Vinho Verde Summer Sangria
Truth be told, I had no idea there was such a thing as vinho verde before I started dating Jason, who's half Portugese. But a few family lunch gatherings later, I had been introduced to the lovely wine that has a slight green tinge and just the perfect amount of subtle fizz, and it's since become one of my favourite summer sippers. Light enough that you don't feel guilty pouring glass with lunch, and bubbly enough that it still feels like you have something to celebrate. And because summer, Sundays and sangria go hand in hand, it was only natural that I would eventually start playing around with a vinho verde sangria recipe.
I like my summer drinks refreshing and not-too-sweet, and this recipe fits the bill perfectly, with the subtle flavours of cucumber, grapes and honeydew balanced out with the tart lime and the delicate herbaceous flavours of mint and basil. Dangerously delicious and light enough that you'll be sipping it late into your lazy Sunday.
You have a few options to make the recipe your own, depending on your preferences. If you want it a little on the sweeter side add a little simple syrup or sweetener of your choice, and to kick it up a notch, add a dash of white rum to get the party started. No judgment here. As for the sparkling water, I opted for lime flavoured since that's what I had on hand, but any option would do.
Vinho Verde Sangria
Honeydew melon, cubed
Baby cucumber, thinly sliced
Green grapes, halved
Lime, thinly sliced
Lime juice
Mint
Basil
Vinho Verde, chilled
Sparkling Water
White rum (optional)
Simple syrup (optional)
1 // Mix melon, cucumber, grapes, lime slices, lime juice, mint and basil into a pitcher or vessel of your choice. Top with chilled vinho verde and white rum and simple syrup (if using). Stir gently to combine, cover and place in the fridge to chill.
2 // To serve, fill tall glasses with ice and pour over sangria, spooning some of the fruit mixture into the glasses as well. Top with a dash of sparkling water, garnish and mint and basil leaves, and enjoy!
If you're curious to take a peek behind the scenes into the Studio Bicyclette test kitchen to see how this recipe came together, you're in luck! We put together a little "making of" video to capture our sangria making in all its glory:
