Ah, Sangria! What could taste better than wine, fresh fruit, and brandy? Sangria is not just for Spanish tapas or for summertime anymore. Sangria has moved into the mainstream and become a regular offering in local bars.
The history
Sangria began in Spain, where it was traditionally made with red wine, brandy and fresh fruit. It didn’t come to the United States until 1964, when it was introduced at The World’s Fair in New York. It was a hit that summer and people began making their own versions of the fruity drink.
While it continued to be served at house parties and at Spanish restaurants, it didn’t become popular as a regular bar offering until recently. Hudson County now has several dozen venues that offer Sangria on a regular basis. Here is a sampling of what’s around.
The Jefferson
The Jefferson, an elegant Italian bistro at 1319 Washington St. in Hoboken, obviously feels like you can’t have too much of a good thing. They offer half price Sangria by the glass, for $4.50, or in a pitcher, for $12.50, every night of the week for their late-night happy hour from 11 p.m. to 2 a.m. (The Sangria pictured on the cover of this issue was courtesy of The Jefferson.)
They have the traditional red Sangria, which is made with red wine, brandy, orange juice, fresh fruit, and other special ingredients. Their twist on the white version includes peach nectar with the white wine and fresh fruit. Both have other ingredients that you’ll have to guess at yourself! You can sip the blended punch at the bar, which has a brushed metal top and overlooks the hand-carved mahogany bar, while looking at pictures of old Hoboken or enjoy a pitcher at a table with views of their courtyard, which is brightly lit with yellow lights.
Both versions of the drink are smooth, sweet and refreshing. It doesn’t even taste like liquor, although it has quite a bit! This fruity beverage will even satisfy drinkers who aren’t fans of wine. There is a late-night menu available, which offers grilled calamari, meatballs, eggplant rollatini, pizza with choice of toppings and much more. For more information, please call (201) 386-9955 or visit www.jefferson.net.
Lua
Lua, at 1300 Sinatra Dr. in Hoboken, has Spanish music to go with the traditional Spanish drink. On Sundays, Lua offers half-priced pitchers of red or white Sangria, priced at $12, all night to complement the Flamenco dancers who perform several sets in the lounge area of the spacious circular bar.
The bar, which is brightly lit with tones of yellow and red, provides a dramatic backdrop for the colorful dancers, dressed in bright pinks and red. The group call themselves “Fiesta Flamenca” and consist of a trio of performers, including Carlos Revollar, guitarist; Gisele Revollar, singer; and Laura Montes, dancer. The group has been performing for five years in the New York and New Jersey area. Montes started dancing Flamenco when she was five years old. The traditional Spanish dance focuses on rhythm and includes the specially designed shoes which have nails on the heel and the toe. Gisele Revollar sings the songs in Spanish and helps keep the beat for Montes. For more information on the group, please visit www.flamencoNYC.com.
Lua has traditional tapas plates, which complement the sweet blend of wine, brandy and fruit juice. Their Sangria has three different fruit liquors that add to the tasty mixture. Tapas plates include seafood tamale, shrimp, beef or chicken satays, empanadas and much more. For more information, please call (201) 876-1900.
The Merchant
The Merchant at 279 Grove St. is one of the hip new places in downtown Jersey City that tries to stay ahead of trends. The high ceilings, sage green walls, and extremely clean bar add to the experience of drinking their house blend of Sangria. They blend red wine with mango juice and other fruit flavors. The result is a slightly tropical version of the favorite. The special, which changes to different days depending on the week, offers a glass for $5 and a pitcher for $20. The Merchant has a wide selection of appetizers to munch on, including chicken fingers, crab cakes, and humus on flatbread. For more information, please call (201) 200-0202 or visit www.themerchantnj.com.
The Madison
The Madison Bar & Restaurant, located at 1316 Washington St. in Hoboken, has “Taco Thursdays” to go with their Sangria special. Red or white Sangria is served by the glass for $4.50 or by the pitcher for $12.50. Their refreshingly sweet punch is the perfect complement to the Mexican fare. For appetizers they offer nachos, ceviche, or beef tacos. Entrees include a shrimp dish, enchiladas and chicken or beef fajitas. For more information, please call (201) 386-0300 or visit www.madisonbarandgrill.com.
Lola’s
Lola’s Tapas Bar at 153 14th St. in Hoboken has traditional tapas food and many variations of Sangria. With stone floors, light wood iron-backed chairs, and the tiled roof outcropping on the wall, you might imagine you are in a Spanish courtyard.
According to Lianne Souza, manager, “The Sangria is extremely popular.” So popular that they go through a 10-gallon barrel on a busy night. Lola’s offers five variations of Sangria, including red, white, purple, blue and green. Small plates include chicken in mustard sauce, shrimp in sea salt, and cheese platters. The prices for Sangria are $7 a glass, $14.95 for a small pitcher, and $22.95 for a large. For more information, please call (201) 420-6062.
The drink
There is no wrong way to make Sangria. Depending on your taste, you can play around with the ingredients when making it at home. Sangria is a refreshing alternative to wine straight out of the bottle and pleases most people. It is a great mixed beverage for parties. Make it in large batches and you will have more time to mingle.
Here is a basic recipe for Sangria: Start with red or white wine and pour it into a large pitcher or punch bowl. Add one cup of triple sec and half a cup of brandy. Add two cups of orange juice and one cup of soda. If you like your Sangria a little sweeter, add ginger ale or 7-Up instead of club soda. Add pieces of fresh-cut fruit – apples and oranges are traditional but feel free to experiment with other fruit. Mix and chill until ready to serve. When the guests arrive, pour it over ice. Viola! Add some cheese and tapas and you’ve got a party. For more information on bars that serve Sangria, please see the sidebars.
SANGRIA SPECIALS
City Bistro, Wednesdays, all night
The Jefferson, every night 11 p.m. to 2 a.m.
Lua, Sundays, all night
The Madison, Thursdays, all day/night
The Merchant, varies, happy hour
Mile Square, Tuesdays, all night
Ole, Saturdays, all night
BARS SERVING SANGRIA
City Bistro, 56 14th St, Hoboken
Court Street, 61 Sixth St., Hoboken
The Gaslight, 400 Adams St., Hoboken
Hamilton Park Ale House, 708 Jersey Ave., Jersey City
The Jefferson, 1319 Washington St., Hoboken
Lua, 1300 Sinatra Dr., Hoboken
The Madison, 1316 Washington St., Hoboken
The Mediterraneo, 932 Broadway, Bayonne
The Merchant, 279 Grove St., Jersey City
Mile Square, 221 Washington St., Hoboken
Ola, 4215 Park Ave., Union City
Ole, 564 Washington Blvd., Jersey City
Puerto Spain, 116 14th St., Hoboken
The Quays, 310 Sinatra Dr., Hoboken
Rita & Joe’s, 142 Broadway, Jersey City
Sabor, 8809 River Rd., North Bergen
Texas Arizona, 76 River St., Hoboken
Whiskey Bar, 125 Washington St., Hoboken