drink tank
SUMMER SENSATION
Sangria is a perfectly refreshing drink to share this season.
WRITTEN BY ERIN MEYERING
PHOTOS BY CHRIS HOLLOMAN
With roots in Spain and other European countries, sangria made its U.S. debut at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. This wine punch traditionally was made from claret, a Bordeaux wine. It was mixed with brandy and fruit to create the ultimate socialite’s party drink. Now, sangria has come to include any wine: red, white, rosé, or sparkling.
Endless flavor opportunities
Michael Moberly, spirits program director at Whispering Vine Wine Co. in Reno, says nothing is off limits. He’s been designing the sangria offerings at all three Whispering Vine locations in Reno with distinct flavors in mind. Each location has both a red wine- and white wine-based sangria infused with complementary flavors that include spices, edible flowers, and seasonal fruits. The options are endless.
“When making sangria, preserve the fruit of the wine while adding new and interesting flavors,” Moberly says.
Justin Jensick, general manager of Campo in Reno, also tries to get creative with flavors. Guests at Campo will find traditional red sangria by the glass or by the pitcher (the preferred method for sharing), but the restaurant’s hidden treasure is the Mint-Cherry White Sangria with house-made Curaçao, pinot grigio, fresh citrus juice, and ginger beer.
A toast to community
Not only do most enjoy this cool, refreshing drink during the hot summer months, but sangria also appeals because it’s the perfect communal drink, Moberly suggests. When people all drink the same beverage, it gives them a conversation starter and, more importantly, a shared experience.
“[Wine] punch is the monarch [king] of all cocktails,” Moberly says.
Erin Meyering looks forward to experimenting with wines, fruits, and flavors to make her own sangria this summer.
Recipes
Red Wine Sangria
(courtesy of Michael Moberly, spirits program director, Whispering Vine Wine in Reno. Makes 2, 10-ounce glasses with ice)
½ ounce brandy
½ ounce Carpano Dry Vermouth
½ ounce Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao
¾ ounce Crème de Cassis de Dijon
¼ ounce lime juice
4 ounces red table wine (one choice is Whispering Vine Wine’s Equation Red Table Wine)
Dried apricot, for garnish
Combine all ingredients, except for garnish, in large container or glass. Either pour into glasses with ice and sip right away, or let marinate for deeper flavor. Add garnish and enjoy.
White Wine Sangria
(courtesy of Michael Moberly, spirits program director, Whispering Vine Wine in Reno. Makes 2, 10-ounce glasses with ice)
½ ounce Brooklyn Gin
½ ounce St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur
½ ounce Pierre Ferrand Dry Curaçao
¼ ounce lemon juice
3 ounces white wine (one choice is Whispering Vine Wine’s Solution White Blend)
1 ounce ginger beer
Dried white peach, for garnish
Combine all ingredients, except for garnish, in large container or glass. Either pour into glasses with ice and sip right away, or let marinate for deeper flavor. Add garnish and enjoy.
Extras
Don’t want to make your own?
Sip sangria at one of these local businesses
Café at Adele’s
Offering a house sangria made from a blend of white wines, peaches, watermelon, and a touch of pineapple.
1112 N. Carson St., Carson City • 775-882-3353 • http://www.Adelesrestaurantandlounge.com
Campo
Serving a traditional red sangria with local brandy and Mint-Cherry White Sangria with fresh citrus juice and ginger beer.
50 N. Sierra St., Reno • 775-737-9555 • http://www.Camporeno.com
The Jungle
Choose a red or white sangria with seasonal ingredients.
246 W. First St., Reno • 775-329-4484 • http://www.Thejunglereno.com
Whispering Vine Wine Co.
Serving seasonal varieties of both red and white sangrias at all three locations.
4201 W. Fourth St., Reno • 775-786-1323
3886 Mayberry Drive, Reno • 775-787-9463
85 Foothill Road, Reno • 775-622-8080
http://www.Whisperingvinewine.com
