By Lori Walker, MS, RD | Published on August 9, 2023 | Last Updated on November 7, 2023
Columbia Restaurant sangria is a classic, refreshing summer cocktail that originated in Spain. It’s perfect for those hot summer days when all you want to do is kick back and relax with a delicious drink!
The Columbia Restaurant has taken this traditional drink and put its own unique spin on it, creating an unforgettable flavor combination. With the right ingredients and instructions, you can make your own Columbia Restaurant sangria at home.
The instructions are simple to follow and only require a few key ingredients. You will also need some additional ingredients for the perfect taste. Once you have everything together, it’s time to prepare the ingredients and create this delicious cocktail.
Read on to learn how to make the perfect Columbia Restaurant Sangria at home. With this easy-to-follow guide, you’ll be able to impress your friends and family with a delicious summer cocktail!
What is Columbia Restaurant Sangria?
Sangria is a traditional Spanish drink made with red wine, brandy, and various fruits. It is typically served over ice in a large pitcher or jug. There are many variations of sangria recipes that vary from region to region in Spain.
Columbia Restaurant Sangria is an adaptation of the classic dishes created by the famous Columbia Restaurant in Tampa, Florida.
This unique sangria includes additional ingredients such as orange wedges, lemon slices, and cherries for a sweet and refreshing flavor. It is typically served cold over ice in a large pitcher or jug.
When made according to the Columbia Restaurant’s instructions, it produces a delicious summer cocktail that will quench your thirst on hot days.
What does it taste like?
Columbia Restaurant Sangria has a unique flavor that is both sweet and tart. The red wine gives it a deep, fruity taste while the brandy adds an additional layer of complexity to the drink.
The orange wedges, lemon slices, and cherries provide an extra sweetness that balances out the bitter flavor of the red wine.
The result is a refreshing beverage that is perfect for sipping on hot summer days. The flavors of citrus and cherry blend together to create an unforgettable taste that will make your mouth water.
How did I first get introduced to the Columbia Restaurant Sangria?
I first discovered the Columbia Restaurant Sangria while traveling to Tampa, Florida. As soon as I arrived in town, I heard about it from friends and locals alike. Everyone was raving about this unique take on the classic Spanish beverage!
My curiosity led me directly to the source—the Columbia Restaurant itself. It seemed like the perfect place to sample this famous sangria. When I arrived, I could immediately tell why this restaurant had such a great reputation. The atmosphere was lively and inviting with traditional Spanish music playing in the background.
I quickly ordered up a pitcher of Columbia Restaurant Sangria and it certainly did not disappoint! The combination of red wine, brandy, and citrus fruits was truly unique and delicious. Everyone around me was enjoying it just as much as I was!
The Columbia Restaurant Sangria quickly became one of my favorite summer drinks. Not only is it incredibly tasty, but it’s also a great conversation starter! Whenever I serve this drink at parties, everyone seems to love it.
If you’re looking for a delicious twist on the classic Spanish sangria, then look no further than Columbia Restaurant Sangria! This unique beverage is sure to please the discerning palate and bring an extra special touch to any summer gathering.
How to make Columbia Restaurant Sangria?
Making Columbia Restaurant Sangria is a simple process that requires only a few ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
You May Also Like These Drink Recipes:
- Alton Brown Limoncello Copycat Recipe
- Copycat Recipe of Bahama Breeze Coconut Mojito
- Wonder Woman Tea Recipe (Copycat Version)
Ingredients
- Cold Water: This is used to dissolve the sangria mix.
- Sangria Mix: This is a pre-made mixture of sugar, spices, and other flavoring agents that helps give the drink its signature taste.
- Red Wine: Use any dry red wine you prefer for this recipe. A cabernet sauvignon or shiraz are both good options.
- Brandy: Brandy is a type of distilled wine that adds a nice flavor to the sangria. It should be added after the red wine and before other ingredients are put in the glass.
- Orange: This provides sweetness and natural flavor to the drink. Slice it into thin wedges and add it to your mixture for best results.
- Lemon: This adds a bit of tartness to the drink and is essential for the perfect balance. Slice it into thin slices and add it to your mixture.
- Cherry: The cherries provide a nice sweetness and texture as well as an attractive garnish. Add them last after the rest of the ingredients have been added.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
In a large pitcher, combine the cold water and sangria mix. Stir until completely dissolved.
Step 2
Add the orange wedges, lemon slices, and cherries to the pitcher and gently stir to combine all of the ingredients.
Step 3
Pour the brandy into a glass and then add it to the mixture in the pitcher.
Step 4
Add the red wine to the mixture in the pitcher. Stir gently until all ingredients are combined.
Step 5
Let the sangria sit for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows time for all of the flavors to meld together and create a delicious drink.
Step 6
Serve cold over ice!
Tips & Tricks
- To make the sangria more festive, add a few sprigs of mint or fresh fruit such as apples, oranges, or berries.
