Deep down I’m a patriotic guy. I sing along with the national anthem, I take my hat off at when it’s played and I make sure that my Independence Day cocktails are Red, White & Blue. To celebrate the holiday this year is a drink as multicultural as our nation; a Red, White & Blue Sangria.
White Sangria is the forgotten cousin of the more well known Red Sangria, made with white wine rather than red. While I tend to prefer a traditional red sangria, the white sangria offers both a refreshing dryness and supports the beautiful palette that summer brings. This drink was initially going to be centered around the red tart explosions of flavor I had received in my CSA from Driftless. Unfortunately they were so good that they barely lasted the night and a replacement was needed. Luckily I found the rich, tart strawberries from local growers Silkey Gardens.
My attempt to find local blueberries at the farmer’s market was a bust and there was nothing to consider “white” other than the sangria so I reached beyond what I would normally consider local, from Minnesota or bordering regions of neighboring states, and went national. This was for Independence Day after all so why not pull from the bounty of our nation. This led to blueberries from New Jersey and white nectarines from California.
This colorful explosion can be made immediately before serving or up to 12 hours in advance.
A refreshing alternative to a red sangria made especially for the 4th of July
1 bottle white wine; Riesling, Pinot Grigio or Vinho Verde
1/2 bottle club soda
1 white nectarine, sliced
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup strawberries, quartered
Pour wine and soda into large pitcher, add fruit. Refrigerate for up to 12 hours.
Enjoy in a Collins glass over ice, garnish with fruit from the sangria.
Variations:
Call it a Blue, White & Red Sangria and serve for Bastille Day
Drink in a Box 