On December 20, 2021, South Floridians and Americans commemorate National Sangria Day! The Spanish were on to something tasty. Pick your preference, be it red or white, a nicely chilled Sangria is refreshing. Pour a glass and instantly be transported to the sandy beaches of Spain. It is made of sweetened wine packed with fresh fruit and sometimes spiked with liquor, sangria is a colorful and refreshing drink for summer parties.

Sangria is particularly based on the traditional red wine punch popular across Europe for hundreds of years. The punch base would be a Bordeaux wine. This red wine is traditionally made from a blend of cabernet sauvignon, cabernet franc, and merlot. Brandy and most fruits (except bananas) would also be added for extra flavor.

Try this simple red wine sangria for a holiday gathering.

Simple Red Wine Sangria

1-gallon dry red wine

½ cup white sugar or stevia

1 (46 fluid ounce) can pineapple juice (I like Diet Sprite, fewer calories, and I am a Spaniard!)

One fresh pineapple cut into chunks

One orange, sliced into rounds

One lime, sliced into rounds

In a large punch bowl combine red wine, sugar or stevia, and pineapple juice or Diet Sprite. Mix in the pineapple chunks, orange slices, and lime slices. Serve chilled over ice.