Farnoush Deylamian, bar director of Aziza restaurant (now closed) in San Francisco, uses bubbly Lambrusco to add a little sparkle to classic sangría. With a hit of gin, this cocktail is strong but remains balanced. Remember to be delicate when stirring it or you’ll kill the bubbles!

What to buy: For this sangría stick with a dry, or secco, Lambrusco. Avoid the sweet, or amabile, style. Try Ca Berti Lambrusco Grasparossa di Castelvetro “Robusco”.

This recipe was featured as part of our Wine Cocktails recipe gallery.

  • Yield: 1 drink
  • Difficulty: Easy
  • Total: 10 mins 
  • Active: 10 mins

Ingredients (9)

  • 5 large or 10 small ice cubes, plus more for shaking
  • 1/2 medium lemon, peeled and sliced into small cubes
  • 1/2 medium lime, peeled and sliced into small cubes
  • 1/2 medium orange, peeled and sliced into small cubes
  • 1 ounce brandy
  • 1 ounce Cointreau
  • 1 ounce gin
  • 1 ounce Simple Syrup
  • 5 ounces dry, or secco, Lambrusco

Instructions

  1. Add the measured ice cubes, lemon, lime, and orange to a cocktail shaker and muddle until the fruits exude their juices.
  2. Add more ice until the shaker is three-quarters full. Add the brandy, Cointreau, gin, and simple syrup. Shake well until chilled, about 20 seconds. Strain the mixture into a large wineglass and top with the Lambrusco. Mix thoroughly with a bar spoon and serve.