Where to Drink It and Buy Bottled Sangria in Durham + a Delicious White Wine Sangria Recipe

The origin of sangria is Spanish and Portuguese and is made with red wine, orange juice, chopped fruit and alcohol, such as brandy.  I had my fair share of sangria during my semester abroad in Spain, however, I was never a huge fan.  I found it to be too heavy and not as fruit forward.  It is quite possible my college budget could not afford a sangria that was pleasing to my palate at that point in time.  Regardless of how I felt years ago, I am very fond of sangria today.  I have discovered where to drink it in Durham, where to buy bottled Sangria and how to make it at home.

Downtown Durham’s Mateo bar de tapas has two delicious sangrias on their menu.  The Cheerwine Sangria is made with red wine, Cheerwine, citrus, seasonal fruit and basil.  The Sweet Tea Sangria is made with white wine, sweet tea, citrus, seasonal fruit and mint.  Although the tapas bar sangria has a North Carolina twist, the restaurant executes the classic drink perfectly.  Those unfamiliar with the Spanish and Portuguese rooted beverage, can make their way to Mateo’s for a nice introduction to the drink.  Mateo’s is located on 109 West Chapel Hill Street, Durham, NC.

Mateo’s Cheerwine Sangria (Left) is made with red wine, Cheerwine, citrus, seasonal fruit and basil.   The Sweet Tea Sangria (Right) is made with white wine, citrus, seasonal fruit and mint.

Sangria lovers in the mood for a glass or two, in the comfort of their own home, can open up a bottle of Sangria Lolea.  The bottled sparkling sangria is available in a rosé, red and white wine variety.  Lolea’s bold polk-a-dot design is what first caught my attention but the flavors are what left a lasting impression.

The bottled sangria is a delicious and no fuss option.  My refrigerator is always stocked with Lolea as it is perfect for impromptu entertaining.  Add chopped citrus or berries to individual wine glasses to dress up the beverage.  Earth Fare has Lolea in stock at a price point of $15-$17 per bottle.  Total Wine & More as well as Whole Foods Market carry the bottled sangria at a similar price point.

Red Wine Lolea No 1

White Wine Lolea No 2

If I am hosting brunch or a large party, I will go the extra mile and make my White Wine Sangria.  The recipe has been featured in the Summer 2017 Issue of the Prevailing Woman Magazine alongside my Pineapple-Mango Salsa.  My white wine sangria recipe is versatile.  The alcohol and fruit can be modified to suit your taste.  The only caveat is that the recipe does need to be prepared 12-24 hours in advance to allow the fruit flavors to infuse.  The recipe yields over 1250 ml of sangria, so a large pitcher or drink dispenser is required.  The added chopped fruit will also add volume.  Following is the recipe for my White Wine Sangria.

Creativity is required when making sangria!  Grand Marnier can easily be replaced by vodka, rum or brandy.  Pineapples, kiwi, blueberries, blackberries and raspberries are other great fruit options.  Although summer may pass, I have been known to create a fall-inspired sangria.  Fall and winter fruit such as persimmons, pears, apples, pomegranates are other wonderful options.

Curious about what pairs well with sangria?  A meat and cheese charcuterie are great options, however, empanadas are also an exquisite choice.  Read about Durham’s Makus Empanadas, who coincidentally can cater your next party.  Cheers!