With any cuisine, there is a history behind many of the dishes. From street tacos to guacamole, nearly every dish comes with a story. However, it is not only Mexican food that has a story, but also drinks. In preparation for National Sangria Day, one of your favorite Merrimack restaurants is delving into one of the most beloved Mexican drinks! Here at El Tapatio, our sangria is both traditional and delightful! Here is a closer look at the endless possibilities that sangria provides.
Where Did it Come From?
With an active shipping trade during 200BC, the Romans were one of the biggest consumers of Spanish red wine. Why wine? Well, during these times, much of the water was unhealthy to drink. Thus, wine became the go-to when looking to savor a thirst. Beyond the addition of fresh fruit, spices like cinnamon were also incorporated into red wine punch. These wines in earlier times were much less potent than what we drink today, yet nonetheless delicious. Traditional sangrias use wine from the Tempranillo grape. This robust black grape makes some of the finest full-bodied wines native to Spain. With undertones of berry and fig, the woody notes are deep and savory, providing the perfect base for a sangria mixture.
Current Day Sangria
While red wines remain the most popular choice for a sangria punch, it’s not uncommon to find white wine options as well. For instance, Sauvignon Blanc contains citrus notes that pair perfectly with specific sangria blends. Some also prefer to add other liquors to their sangria, like brandy or even triple sec. However, the distinct flavor can also work against a recipe that contains high amounts of lime and lemon. Finding the perfect combination of wine and ingredients takes flavor precision.
Endless Possibilities
When it comes to creating your own sangria it’s important to start with the base. Begin by choosing either a red or white wine, depending on the occasion. If you’re not sure which direction to go, consider the atmosphere it will be served in. If you’re serving sangria at a party filled with appetizers and munchie food, either could suffice. Whites tend to go better during the summer months, whereas a full-bodied red is an excellent addition to the cooler fall and winter seasons. If your sangria is paired with dinner, a traditional red blend is generally the way to go. From there test different fruit combinations to find the perfect blend of flavors!
Sangria at your Local Merrimack Restaurant
Here at El Tapatio, our family couldn’t be more excited to celebrate National Sangria Day with our guests! Be sure to stop by one of your favorite Merrimack restaurants on December 20th and have a glass or two of our delicious sangria to kick off the holiday season! We look forward to seeing you!