Thursday, July 1, 2010

Thirsty Thursdays: Red, White and Blue Sangria Edition

No, I haven't dropped off the face of the earth, nor am I going to leave you thirsty this holiday weekend! In fact, I have a lovely, summery sangria to offer for your sipping pleasure.

Created on the fly by the husband, this refreshing sangria boasts a base of light, refreshing vinho verde, a hint of peachy goodness, and bright riot of summer berries to keep things feeling festive. While the recipe below is by the glass, you could certainly make this by the bottle or pitcher, but you'll need to play around with the measurements a bit.

For those unfamiliar, a brief word about the vinho verde. Literally translated "green wine", vinho verde is a Portuguese wine, from the Minho region, who's name refers to its youth rather than its color. Vinho verde is not meant to be aged, it should be consumed within a year of bottling, hence its description as a young wine. It is low in alcohol, feathery light on the tongue and slightly effervescent. The flavor is typically somewhat fruity, with notes of crisp green apple and lime.

Its light and refreshing, perfectly suited for use as an aperitif all on its own - and equally delicious when used to form this light sangria.

Red, White and Blue Sangria:
  • Vinho Verde
  • Peach Schnapps
  • Orange Bitters
  • Fresh Strawberries, hulled and halved
  • Fresh Blueberries
Fill a tall glass with ice and add some vinho verde, enough to fill 1/2 to 3/4 of the glass. Add 1 1/2 ounces of peach schnapps and a dash or two of orange bitters. Stir to combine. Add some fresh strawberries and blueberries to the glass and stir gently. Serve and enjoy, repeat as necessary!

As written, this recipe will serve 1.

In this case, we used some Vindigal Vinho Verde, which is quite excellent, but any brand will suffice. If you've not had a chance to try vinho verde, by all means check it out. Its the perfect summer wine - and, bonus, its generally low in price!

I expect to be back in full swing on the blog next week. We'll start things off with a yummy give-away on Tuesday, and later in the week I'll have a scrumptious fish taco on the menu, and a luscious chocolate review. Rumor has it that Papa Diva is working on a vegan post for us as well ... will wonders never cease?! Stay tuned!

So, what are you up to this weekend? Will you be grilling up a storm, relaxing poolside, or hitting the beach? Curious Diva wants to know.

Wishing a safe and Happy 4th of July to those who are celebrating!

Cheers!

12 comments:

Mo Diva said...

Diva, i love you!
this is the most gorgeous looking sangria i have ever seen. I love the colors and it sounds so delicious and i can see myself lounging slowly sipping this delight!
i'll take two please.

Same Sweet Girl: Memoir of a Southern Belle said...

I was wondering where you went!!! :) This drink sounds delicious!!!!!!!! I am going to be a mess this weekend trying all of these concoctions I've been seeing on blogs today!!!! ;)

Unknown said...

What a pretty 4th of July drink. YOu are so clever with cocktails daaaahling. Hope you have a fantastic holiday weekend.
*kisses* HH

The Diva on a Diet said...

Mo - I love you back! I think you'd really, really like the flavors in this one. Its fun and festive too!

SSG - I've got to make my way around this afternoon and see all the other holiday beverages! I've been a bit crazy at home these last two weeks, lots of stuff going on ... plus, it was so hot and humid I literally couldn't think! LOL

HH - Thank you, dahling! I'll raise a glass in your ex-pat honor this weekend! x0x0x0

Tangled Noodle said...

With your Thirsty Thursdays and challenge, I've been all about summer cocktails! I love sangria but have always been put off by most recipes that make up such a large batch - sometimes, a girl just wants a sip or two!

BTW, I sent you my Chipotle Peach Cocktail [Hot Fuzz] for the TTC! 8-)

Molly said...

I learn something new every time I read your blog! Happy Fourth...I'm making a trip to the Farmers Market for corn and zucchini fritters, perfect for the holiday!

pixelgal said...

Even a sometime drinker (me) could go for a drink like this. Maybe I'll make them this weekend to celebrate! And yes, Papa Diva has begun putting his post together but was interrupted by his career as a tile setter! The pictures have been taken, the dish has been sampled so stay tuned, readers...and a Happy Fourth to all!

Ca88andra said...

I do like sangria! Happy 4 July to you too!

ValleyWriter said...

I love Sangria, though I've never had a white wine version. Looks fabulous & so festive!

Lynne Daley said...

Looks very refreshing. I love this wine-it's so summer! Happy 4th of July! Sorry I didn't get to post a jalapeno libation on your Challenge. Maybe next month.

Charmian @Christie's Corner said...

Oooh, this sounds wonderful. I could use one right about now.

Hope you had a wonderful 4th on July. Nice to see you back (having been away a lot myself!)

Stay thirsty, my friend :-)

Donna-FFW said...

Such a fun drink!! I love the flavors, so festive!!