- For an extra special touch, try using sparkling wine in place of red wine.
- The sangria can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.
- To make a lighter version of this drink, you can substitute white wine in place of red and use sparkling water instead of still water.
- For a sweeter taste, try adding some simple syrup or honey to your sangria.
- To reduce the alcohol content, try adding a little bit of club soda or ginger ale to the mixture before serving.
- If you don’t have brandy on hand, substitute it with other dark spirits such as whiskey, rum, vodka, or tequila.
Columbia Restaurant Sangria Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pitcher
- Glass
Ingredients
Key Ingredients:
- 2 packets of Sangria Mix infusing the blend with a delightful medley of fruity flavors and aromatic spices.
- 1500 ml 1.5 liters of red wine, lending a rich, full-bodied character with hints of deep, fruity notes.
- 3 cups of cold water providing a refreshing and hydrating base for the drink.
Additional Ingredients:
- 3 oranges adding a burst of citrusy brightness and a hint of zesty sweetness, which perfectly balances the wine and brandy.
- 10 cherries not only enhancing the visual appeal with their vibrant red hue but also providing a juicy and fruity surprise in every sip, adding a delightful element to the sangria.
- 2 slices of lemon offering a touch of tangy zest to contrast the sweetness of the fruit, resulting in a well-rounded flavor profile.
- 2 bottles of brandy contributing a warm and robust spirit that complements the wine’s depth, creating a harmonious blend of flavors.
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the cold water and sangria mix. Stir until completely dissolved.
- Add the orange wedges, lemon slices, and cherries to the pitcher and gently stir to combine all of the ingredients.
- Pour the brandy into a glass and then add it to the mixture in the pitcher.
- Add the red wine to the mixture in the pitcher. Stir gently until all ingredients are combined.
- Let the sangria sit for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows time for all of the flavors to meld together and create a delicious drink.
- Serve cold over ice!
Notes
- To make the sangria more festive, add a few sprigs of mint or fresh fruit such as apples, oranges, or berries.
- For an extra special touch, try using sparkling wine in place of red wine.
- The sangria can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before serving.
- To make a lighter version of this drink, you can substitute white wine in place of red and use sparkling water instead of still water.
- For a sweeter taste, try adding some simple syrup or honey to your sangria.
- To reduce the alcohol content, try adding a little bit of club soda or ginger ale to the mixture before serving.
- If you don’t have brandy on hand, substitute it with other dark spirits such as whiskey, rum, vodka, or tequila.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Columbia Restaurant Sangria?
Columbia Restaurant Sangria is the perfect accompaniment to a variety of dishes. It pairs well with light appetizers such as tapas and cheeses, as well as heartier entrees like paellas and steaks.
Additionally, it can be enjoyed alongside desserts for an added sweetness that complements the flavors in both the food and drink.
For a complete Spanish-inspired meal, try serving your sangria with traditional Spanish dishes like paella, gazpacho, and empanadas.
For a light snack, you can enjoy it with olives, cheese platters, and cured meats. Or if you’re looking for something more indulgent, try pairing your sangria with churros, flan, or crema catalana.
How to store leftover Columbia Restaurant Sangria?
Leftover Columbia Restaurant Sangria can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep it fresh, make sure to store it in an airtight container or pitcher and cover it with plastic wrap.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply pour it over ice and enjoy! It’s an easy way to savor the delicious flavors of this Spanish classic.
Can pregnant women eat this?
It is not recommended that pregnant women drink Columbia Restaurant Sangria. The alcohol content of this beverage makes it unsafe for expecting mothers to consume.
Also, women who are breastfeeding should avoid drinking it as alcohol can pass through the breast milk to the infant.
FAQs
What kind of red wine should I use in this?
For best results, we recommend using a dry red wine such as cabernet sauvignon or Shiraz. These types of wines will give the sangria a more full-bodied flavor and will pair nicely with the other ingredients in the drink.
Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Yes, you can easily make this recipe without any alcohol content. Just replace the red wine and brandy with white grape juice and fresh fruit juices. This will provide the same delicious flavor without any of the alcohol.
Do I have to use brandy in this?
No, you can substitute brandy with other dark spirits such as whiskey, rum, vodka, or tequila. Just make sure to adjust the quantity according to the alcohol content of your chosen spirit.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for trying out this delicious Columbia Restaurant Sangria recipe! Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just looking for something unique to serve at your next gathering, this refreshing beverage is sure to please.
If you have any questions or comments about the recipe, please feel free to leave them in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you! Please share this article with your friends and family who love sangria as much as we do.
You Might Also Like These Recipes!
- Jimmy Buff’s Pizza Bread Copycat Recipe
- Recipe for Baked Talaba
- Cheesecake Factory Butter Copycat Recipe
My name is Lori Walker. I’m a registered dietitian, food blogger and food enthusiast. I share easy healthy, delicious recipes on my blog and review necessary kitchen items. The recipes I share take less… Read more
