cinnamon | 1 stick |
| Star Anise | 2 pods |
| Ground Nutmeg | A pinch |
Finally, after adding your chosen herbs and spices, it’s important to let the sangria rest for a few hours to allow the flavours to meld together. This will ensure a harmonious, flavourful drink that everyone will enjoy.
Chilling and Serving Tips
When it comes to enjoying store-bought sangria, the way it is chilled and served plays a crucial role in enhancing its flavour. Heed the following tips to make the most of your sangria experience:
Always ensure that your wine, as well as any additional liquors included, are thoroughly chilled before preparing the sangria.
According to Martha Stewart, this step is essential, even for red wines. Cold temperatures help to bring out the fruity notes and create a refreshing beverage.
After mixing the sangria, let it sit in the fridge for a few hours or even overnight. This allows the flavours to meld and intensify as the fruit macerates.
Try using a sealed container or a carafe to prevent oxidation during storage. Furthermore, avoid exposing it to temperature fluctuations, as this can spoil the taste.
When it’s time to serve the sangria, choose a clear pitcher or punch bowl. These vessels showcase the vibrant colours of the fruity ingredients, adding a visual appeal to the overall experience. Ensure that the chosen container is large enough to accommodate the entire bottle of wine, along with the added fruit and any other mix-ins.
Finally, use appropriate glassware for serving.
Traditional wine glasses or stemless varieties can work well for sangria. Fill the glasses with ice before pouring in the chilled mixture, and, if desired, include a few pieces of fruit from the pitcher.
As you can see, you have plenty of choices when it comes to how to improve store bought sangria! Which of these options will you be trying?
If you love making drinks at home, you might also want to check out my guide to improving grocery store margarita mix.
