Creating the Perfect Cabernet Sauvignon at Home

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle (750 ml) Cabernet Sauvignon wine
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • 1/4 cup simple syrup
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 lime, sliced
  • 1 apple, chopped
  • 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
  • 1 cup fresh blueberries
  • 2 cups club soda
  • Ice cubes for serving

Steps and instructions

  1. Pour the Cabernet Sauvignon, brandy, and simple syrup into a large pitcher. Stir to combine.
  2. Add the sliced orange, lemon, lime, chopped apple, and sliced strawberries to the pitcher.
  3. Gently stir the fruit into the wine mixture.
  4. Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to meld together.
  5. Before serving, add the blueberries to the pitcher and stir gently to combine.
  6. Pour the club soda into the pitcher and stir gently to mix.
  7. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the Cabernet Sauvignon mixture over the ice to serve.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Experiment with different fruits such as peaches, raspberries, or blackberries.
  • Add a splash of sparkling water or soda water for a fizzy variation.
  • Replace the brandy with a different liquor like rum or vodka for a unique flavor profile.
  • Add a sprig of fresh mint or basil for an herbal twist.
  • Try using honey or maple syrup instead of simple syrup for a natural sweetener.
  • Create a mocktail version by omitting the wine and increasing the amount of club soda.
  • Add a cinnamon stick or a dash of cinnamon for a warm and spicy note.
  • Garnish the glasses with fresh herbs or citrus zest.
  • Add a splash of lemon or lime juice for extra acidity.
  • For a sweeter version, drizzle some agave nectar or grenadine syrup.

Recipe overview

This Cabernet Sauvignon recipe is a delightful twist on traditional red wine. It's a great addition to any dinner party or social gathering, offering a refreshing and fruity flavor profile. Infused with a splash of brandy and sweetened with simple syrup, this wine cocktail is then enriched with citrus fruits and berries for an extra layer of complexity. By letting it sit in the refrigerator, the flavors of the fruit and wine meld together to create a wonderfully balanced drink that is both rich and refreshing. The addition of club soda just before serving gives the cocktail a light fizz that enhances the overall experience. Whether you're a long-time wine lover or just looking for a new cocktail to try, this Cabernet Sauvignon recipe is sure to impress. Enjoy it on a warm summer evening, at a festive holiday party, or any time you want to make a moment special.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of red wine instead of Cabernet Sauvignon? - Yes, you can use a different type of red wine if you prefer. However, the flavor profile may vary slightly.
  2. Can I skip the brandy? - Yes, you can omit the brandy if you prefer a non-alcoholic version or if you don't have it on hand. The sangria will still taste delicious.
  3. What is simple syrup? - Simple syrup is a mixture of equal parts sugar and water that has been heated until the sugar dissolves. It adds sweetness to the sangria without the grainy texture of undissolved sugar.
  4. Can I use frozen fruit instead of fresh? - Yes, you can use frozen fruit if fresh fruit is not available. Just make sure to thaw and drain the fruit before adding it to the sangria.
  5. How long can I keep the sangria in the refrigerator? - The sangria can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. However, it is best when consumed within 24 hours for the freshest flavors.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pitcher - A large pitcher to mix and serve the Cabernet Sauvignon Sangria.
  • Plastic Wrap or Lid - To cover the pitcher and refrigerate the Sangria.
  • Glasses - Glassware to serve the Sangria.
  • Ice Cubes - To chill the Sangria and serve it over.
  • Stirring Spoon - To mix the ingredients in the pitcher.

Origin stories

Cabernet Sauvignon, the celebrated grape and wine, has its roots in Bordeaux, France. In the 17th century, an accidental breeding occurred between a red Cabernet Franc grape plant and a white Sauvignon Blanc plant, resulting in the birth of Cabernet Sauvignon. Today, Cabernet Sauvignon is one of the world's most widely recognized red wine grape varieties, grown in nearly every major wine producing country. It's a resilient grape that's relatively easy to grow and is often used to create full-bodied, rich red wines that age well. Interestingly, DNA testing confirmed the parentage of Cabernet Sauvignon in the 1990s, proving the grape's lineage and firmly establishing it as one of the classic Bordeaux grape varieties.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.