Grapefruit Jalapeno Sangria

“So what should I bring?”

“Nothing.”

“Are you sure?”

“BYOB. And yes I’m sure. We have plenty of food.”

You guys, I went to my first BBQ/pool party of the year and I didn’t bring anything to eat. No dips (crack or otherwise), no sides, no desserts. Nothing. Except my beverage of choice.

Apparently I have awesome friends who want me to be able to show up and just relax. I know. I know. Its rough being me. Sometimes I forget that the majority of my friends are actually good cooks. And maybe sometimes they want to show off their skills.

*I would NEVER show off in the kitchen.*

I should have known that the girl who introduced me to the Breakfast Sandwich burger would have a BBQ covered.

But if she thought I was showing up with beer, she was sorely mistaken. You won’t let me bring food? Fine. I’ll bring the best sangria you’ve ever tasted then force you to drink it with me.

Ok, maybe I didn't force them to drink it. I encouraged everyone to try it, then watched them down their beers so they could switch drinks.

I think its safe to say that sangria is the perfect summer beverage. Especially when you’re floating in a pool. Its a drink and a snack. And it tastes best in the summer when all those practically overripe berries are begging to be used. As much as I love a traditional red sangria, I knew that I wanted to do something a little different for this party. I started off with my approximation of the sangria this restaurant serves at brunch. They start with elderflower syrup, cucumber, blueberries, raspberries, mint and grapefruit juice then they add a bottle of champagne. Let me tell you, it is heaven.

But the true genius (modest as always) was my decision to add a thinly sliced jalapeno.

Oh em gee. Jalapeno takes sangria from normal to out of this world. No one will confuse this sangria with the sangria from a family friendly restaurant.

If a sassy, gay Latin man was turned into a drink, he would be this sangria. Its fruity, sassy, and slightly shocking. 

So I guess its a good thing I didn’t get to bring food. If I had I never would have made my new favorite sangria.

Grapefruit Jalapeno Sangria
One of the best parts of sangria is how customizable it is. Below are the approximate quantities I used but make it your own. I would suggest tasting a small piece of your jalapeno. Mine was crazy hot (and I like spicy) so I used 1/2 of the pepper. If the jalapeno is mild, I would use two.

1 bottle dry white wine (I like Vino Verde if you can find it)
1/3 cup St. Germain (or more to taste)
1/2 grapefruit cut into wedges
1/2 cup sliced strawberries
4 oz raspberries
4 oz blackberries
1/4 cup thinly sliced cucumbers
1 jalapeno thinly sliced
15 leaves mint, julienned

1 bottle sparkling grapefruit juice (I like Trader Joe’s)

Combine everything except the soda in a large pitcher and chill for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. When you’re ready to serve, fill a glass with ice. Fill with wine mix till the glass is 2/3 full. Top off with grapefruit soda and garnish with alcohol soaked fruit.

Alternately, if you’re having a big party you can add the grapefruit soda directly to the wine mixture. Taste as you go so it doesn’t get to be too overpowering. If there aren’t enough bubbles for your liking, add some prosecco or club soda.

Comments

[Krista]

Oh my word!! This looks and sounds absolutely glorious. If only I weren't absolutely freezing cold in the dead of winter here in Australia, I would guzzle the whole lot and be pleasantly tipsy for hours. :-)

[Eileen]

OH MY. Spicy sangria with grapefruit? This may have to happen pretty muh immediately. too bad it's only Tuesday...

[Jen @ Savory Simple]

Jalapeno in a drink??? SOLD.

[Bev @ Bev Cooks]

SLUUUUURP, SLURP SLURP.

[Jenny @ Ichigo Shortcake]

I would never have thought of putting those flavours together! Sounds like such a hit! Love spicy things in drinks/desserts and food. :D

[Em (Wine and Butter)]

Sounds freakin AMAZING> Can we please please drink this on our upcoming date?? You know I feel about spicy. And booze. And guess what?! I like grapefruit too!!

[Deanna]

Em-Obviously! We will drink lots of this! And Bloody Marys. Ahh...so good!

[Anna @ The Littlest Anchovy]

Oooooh! I have bookmarked this once summer comes to town here in Sydney!

[Julie M.]

Yummm! I love the addition of the jalapeno. I can almost taste the sassy kick it gives to the drink. I'm glad you brought the beverage as well because this is going on my must make list!

[Agnieszka]

it before, and I'll say it again YOU are AMAZING! Sounds like you can come use that toenueghd palet to keep up with the New Mexico cuisine. I am still considered a big weenie even after 8 years of trying to tolerate spice.