Sangria in Rosé, Bourbon, and Blue
The state of Minnesota consists of many, many food bloggers. Did you know that? We have a great group, Fortify: A Food Community (formerly Minnesota Food Bloggers), that is headed up by my lovely and non-stop friend Stephanie from fresh tart.
And it was at a summer gathering of this group (here’s a great recap from my friend Kelli) that I was introduced to a blow-my-mind sangria. Created by Molly McNeil, a gal who never ceases to amaze me with her quick wit, this sangria contained bourbon. It added just that perfect little somethin’ somethin’ that made it stand out. And it magically gave the males in the group a free pass to step away from the Fulton crew, to enjoy this bevvy that might otherwise come off as too girlie. Everyone, including myself, raved about it. And rightly so. It rocked!
This Sangria in Rosé, Bourbon, and Blue is adapted from a drink recipe found in bon appétit. And as soon as I found out from Molly where it came from, I knew exactly the recipe she was talking about. I could picture the article from the magazine, as I had it saved, too. This exact sangria had been “on my list” of new recipes to try. And I could have kissed Molly for mixing it up for us! She added her own little touches (eliminated the tea, added rosemary and peaches), and it was completely wonderful.
Molly’s addition of rosemary made me swoon, and there’s no way I’ll ever make this sangria without it. But I did make some changes, too. There were some gorgeous sweet dark cherries in the fridge that I couldn’t deny adding, although you can bet that I’ll be slicing up a couple of peaches for this drink when they’re sweet and juicy later this summer. I also added some orange juice and Grand Marnier. And I was curious about the black tea that the original recipe included. So I made it both ways. If you like tea (I do), try it. It’s very good with the bourbon, plus it can help add flavor while stretching out the pitcher, if you’re looking for a sangria that’s a bit more mellow. If you like a fruitier sangria, I would add a favorite fruit juice.
Sangria in Rosé, Bourbon, and Blue
It’s very good with the bourbon, plus it can help add flavor while stretching out the pitcher, if you’re looking for a sangria that’s a bit more mellow.
Ingredients
- 1/3 c. super fine sugar
- 2 c. fresh blueberries, divided
- 1 c. pitted and halved fresh sweet dark cherries
- 1 750 mL bottle fruity rosé
- 2/3 c. freshly squeezed orange juice (from about 2 large oranges)
- 1/2 c. bourbon
- 2 T. Grand Marnier
- 1 sprig fresh rosemary, about 5'' long
- 1 lemon, one half squeezed for its juice, the other half sliced thinly
Instructions
- In a small bowl with tall sides, combine sugar with 1/3 cup hot water. Using an immersion blender, blitz until sugar dissolves. (Or use a food processor or blender.) Add 1-1/2 cups of the blueberries and blitz again, until blueberries are completely broken up. Set a strainer over a bowl and strain the blueberry mixture, pressing on solids to extract as much liquid as possible. Discard solids.
- Pour blueberry liquid into a medium-large pitcher. Cut the remaining 1/2 cup blueberries in half and add to pitcher. Then add cherries, rosé, orange juice, bourbon, Grand Marnier, rosemary, lemon juice, and lemon slices. Stir and place in refrigerator until chilled, about 2 hours.
- Fill glasses with ice and pour sangria over the ice. Garnish with additional cherries, blueberries, and lemon slices, if desired.
Notes
Adapted greatly from original recipe in bon appétit, with changes from Molly McNeil incorporated.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 18 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 84Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 10mgCarbohydrates: 12gFiber: 1gSugar: 10gProtein: 0g
Nutrition information is automatically calculated by Nutritionix. I am not a nutritionist and cannot guarantee accuracy. If your health depends on nutrition information, please calculate again with your own favorite calculator.
Here are some other summer sippers you might enjoy:
- Raspberry Rascal Cocktail from Marla Meridith
- Fresh Pineapple Margaritas from Gimme Some Oven
- Roasted Cherry and Sage Lemonade Cocktail from Nutmeg Nanny
- Rhubarb Margarita {aka “The Farmgirl Margarita”}
- Hatti’s Strawberry Chiller
- Raspberry Sorbet Bubblies
So gorgeous! I would love to try one of these on the 4th!
Eeep! Those are GORGEOUS! Those must join me for the 4th of July!!
Thanks, Sweets! Have a very happy and safe 4th!
Lovely summer drinking. I may need to bring this to the family picnic on Thursday.
My girlfriend is the queen of sangria making, I am so pinning this in hopes that she makes it SOON!
Looks and sounds amazing! Great idea for the 4th since you can mix it all up ahead of time.
Wow I seriously can’t wait to try this Brenda, looks so good!
That is one pretty drink, love your polka dot straws!
I’m definitely more of a bourbon girl than tea, and I”m ready to have my mind blown :) glad you have such a great group of food bloggers, I need to find out more about them for FoodieCrush! We need to talk. Have a great weekend.
Definitely, ask away! Have a great weekend!
I would love this! Its Perfect for these hot days of Summer!
This looks so refreshing I’m afraid I would slurp it all away…no sharing. And whenever you need me to take that lovely silver tray off your hands…I’ll send you my address.
That tray was an awesome and inexpensive Goodwill find!
Hello gorgeous! This is my kind of sangria for sure. Fruity with a little fizz. Love it!
Bourbon in sangria??? That sounds awesome!! And they look beautiful =)
Yes, it’s WONDERFUL! ;)
I love this post so much. Thank you for the kind words. It was a very special party! And Molly McNeil rocks :) Gorgeous pics, as always. I’ve got to try this with tea! xoxoxo
Ahhhh…you’re so welcome. And deserving of every kindness. xo
How refreshing is this! Perfect for summer!
Mmmm…I know I would love this! Thanks for sharing!
So pretty! Definitely a keeper.
So pretty and festive! Love Sangria!
Beautiful cocktail & thanks for the link love :)