This drink’s title is misleading, but I didn’t name it. The Sangria Roja has red wine, but no fruit chunks nor fortifying brandy or triple sec. I’d go so far as to say it’s no sort of Sangria at all. Harumpf.

This drink does have something in common with some other cocktails, though. The Paloma is a drink with tequila and grapefruit soda, and the Tommy’s Margarita is a drink with tequila, lime juice, and agave nectar. So the Sangria Roja combines those two drinks and adds red wine. Maybe a better name should have been Marsangloma?

Or not.

This cocktail tastes of red wine and tequila in equal measure, plus it has the refreshing tang of lime and grapefruit. It would even make a nice party punch.

Ingredient notes: Your tequila should say “100% agave” even if you don’t use this brand. If you can’t find grapefruit soda, check in your Latin grocery stores. They usually carry Squirt, the grapefruit soda you might remember from the 1980s.

Sangria Roja
By Shaher Misif of Cantina in San Francisco

1.5 fl. oz. Camarena Silver Tequila
1.5 fl. oz. Pinot Noir
.5 fl. oz. Lime Juice
.5 fl. oz. Agave Nectar
2 fl. oz. Grapefruit Soda

In a rocks glass, mix all ingredients, except the grapefruit soda. Add ice and top off with grapefruit soda and stir. Garnish with lime wedge.