Jacked Sangria at El Alma, served with a lime and maraschino cherry
There is nothing better than enjoying a sangria on a summer day. The warmth of the sun is offset by the fruity cold drink in your hands. It may taste delicious and look innocent enough, but don’t be deceived. Sangria can be strong–heightened as it is often is with liquors and liqueurs.
Check out my favorite sangrias in Austin in no particular order, and decide for yourself which version of this Iberian drink you prefer.
#1 Malaga: Flight of Second Street Sangria
Editor’s Note: Malaga closed in September 2016.
Malaga’s take on classic sangria, the Sangria del Toro
Malaga, a tapas restaurant on 2nd Street, offers a flight of four sangrias for $15–your chance to sample four unique recipes at once.
Not included in this quartet is their white sangria, and the bartender tells me they had eight different versions of the Spanish drink last summer. Keep an eye out for new recipes here.
In addition to the classic Sangria del Toro, which itself is on happy hour for $4, the flight includes a red apple sangria infused with fireball whiskey and featuring red apple liqueur, a pomegranate sangria, and an Old Fashioned sangria. The latter shares features with its cocktail namesake because it’s spiked with whiskey, maraschino cherries and bitters.
440 W 2nd St – Website
#2 BYOB at Tapas Bravas
For an evening out with friends, choose the communal picnic tables outside Tapas Bravas to enjoy a big pitcher of sangria. The trick is, the food trailer supplies the fruit and sangria mix, while you bring the wine you prefer. This cuts down on costs, an entire pitcher being about $11, and allows you the privilege of choice.
Whether during an upscale night on Rainey Street or within the more casual setting of The Picnic food park on Barton Springs, this sangria pitcher is an excellent prop for a fun night.
As Tapas Bravas is a food truck, I recommend double checking their hours and locations before heading out.
75 Rainey Street – Website
#3 Plastic Cups and Fireflies at Butterfly Bar
Butterfly Bar is nestled in the back of a parking lot that faces Manor, and a backyard dotted with wooden picnic tables greets those who walk in through the open gate. Inside is a dimly lit bar where you can grab a fancy cocktail, or a plastic cup filled to the brim with $5 happy hour sangria. I know what my choice would be.
Enjoy a big plastic cup of sangria on the homey back porch of Butterfly Bar in East Austin
Venture back outside, snag a seat and watch the firefly light show at dusk. You may also see costumed characters meandering around from the theater connected to the bar, the Vortex Repertory Company.
2307 Manor Rd – Website
#4 Botticelli’s Homemade Peach Sangria
Although an innocent pink color, the Botticelli’s Homemade Peach Sangria packs a punch
Brett the Botticelli’s bartender gave me the low down on this simple looking drink, a dusky pink colored concoction served in a short glass.
Although possibly containing the strongest citrus taste of them all, it also has the widest assortment of alcohols. Two bottles of red wine and one bottle of white contribute to the batch, as well as a peach puree and variety of juices. Where it gets interesting is when you get to the orange liqueur, splash of gin and contributions of brandy, rum and peach schnapps.
Enjoy the innocently pink drink at the petite bar inside with wry painted faces looking up at you from the bar top, or in the tree-covered back garden.
1321 S Congress Ave – Website
#5 Jacked Sangria at El Alma
The Jacked Sangria at El Alma is on happy hour from 3-6 PM daily
The name of this drink, on happy hour for $5, gives you a hint to its after effects. The Jacked Sangria is a strong version of sangria served in a stemless glass that you can enjoy on the rooftop of El Alma, located across the street from The Long Center on Barton Springs.
The flavor of Jack Daniels in the wine is distinct, adding a fullness to the typically fruity beverage. Pair it with the restaurant’s happy hour appetizers to soak up your early evening buzz.
If you are partial to white sangrias, try the Sangria Blanca. It is equally as strong, as it features peach vodka and St. Germaine in addition to its white wine base.
1025 Barton Springs Rd – Website
Sangria, Summer Drink of Choice
The large, comfortable back porch at Butterfly Bar on Manor
Sangria is the summer drink that has it all: a refreshing taste and a healthy amount of booze. Make sure to enjoy this beverage on a patio somewhere in Austin this summer.
@erinmayyyy wants to know:
Where can I find your favorite sangria in Austin?
I’m on my way!