Strawberry Sangria

Here in North Carolina, we are in the peak of strawberry season. I love finding creative new ways to use this deliciously sweet fruit, and I was inspired to create a refreshing summer drink. My Strawberry Sangria brings a fresh, candied flavor with a hint of amaretto. This can easily be made into a non-alcoholic “mock sangria” using red grape juice. For optimal flavor, use farm fresh local strawberries. To find a strawberry farm near you, click HERE for a locator. Sometimes strawberries don’t add a lot of flavor, especially the store bought ones, so I added an extra burst of strawberry flavor using my Nature’s Flavors Organic Strawberry Syrup, which will make this recipe even simpler by skipping the need to make your own simple syrup. Flavor syrups are such a convenient way to enhance the flavor experience of sangrias, cocktails or any drink or smoothie. Makes approximately 6 servings.

Nature’s Flavors Organic Strawberry Syrup is made with pure cane sugar and none of the artificial. It does not contain dextrose or high fructose corn syrup, which is a huge selling point for me, as I am highly sensitive to corn.

Let’s begin!

Ingredients:

Strawberry Sangria Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle Spanish wine (Tempranillo recommended)
• 1/3 cup Amaretto liqueur
• 1/2 cup Nature’s Flavors Organic Strawberry Syrup
• 2 cups sliced fresh strawberries

Optional Garnish:

• Two chopped Granny Smith apples
• Three sliced mandarin oranges (or any fruit of your choice)

Mock Sangria Variation:

• Substitute the wine with red grape juice
• Omit the amaretto or add 1 tsp of almond extract for a similar taste

Instructions:

Combine all Sangria ingredients to a large pitcher and stir. Refrigerate overnight or for at least 4-6 hours.When ready to serve, divide between glasses and garnish with fresh, colorful fruit. Long handle drink spoons are perfect for scooping up the wine-soaked fruit afterwards. Enjoy!

I think the amaretto compliments the strawberry flavor wonderfully and I personally love adding the bright green granny smith apples and orange slices for a lovely and colorful presentation.To make this a non-alcoholic “mock sangria” you can easily substitute the wine for red grape juice and omit the amaretto or add 1 tsp of almond extract for a similar taste.

Enjoy!

💜Julie