Moscato Sangria

This Moscato Sangria recipe combines Aperol, Gran Gala, Moscato wine and fresh orange juice to put an Italian spin on the classic Spanish wine punch.

Italian Flavors, Italian Cocktails

In case you haven't noticed by now, Sip and Feast has begun to focus more on the food its founder, James, grew up cooking - New York Italian-American fare.

While we are not limiting ourselves to Italian inspired cocktails, we will often draw on those flavors to create drink recipes that we feel will pair beautifully with Italian inspired food.

This Italian sangria recipe  is one of them.

What is Moscato?

Moscato is a sweet, white wine made from the Muscat grape and originates from the Piedmont region of Italy.

Because of its sweetness, it is often enjoyed as a dessert wine.  Some describe it as having peach flavors, while others describe it as citrusy with hints of orange and lemon.

In this Moscato sangria recipe, we substitute Moscato for the Tempranillo that is most often used to create Spanish sangrias.

What is Aperol?

Aperol is an apertif, or aperitivo, that hails from Italy.  Much like Campari, it has a bitter orange flavor, although Aperol is sweeter and has a lower alcohol content that Campari.

It's namesake cocktail, the Aperol Spritz, is probably what this ingredient is best known for.

What is Gran Gala?

Gran Gala is a key ingredient in this Moscato sangria recipe, not just for its orange flavor, but because it is actually a VSOP Brandy.

In my opinion, it is the addition of brandy that differentiates a sangria from a punch.  So while you can definitely refer to this as a Moscato wine punch, I think Moscato Sangria, or Italian Sangria is a better fit.

Back to Gran Gala - this liqueur blends VSOP Brandy with orange essence derived from Sicilian Oranges.  It is delicious and a wallet-friendly substitute for Grand Marnier.

 

Blood Oranges for Italian Sangria

You may already know that the word sangria is derived from the Spanish word for blood, sangre.  So it just seemed fitting to use blood oranges for this cocktail.

Blood oranges are named for their gorgeous deep red color and another reason why I chose them for this drink.

But why stop there?  There are other types of oranges with hues equally gorgeous, so to make this a bit more visually appealing, I also used Cara Cara oranges, which look a bit more like a grapefruit as well as California navel oranges.

But really, any orange variety will do here, and you can even add some lemon if you desire.

How to Make Moscato Sangria

This is another super easy drink to make, and since it can be made ahead of time, it is host/hostess friendly crowd-pleaser.

First, gather your ingredients - you'll need:

• Moscato (you can substitute for another late harvest white wine, such as Reisling)
• Aperol (you may use Campari, though that will change bitterness and alcohol content)
• Gran Gala (you may use Grand Marnier, Solerno Blood Orange Liqueur, or Triple Sec)
• Seltzer (plain or citrus flavored)
• Orange juice (bottled is ok, fresh is way better) and
• Oranges

Do you see why I recommend using 3 different varieties?!

Begin by slicing your oranges and placing them in the bottom of a pitcher, or punch bowl.

Then, add the orange juice, Gran Gala, and Aperol.

Give the ingredients a quick stir.

Add the Moscato, and stir some more.

If making ahead of time (recommended), cover with plastic wrap and place in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.

Right before serving, add the seltzer.

Pour into ice filled glasses and serve.

This is definitely one of those drinks your guests will appreciate!  It is refreshing, delicious and not too sweet.  Enjoy it before or during a meal.

What to serve with Moscato Sangria?

Check out these recipes for crowd pleasing food to serve with this sangria.

• Pizza with Garlicky Tomato Sauce
• Porchetta Roast
• Shrimp Oreganata
• Pizza Bianca
• Crispy Garlic Parmesan Chicken Wings

DID YOU MAKE THIS DRINK?

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