Its been an abnormally mild winter/spring and it feels like summer already mid-May in Minnesota…what could be wrong with this picture, you ask?

Absolutely nothing with this sangria in your hand!

Family get togethers invite creativity and new food options – especially when they are outdoors, near the water, and the temps will be in the high 80°’s!

Truthfully, this would be good when it’s 60’s and raining, but I may be a bit biased.  Either way – it’s easy to make, easy to drink, and you should always double the batch (at minimum) for entertaining.

Refreshing was the word that came to mind when I was inventing the combo.  If part of the invention was just reviewing what we had at home.  Truly, it is hard to go wrong with sangria – as long as you let it sit for at least two hours for the flavors to come together. 

I am a big fan of complex flavor profile of ginger.  We purchased a ginger liquor for a different cocktail recipe, and I knew that I wanted it to pair with a dry Rosé.  Finish that off with some smooth orange liquor and all the glorious fruit, including some of the fresh pineapple juice, and you have an afternoon fit for relaxation.

Sangria can be what you make it and to the level you want.  I’ve seen (and tried) different sangria recipe.  Most call for a bottle of wine, somewhere between 1/2 to 1 cup hard liquor or liquors and complimentary fruit.  If you’re not a fan of hard liquor, go for the lower proof liquors and not as much. It really can be your canvas, so it’s all about what you like and having fun putting it together.

Ginger Rosé Sangria

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle dry Rosé wine
• 1/2 cup ginger liquor
• 1/3 orange liquor
• Strawberries, slices
• Oranges, slices
• Pineapple, cut into chunks, and reserve some of the fresh juice
• Mint garnish

Preparation:

Combine wine, ginger and orange liquors, and pineapple juice in a pitcher.  Then add all the fruit.  Put in the fridge and let sit for a minimum of 1 hour.

Serve over ice with some of the fruit and fresh mint garnish.  Top with a splash of sparkling water if you want some effervescence.

Happy Sangria Sunday!!!

*Experimental Spoon Original.