Dear Reader: These are extraordinary times we’re living in, and while we always have a view toward health and wellness, sometimes the concept of self-care and wellness becomes a little different. As our needs shift, self-care might look like an over-the-top blanket fort in the living room… or decadent treats that aren’t normally a part of your diet. We believe that sometimes it’s OK to forego the usual self-care routine. That’s why the Pandemic Pantry series includes some “yummy but maybe not for every day” recipes for you to try. Enjoy!

If you love red wine sangria, I probably don’t need to tell you that they come in a wide array of colors, flavors, and sweetnesses. And that once you find the perfect one, it’s hard to accept any substitutions thereafter. A little like Goldilocks, when it’s just right, all’s right with the world. That’s pretty much what this recipe is all about. Perfectly balanced in every way, with a little splash of seltzer water for some added zing. What’s not to love? 

Choosing A Wine

It’s not necessary to get fancy with it. The wine is one aspect of sangria but it’s not the whole show. Save your best bottle for something really special, and just grab a 5.00 bottle of Pinot Noir, Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

The Best Fruits For Sangria 

Choose fruits that are on the sturdier side, not likely to get mushy and disintegrate. Flavor is another big component; try to choose fruits that compliment the wine you have chosen. If the bottle says the wine has apple and berry notes, those are both great options. Here is a list of some good choices:

– Apple

– Orange

– Peach

– Strawberry

– Blueberry

– Blackberry

– Pineapple

– Pear

Sweet Options

This recipe calls for both sugar and orange juice, but agave, simple syrup or honey are also great options.

Make Your Sangria Ahead of Time

If you’re hosting a party and don’t want to spend all your time in the kitchen messing around with the food, you can stir everything but the seltzer together in a pitcher and refrigerate until it’s time. Add the seltzer water and you’re good to go. In fact, this is one you should definitely make as far ahead of time as you can. The flavor gets better and better as the fruits impart their flavor and everything comes together.

Here’s the recipe for our favorite best-ever red sangria. Salud!

INGREDIENTS –

• 1 (750-mL.) bottle red wine 
• 1 c. orange juice
• 1/2 c. brandy
• 1/4 c. granulated sugar
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 apple, sliced
• 1 c. blueberries
• 1 c. sliced strawberries
• 1 (12-oz.) can seltzer

DIRECTIONS –

• In a large pitcher add the wine, orange juice, brandy, and sugar. Stir to combine. Add the fruits next. 
• Refrigerate for at least two hours before serving. Top off with seltzer right before serving.