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We’re super excited to have a guest post from Darlene Mase for you today! Darlene is a freelance writer for popular sites (like Zumper.com, where you can find millions of apartments and houses for rent, plus learn about those important renter issues no one ever talks about!). You can check out her bio at the end of the post, but first, check out Darlene’s tips for throwing the perfect sangria party.

How to Throw the Perfect Sangria Party

Whoever thought that you could throw back a couple of drinks while simultaneously getting your fruit fixing for the day? Enter sangria. Sangria is a traditional Spanish drink dating back to the middle ages. The word “sangria” comes from the Latin word for “blood,” thanks to sangria’s original reddish hue. Though traditionally made from red wine, brandy, and chunks of fresh fruit, there are enough variations of Sangria to please almost any palate. Fun and refreshing, a sangria party is a no-brainer. Here’s how to throw the best one ever.

Set the proper mood.

Sangria is a fun, laid-back drink. No need to bust out the heels and bow ties. Set the mood for your guests by answering the door in house slippers and a messy bun. Chances are, your guests will probably have a glass or two too much to drink, so it’s best that you’re all dressed not to impress.

Make a variety of wine options available to your guests.

Sangria is as versatile as it is tasty. Although the OG sangria is made using Tempranillo grapes, you can use any dry red wine with simple fruity notes. Avoid aged red wines (which tend to be too delicate for mixing), tannic reds, and overly complex reds.

While red wine is the traditional sangria base, it’s not the only way to go. Rosé wine pairs well with raspberries, cranberries, and peaches. Dessert wine, because it’s usually sweeter, goes well with tart fruits like lemons, pomegranates, and oranges.

White wine is a little trickier to pair because it naturally showcases its fruitier side, so you have to be careful. If, for example, your white wine has strong citrusy notes, you’ll want to avoid tangy fruits likes lemons and oranges lest they make your mix too acidic.

Though sangria is typically mixed and left to marinate in the refrigerator, for the sake of time, just be sure to chill the bottles before the party so that your guests won’t have to add much ice. Too many ice cubes can dilute the flavor of your drink.

Provide a wide array of fruits.

You can make sangria with all types of wines and fruits. Let your guests experiment with flavors by providing a wide array of fruits. We’re talking blueberries, strawberries, apple chunks, orange slices, pineapples, lemons, limes, pomegranates, pineapples, and any other fruit you can get your hands on. Granted, certain fruits mix better with specific wine combinations but give your guests the freedom to experiment.

Post recipes around the serving table.

You literally just said “give your guests the freedom to experiment,” and now you’re suggesting to post recipes around the serving table. What? Well, while some experimentation can be pleasant, some mixes can just make for a bad time. Check out Pinterest for some fun and tasty sangria recipe printables.

Have a huge pitcher of premixed sangria ready.

Some of your guests will want to experiment by mixing their own drink, but others will just want to get down to business. Fill one or two large beverage dispensers with a traditional sangria mix the night before, and refrigerate. This will allow the fruits to soak up the flavors of wine and brandy, so munching on one will really pack a punch. To keep the drink chilled without watering it down, add additional chunks of frozen fruit before setting it out.

Pair with some delectable oer d’oeuvres.

Go all Spanish with some traditional Spanish tapas. Patatas bravas, marinated olives, shrimp fritters, clams in sherry sauce, pan-fried salt cod chips, and toast with tomato smear are all popular Spanish tapas. Want a more traditional fare? Go for some cheese and crackers, guacamole with tortilla chips, grilled vegetables, or sandwich pinwheels.

Add some garnish to brighten things up.

Okay, so sangria doesn’t need help looking attractive, but to really make things pop, consider setting out some garnishes for your guests as well. Sticks of cinnamon, mint leaves, sprigs of rosemary, and honey all pair quite well with sangria. Also, keep some stylish straws and ice cubes on hand; they will come in handy.

Set up some fun games.

Conversation and cocktails can only get you so far. Sooner or later, your guests will get bored, unless you have board games! Scattegories and Guesstures are super fun party games, and there are no limits on the number of participants. If board games aren’t your thing, cornhole, ping pong, darts, and horseshoe are all fun party games. Feeling a little feisty? Bust out Twister for old time’s sake.

Sangria is the perfect drink for a light-hearted party. Call up some friends, mix up a few batches, and let the good times roll.

Author’s Bio:

Darlene Mase lives in Newnan, Georgia with her husband and daughter. She is a stay-at-home mom and works as a freelance writer for Zumper.com and other popular sites. During her free time, Darlene enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, cycling, gardening, caving, kayaking, or anything else outdoors.