Coming up with new drinks for a bar or restaurant beverage menu is a challenging job. There are plenty of popular cocktails to include, as well as healthy mocktails. Don’t forget to add a few unpopular cocktails, plan a great wine list, and never forget about drink and food pairings.
Sounds complicated, doesn’t it? So many things to think about then make a step-by-step plan and execute. But this is an essential part of running a successful bar or restaurant! Offering a good variety of drinks alongside delicious meals is going to put your business ahead of the curve.
If you are a business owner in the hospitality industry, the information we share below is for you. We want to pull up the curtain and show you the amazing world of sangria! There are many sangria flavors that you can offer at your establishment and significantly increase customer satisfaction. Not to mention your restaurant’s profit.
To plan better your beverage inventory in the new year and implement with ease new offers, stay on this page. We will dive deep into the topic and inspire you to experiment with sangria flavors and seasonal offers!
Sangria for Everyone’s Taste
The first and most important thing to know is that there are numerous sangria cocktail recipes. Although the original recipe for the drink includes only red wine, you can also make white sangria. Sparkling wines and rosés can be used in the making of this popular beverage, too.
Different sangria recipes include brandy and ginger ale. Orange liqueur can be used as an ingredient, as well. As for the fruits - there is a huge variety that can be added to the liquid to create completely different flavors than what you are used to.
Because there are plenty of ingredients you can use, you can create hundreds (or even more) sangria flavors! This allows you to follow seasonality with your sangria offers and create drinks that will fit your food menu. Offering a variety of sangria flavors means that you can have a drink for anyone’s taste.
Key Takeaway: To achieve unique and delicious sangria flavors, you can use various ingredients. From different wines and spirits to fruits and herbs - the options are endless. Experiment to find the flavors you like best and surprise your customers with delicious sangria for every season and occasion!
7 Ways to Make Unique Sangria Flavors
There are seven ways to achieve different sangria flavors. They all require a different array of ingredients to achieve unique flavor profiles and aromas. Read the list and get inspired for seasonal or year-round sangrias, which you can add to your beverage offers!
1. Exotic Fruit Sangria
Infuse sangria with exotic fruits for a unique flavor tropical flavor. You can use various fruits, including:
- Dragon fruit
- Lychee
- Passion fruit
- Star fruit
- Mango
These fruits will create a tropical and refreshing taste. Sangria infused with tropical fruit is a great drink to serve during the hot summer months. That’s why you can include a few variations in your summer cocktails list. Don’t forget the pretty cocktail garnish! With such a variety of fruits, you can use a slice of either one of them as garnish.
2. Herb-Infused Sangria
Using herbs in sangria adds complexity and freshness to the flavor. We suggest you use the following herbs:
- Basil
- Mint
- Thyme
Sparkling and white wines would be great to use with herbs. You can make a refreshing sangria that will go well with almost all meals you serve at your restaurant. However, red wine and rosés can be infused with herbs too, depending on their flavor profiles and aromas.
3. Spicy Sangria
Spicy spirits are on the rise! We even have an article dedicated to the spiciest cocktails. If you want to jump on this adult beverage trend, we suggest you also try serving spicy sangria at your bar or restaurant. To make it spicy, you can use:
- Jalapeños
- Ginger
- Chili powder
A spicy sangria will appeal to people who love a bit of heat in their drinks. Spicy sangria will pair well with classic Super Bowl food. You can easily add this type of sangria to your Super Bowl cocktails list!
4. Sangria with Different Wines
As already mentioned, you can make a delicious sangria with different varieties of wine. Experiment with various wines for the base of the sangria. Although Tempranillo is a common ingredient in red sangria, you can use others you already have on hand. Don’t forget to try different white wines, including port wine. Sparkling varieties like prosecco wine are not to be forgotten, either.
5. Non Alcoholic and Low Alcohol Sangria
The number of people striving to live a healthier life is increasing. This results in many trying to lower the amounts of alcohol they consume or cutting it off altogether. For that reason, it’s crucial to always have mocktails available on your menu. Low-alcohol options are a must, too.
Sangria flavors change when you use low-alcohol ingredients or alcohol-free ones. Here’s what you can use:
- Fresh juices
- Sparkling water
- A mix of fresh fruits - berries, tropical fruits, and more.
6. DIY Sangria
If you want everyone to be happy with their sangria, make an interactive sangria bar! This is something to try if you are looking for Super Bowl watch party ideas. Have a selection of fruits and herbs on the table. You can also offer various types of wine and even brandy and sparkling water. This way, your customers will make the drink to their own taste. Sangria flavors they love will improve their experience!
7. Sangria with Unique Wines and Spirits
A sure way to create a one-of-a-kind sangria is by using exotic wine. Unique spirits will also contribute to the creation of distinctive flavor profiles. Experiment with a few different wines and spirits. You can look into herbal liqueurs, too.
Once you select the base for the sangria, choose herbs and fruits. They should complement the flavor of the alcohol. If you use heavier dessert wines, don’t overdo it on the tropical fruit. The sangria flavors may end up being too sweet.
For the best possible results, you can turn to a mixologist who will help you find flavors that go well together. When you know what complements what, your sangrias will be outstanding!
Frequently Asked Questions about Sangria Flavors
If you are interested to know more about sangria flavors, you are at the right place. Read the answers to these questions.
Are There Seasonal Variations of Sangria?
Yes! Seasonal variations of sangria are common. For example, summer sangrias might feature tropical fruits. Fall sangrias could include apples and pears. Seasonal herbs and spices can also be incorporated to add depth to the flavor. Cinnamon can be used to create a wintery feel and flavor.
Can I Make Non-Alcoholic Sangria?
Yes! Non-alcoholic or virgin sangria is a popular drink. It involves using wine with no alcohol or grape juice as the base. The base is then combined with a variety of fruits and juices for flavor. You can infuse the drink with herbs, too.
Can I Customize Sangria Flavors?
Absolutely! Sangria flavors are highly customizable. You can experiment with different wine varieties and fruits. You can use different sweeteners, too. In addition, you can use spirits or flavored liqueurs to create your own unique sangria flavors.