O Canada Sangria – Putting the “Happy” in Canada Day

Celebrating #Canada150 with a backyard barbecue, long weekend camping trip or get-together with friends? Nothing says Happy Birthday Canada like this Canadian sangria made with truly Canadian ingredients (not including the lemonade, if you choose to use it).

For research only, I’ve made my O Canada Sangria a few times over the last few weekends and can’t decide if I like it with or without the lemonade most. My friends are also equally divided 50-50.

That means the choice is yours!

 

If you like your sangria a little bit sweeter, add the lemonade. If not, leave it out. You can always add it later if you find it needs a little sweetness.

For the other ingredients, while any Canadian white wine, whisky, apple cider and maple syrup will work, I used Jackson Triggs Sauvignon Blanc, Forty Creek Whisky and Gilbertson’s Maple Syrup. The apple cider I picked up from our local farmer’s market.

Though we could debate which fruits are the most Canadian, I included blueberries because Canada is the largest producer and exporter of wild blueberries in the world and with millions of apple bushels produced in Canada each year they also seemed like the perfect choice. I contemplated peaches instead of pears, but in the end, the combo of apples, pears and blueberries won out. Of course, if you prefer, you could substitute peaches, strawberries or raspberries for any of the fruit.

No matter which combo of lemonade and apple cider or fruit you use, this recipe comes together quickly and deliciously. While Canada Day is the perfect time to give this recipe a spin, this Canadian Sangria is delicious anytime of year! 

Simply, combine your ingredients, stir, chill and serve. 

O Canada Canadian Sangria

 

What You Need:

• 750mL Bottle of Canadian Sauvignon Blanc
• 200mL Bottle of Canadian Whisky
• 1 cup Canadian Apple Cider
• 2 Tbsp Canadian Maple Syrup
• 1 cup Fresh Canadian Blueberries
• 1 small Canadian Apple (sliced thinly, skin on)
• ½ Canadian Pear (sliced thinly, skin on)
• ½ can Frozen Lemonade (optional)

What To Do:

1. Combine sliced pear and apple with blueberries in large pitcher.
2. Add wine, whisky, apple cider, maple syrup and lemonade.
3. Stir to combine.
4. Refrigerate overnight or for a minimum of 4 hours.
5. Serve cold and stir before pouring.

TIP: Leftover boozy fruit is great on top of vanilla ice cream with an extra drizzle of maple syrup.

PS: Want to know what else you can make with Canadian Whisky? Check out my Whisky BBQ Sausage Kabobs. 

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