Super sangrias around San Diego

Dec. 19, 2017 3:45 PM PT

As the saying goes, “When life hands you lemons, make sangria.”

The fruity mixed concoction, is traditionally made with red wine, chopped fruits, brandy or spirits, and simple syrup. Popular in Europe for hundreds of years, sangria grabs its name from the Spanish word sangre (which means blood), and was first introduced to the United States in 1964 at the New York World’s Fair.

The crimson delight also has a pale version, sangria blanca, commonly made with white wine and peaches.

This holiday season, grab friends and an Uber, and create a sangria tour around San Diego with these hot picks.

Café 21

Welcome to the liquid land of sangrias, with a whopping six seasonal variations, including Persimmon, Apple Cider, Blueberry Guava, Mojito, Grilled Pineapple and Traditional. Don’t miss this unbelievable deal of .21 cent sangria all day during Dec. 20 (National Sangria Day) and 21.

802 Fifth Ave., Gaslmap, 619.795.0721; 2736 Adams Ave., Normal Heights, 619.640.2121, cafe-21.com/cafe-21-san-diego-ca

The Blind Burro

This National Sangria Day, bask in bottomless red and white sangria for $17 from 6-11 p.m. on Dec. 20. The Harvest Sangria is made with red wine, orange liqueur, blackberry brandy, succulent juices, cinnamon and fresh apples, while the spicy White Hot Sangria lights a fire with white wine, strawberry, serrano peppers and white grape juice.

639 J St, East Village, 619.531.8744, theblindburro.com

JSix

Make it elevated and crafty with On the Spot Sangria, a unique combination of Emperador Filipino light brandy, Casa Martelletti sweet vermouth, Chareau aloe liqueur, elderflower-macerated strawberries and pineapple, and seasonal fruit.

616 J St., East Village, 619.531.8744, jsixrestaurant.com/en-us

Barleymash

Take an after work break between 3-6 p.m. with half-priced glasses of their Red Sangria made with red wine, apple, peach, citrus fruits and cinnamon. Try with half-priced appetizers, such as Tuna Poke, Citrus Vodka Ceviche, or Duck Empanadas for the happiest happy hour all month.

600 Fifth Ave., Gaslamp, 619.255.7373, barleymash.com

Cusp

An inventive twist on the classic, the San Diego Sangria is crafted with Henebery spiced rye, honey, lemon, cabernet, orange bitters and egg white. More a sipping cocktail than a jumbo wine glass drink, the homage is a perfect pair to a La Jolla sunset.

7955 La Jolla Shores Dr., La Jolla, 858.551.3620, cusprestaurant.com

Whisknladle

A seasonal delight created by bar manager Eddie Avila, the Apple Cinnamon Sangria has the holidays written all over it. Made with apple brandy, red wine, fresh lime juice, dry curaçao and apple cinnamon puree, it’s the cool San Diego version of mulled wine.

1044 Wall St., La Jolla, 858.551.7575, whisknladle.com

Tavern at the Beach

Using the latest and greatest from Grand Marnier, the P.B. hotspot presents the I Don’t Practice Sangria cocktail. Made with red wine, vanilla syrup, Raspberry-Peach Grand Marnier (made with red peaches from the south of France and European raspberries) and fresh fruit, it’s a sophisticated flavor bomb worth trying.

1200 Garnet Ave., Pacific Beach, (858) 272-6066, tavernatthebeach.com

Del Sur Mexican Cantina

Celebrate National Sangria Day with $5 sangria glasses and $25 pitchers all night. Their traditional version is crafted with red wine, seasonal fruits, spices and spirits. For the perfect food pairing, the restaurant recommends the queso fundido to enjoy with the sangria.

2310 30th St., South Park, 619.501.0643, delsurmexicancantina.com

Mixology 619