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Secrets to preparing a refreshing cava and orange sangria
The Cellar
By Oliver Grant, The Cup desk · 15h ago · Spain · 4 min ·

Secrets to preparing a refreshing cava and orange sangria

Cava sangria is one of the most cherished jewels of Catalan and Spanish tradition, an emblem that transforms the simplicity of Mediterranean ingredients into a festive and sophisticated experience.

At the first bite, or rather, the first sip, you'll notice the perfect balance between the natural acidity of the citrus and the subtle sweetness of the fresh fruit, all enveloped in the elegant effervescence of the sparkling wine. It's a moderately difficult preparation that you can have ready in just 15 minutes of active work, although it will require a little patience while the flavors meld. Below, we share the step-by-step guide so you can achieve the ideal blend for four people.

The importance of maceration and citrus balance

Achieving a harmonious blend of flavors depends not only on the ingredients, but also on respecting resting times and the quality of the elements we choose.

  • Cold resting: It is essential to leave the mixture of fruit, juices, and sugar in the refrigerator for an hour. This time allows the fruit to release its natural juices and absorb the sweetness, creating an aromatic base that will enhance the final flavor of the cava.
  • Cutting the fruit: by chopping the apple, strawberries and peach into small cubes, we facilitate a greater surface area of ​​contact with the juices, which intensifies the extraction of flavor and improves the texture when serving in the glass.
  • The balance of acidity: the combination of orange and lemon juice is the secret to preventing the drink from being cloying. The lemon provides a necessary counterpoint that highlights the fruity notes and cleanses the palate after each sip.

The magic of bubbles: the finishing touch.

Cava is a wine with its own personality and, as such, requires careful handling so that its effervescence is not lost before it reaches the table.

  • The temperature of the cava: make sure the bottle is well chilled before adding it. When pouring it over the already macerated fruit base, avoid stirring the mixture vigorously; a gentle movement with a long spoon is enough to combine the ingredients without dissipating the carbonation.
  • The decoration: reserving the orange slices for the final moment not only adds a professional visual touch, but also keeps the freshness of the citrus fruit intact, allowing the aroma to reach the nose directly before tasting the drink.

Cava sangria with orange juice | RECIPE

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle of Cava
  • 2 units of Orange
  • 1 unit of green apple
  • 5 units of milling cutter
  • 1 peach
  • ½ lemon
  • 2 tablespoons of sugar
  • Ice

Preparation

  • Gather all the ingredients on your work table to have a smooth and organized process.
  • Cut the oranges in half and squeeze out all the juice. Reserve a couple of whole orange slices for the final decoration.
  • Cut the green apple, strawberries, and peach into small, uniform cubes. Place them in a bowl and mix with the orange juice, the juice of half a lemon, and two tablespoons of sugar. Refrigerate this mixture for one hour to allow it to macerate.
  • After the resting time, transfer the fruit and juice mixture to a large glass pitcher.
  • Add the bottle of cava and the reserved orange slices, mixing everything gently.
  • Serve the sangria in wide glasses with plenty of ice and enjoy this refreshing drink.

This recipe is an excellent option for those looking for a fat-free, calorie-free, and sugar-free beverage—just enough to balance the fruit. It's a versatile drink that celebrates the freshness of natural ingredients, perfect for enjoying responsibly on any special occasion.

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