If you go to Spain, you have to try a traditional Sangria. When in Rome, they say, so as the Romans do, and this popular and traditional drink is available at just about every bar and restaurant. Each place may have their own variation of the recipe, so it is fun to try it at different locations and compare. Sometimes the recipe is changed to go with the type of food that is being served.
Sangria is considered a summer drink, and you will find it served primarily during the summer when you are in the northern part of Spain, but in the south, where it is endless summer, you will find it served all year long. The mild temperatures of the fall, winter and spring encourage drinking this refreshing, fruity drink. The string of the sangria you will encounter will vary from place to place. Bars will most likely serve a stronger concoction than will a dance club.
Sangria itself originated in Spain. The word is the Spanish word for bleeding, and so it gets its name from the color of the red wine that is used in making traditional sangria. There are variations today that use white wine instead, but they are called sangria blanca.
The basic sangria recipe is red wine,...