Some people think it’s impossible to have the best of both worlds. At Barcelona Gin, we respectfully disagree. Barcelona and London. Gin and tonic. Sun and sea…
But there’s a magical combination that combines all of these things in one delicious, refreshing jug of summer loving. For most people, Sangria is a drink mostly tasted on holiday in Spain. From Malaga to Madrid and from Barcelona to the Balearics, Sangria has become a tourist favourite.
Easy to drink and easy to get drunk on, for some people it’s the perfect holiday cooler. The trouble is that most tourists get to drink the tourist version. It’s fine, but the locals spin their Sangria any number of different ways.
Good, old fashioned bloodletting…
Sangria is a traditional alcoholic drink that originated in the Iberian peninsula and that remains popular across both Spain and Portugal. In fact, only those two countries are officially entitled to use the name Sangria, so make sure you’re trying the real stuff.
And here’s an interesting fact – the word Sangria literally means “bloodletting” and it began to be popular as early as the 18th century.
Punch and Sangria – cousins, separated at birth
It generally belongs in the punch family of drinks and is most often served in a large jug, filled with red (or white) wine, chopped fruit and ice.
But often, other ingredients make an appearance including spirits. In fact, there are any number of variations of this delicious drink across Spain. It’s traditionally made with Rioja red wine. But it can also be made with white wine or cava.
Fruit is generally added to the mix depending on seasonality and region. Peaches, nectarines, apples and pears are common ingredients, but you’re only limited by your imagination.
In recent years, Sangria from white wine is becoming increasingly popular. And for those looking to add a bit of strength to their mixture, feel free to add a splash of brandy or a fruit liqueur.
The gin is in!
And this is where our good friend gin enters the scene. As usual, while we fully respect the tradition of a Sangria (and we know we might be breaking some of the rules), we think gin is the missing ingredient. It is the thing that links Spain and London. It makes regular appearances in old fashioned punches and it can add a little boost to the spirits. This is a drink that truly bridges both worlds.
So, here’s a cheeky Gin Sangria recipe that is really easy to make and that makes use of a little gin to pep up this traditional Spanish drink.
Gin Sangria recipe
Ingredients:

- 2 bottles dry Spanish red wine
- 6 oz gin (Gin Mare or Gin Xoriger Mahon)
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 4 oranges (3 juiced, 1 whole)
- 2 limes (1 juiced, 1 whole)
- 4 lemons (3 juiced, 1 whole)
- Ice
- 24 oz guarana soda
Method:

- Combine the wine, gin, sugar and the juice from the 3 oranges, 3 lemons and one lime
- Slice the remaining orange, lemon and lime and add them to the pitcher as well
- Stir the pitcher and let it sit overnight in the refrigerator
- Pour the sangria into glasses filled with ice and top up with guarana soda
- Sit back and drink.
Salud!

Written by Steve (with a little help from Ruddles, the gin dog!)
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