Charmed Spirits Edition: Channel Your Inner Witch With My "Brujeria Sangria"

Stephanie Blanc

3 min read

Hey Guys! So I'm showcasing another fun, spooky cocktail recipe, to my mini-series, titled "Charmed Spirits," where we explore making some fun, creepy, cocktails along with learning about different cultural traditions that are celebrated around the world, at this time.

For this eerie concoction, I decided to incorporate one of my favorite go-to cocktails, which is sangria. But this time, I took a more unique approach to get it really dark & rich in color, so as to keep in line with our spooky season theme. I, playfully, call this one my "Brujeria Sangria." Read on for the ingredients and recipes. Anddd, for some cultural knowledge that I share regarding the Mexican holiday referred to as, "El Dia De Los Muertos."

El De Los Muertos, Spanish for "Day of The Dead," is a Mexican holiday which honors the reunion between the living and the dead. It's core roots stem from the blending of Aztec rituals along w/teachings from Catholicism brought to the region. Traditionally, this holiday is celebrated on Nov 1st & 2nd, and spans 2-days because Nov 1st honors infants and children who have passed on and is actually referred to as Dia de los Angelitos, whereas Nov 2nd is in remembrance of adults, and referred to as Dia De Los Muertos.

In spite of it shedding light on death, this holiday is not a somber one, but rather, one that acknowledges the pain from losing a loved one and transforming that pain into joyous celebration. It's purpose is to honor those from the past by those who are still in the present.

Customs include donning faces with a skeletal look referred to as Catrina, inspired by Mexican Artist, Jose Guadalupe Posada's, whose political cartoon satire of Calaveras (Spanish for skeletons), highlighted the fact that despite status, we are all the same. The makeup of Catrina is to make the living more comfortable with death, while in tandem making visiting spirits more comfortable amongst the living.

"Brujeria Sangria" Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients

Fruits

-1 Cup Halved Black Grapes -1 Cup Blackberries

-1/3 Cup Orange Liqueur

-1/2 Cup Cranberries

-1/2 Cup Blueberries

-1/2 Cup Strawberries

-4 Figs, Halved

-1 Blood Orange or Grapefruit, Sliced

Juices

--1.5 Cups of 100% Pomegranate Juice

Wine, Liquor, & Liqueur

-1-Bottle of Fruity, Dry Red Wine

-1/2 Cup Brandy

-1/3 Cup Orange Liqueur

Garnish

-Select fruit of choice & use toothpick to garnish glass.

Directions

Step 1 - Cut up & add the grapes, cranberries, blackberries, blueberries, strawberries, blood orange slices to a pitcher or punch bowl.
Step 2 - Then, pour the wine, pomegranate juice, brandy, & orange liqueur, over the fruit. Give it a good stir.
Step 3 - Cover the pitcher or punch bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for a more infused flavor.
Step 4 - Pour the chilled sangria into glasses (you can also serve it over ice) and garnish with blackberries and figs. Enjoy!