Using bourbon instead of brandy in sangria is absolutely possible, but it will produce a different flavor profile. Both bourbon and brandy are distilled spirits made from fermented fruit, but they each have distinctive characteristics that impact the final sangria in various ways.
Quick Answer
Yes, you can substitute bourbon for brandy when making sangria. The bourbon will give the sangria a fuller, sweeter flavor compared to using brandy. Reduce the amount of simple syrup or sugar in the recipe to account for the extra sweetness from the bourbon.
Bourbon vs Brandy
To understand how substituting bourbon affects sangria, it helps to first look at what distinguishes bourbon and brandy:
- Base ingredients – Bourbon is made from a mash containing at least 51% corn. Brandy is made from fermented fruit juice, often grapes.
- Aging – Bourbon is aged in charred new oak barrels for years, giving it a rich, caramelized flavor. Brandy is aged in oak barrels for less time.
- Sweetness – Bourbon has a sweet, vanilla profile from the oak barrel aging. Brandy has minimal residual sugar.
- Alcohol content – Bourbon contains around 40-50% ABV. Brandy is 35-60% ABV.
In summary, bourbon tends to be sweeter, richer, and boozier compared to the more subtle fruit flavors of brandy.
How Bourbon Impacts Sangria Flavor
When bourbon is substituted for brandy in sangria, the following flavor differences will be noticeable:
- Increased sweetness – The natural vanilla sweetness of bourbon amplifies the overall sugariness of the sangria.
- Fuller body – Bourbon has a thicker, more syrupy mouthfeel than brandy.
- Oaky notes – Bourbon contributes subtle woody flavors from barrel aging.
- Higher alcohol content – More alcohol flavor and “bite” from the higher ABV of bourbon.
- Fruitiness toned down – The rich bourbon flavors partially cover up the fresh fruit notes.
The extra sweetness and body from bourbon balances out the other sangria ingredients nicely. However, brandy lets the bright citrus and berry flavors shine through more.
Should You Adjust the Sangria Recipe with Bourbon?
When using bourbon instead of brandy in sangria, consider reducing the sugar or simple syrup slightly to account for bourbon’s sweeter taste profile. Here are some recipe adjustments to try:
- Cut the simple syrup or sugar by 1-2 tablespoons
- Use less fruit juice and more soda water to dilute the sweetness
- Increase the citrus juices to balance the sweetness
- Add extra fruit for a fresher, brighter flavor
Taste test the sangria before serving and tweak ingredients as needed. The goal is a balanced, refreshing drink that isn’t cloyingly sweet.
How Does Bourbon Sangria Taste?
Overall, substituting bourbon for brandy in sangria results in a bolder, spirit-forward drink. The flavors taste more integrated, with the bourbon notes blending smoothly with the fruit. Common tasting notes include:
- Rich, vanilla sweetness
- Rounded, viscous mouthfeel
- Subtle oaky undertones
- Fresh fruit complemented by caramelized sugar flavors
- Good balance of boozy kick and fruity acids
Bourbon sangria makes a great dessert drink or after-dinner cocktail. The sweet vanilla flavors pair wonderfully with berries, stone fruits, apples, and citrus.
Pro Tips for Making Bourbon Sangria
Here are some professional tips for crafting an excellent batch of bourbon sangria:
- Choose a good-quality bourbon, avoiding bottom-shelf varieties. Look for extra-aged options for more oakiness.
- Select ripe, seasonal fruits at their peak of flavor.
- Make a concentrate with the fruit, citrus, sugar, and bourbon. Dilute with soda or juice before serving.
- Refrigerate or quick-age sangria with oak infusion sticks to integrate flavors.
- Garnish with fruit slices for presentation. Berries, oranges, apples, and pears work well.
- Ratio of 2 parts wine or juice to 1 part bourbon is a good starting point. Adjust to taste preference.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different fruit, herb, and spice combinations. Bourbon can stand up to a variety of flavors!
Popular Bourbon Sangria Recipes
Here are 3 delicious bourbon sangria recipes to try at your next party or get-together:
Berry Bourbon Sangria
Fruity and refreshing
- 2 bottles red wine
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1⁄2 cup raspberries and blackberries
- 1⁄4 cup sugar
- 1 orange, sliced
- Ice and soda water to top off
Apple Cider Bourbon Sangria
Warming and autumnal
- 2 cups apple cider
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1⁄2 cup apple slices
- 1⁄4 cup maple syrup
- 1 cinnamon stick
- Pinch cloves and nutmeg
- Ice and club soda to top off
Citrus Bourbon Sangria
Bright and tropical
- 2 cups pineapple juice
- 1 cup bourbon
- 1⁄2 cup orange juice
- 1⁄4 cup lime juice
- 1⁄4 cup sugar
- Sliced oranges and pineapples
- Ice and ginger ale to top off
Feel free to mix and match elements from each recipe to create your own signature bourbon sangria blend. It’s a very forgiving and customizable drink.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does bourbon make sangria taste better?
It’s a matter of personal preference, but many people find bourbon enhances sangria with delicious vanilla and caramel flavors. Bourbon gives sangria a fuller body and more intensity of flavor. Use a good quality bourbon to ensure it complements the other ingredients.
Is bourbon good in sangria?
Yes, bourbon’s rich sweetness blends extremely well with fruit flavors in sangria. It adds another dimension compared to wine or brandy-based sangria. The key is balancing the bourbon sweetness by reducing other sugars and adding extra citrus.
What’s the best bourbon for sangria?
Look for a good mid-range Kentucky straight bourbon. Avoid bottom-shelf varieties. Some specific bourbons that work well in sangria include Maker’s Mark, Evan Williams, Wild Turkey, Jim Beam, and Knob Creek.
How much bourbon do you add to sangria?
A good starting ratio is 2 parts wine or fruit juice to 1 part bourbon. For a pitcher, use 1 cup of bourbon to 2 cups of wine/juice. Adjust the quantities depending on your preferred booziness and sweetness.
The Takeaway
Bourbon makes an excellent brandy substitute in sangria recipes. Its sweet, oaky flavor amplifies the fruit and gives the sangria appealing richness. Consider reducing other sugars slightly to account for the sweeter bourbon. With the right ingredients and proportions, bourbon sangria is a delicious twist on the classic drink.