Refreshing, yes, but did you know where Sangria originated? Fundido.com dug around to find out. We also came up with our best sangria recipe.  Introduced in America at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York, Sangria was originally developed and served in Southern Spain and neighboring Portugal as early as the 1700s. It was actually created by wine enthusiasts experimenting with fruit to make the wine more widely palatable.  At the time, water was very often unsafe, and people used wine and other beverages containing alcohol to wash clothes and bathe! Even young children drank wine.

As such, the popular drink was born and referred to as Claret Cup Punch. Recipes differ greatly between regions, using varied ingredients including chopped or sliced fruit such as orange, lime, lemon, apple, peach, nectarine, various berries, pineapple, melon, grapes, or mango. Many recipes include brandy, a few contain spices (often ginger and cinnamon), and for those with an affinity to white wine, there is also a popular version of “White Sangria”. It’s all a matter of taste!

Fundido.coms Best Mexican Sangria

3 oranges, 2 squeezed & 1 sliced

3 limes, 2 squeezed & 1 sliced

1 bottle red wine

1/3 cup sugar

ice

optional: grapefruit & apple slices

In a large glass or plastic pitcher, squeeze the juice from 2 oranges and 2 limes. Add the wine and sugar. Stir until all ingredients are mixed and sugar is dissolved. Cover and chill 3 hours minimum, or overnight. Serve over ice with orange and lime slices. Enjoy!