• Howick and Pakuranga Times

Despite the sun’s refusal to shine during much of this summer, attitudes can still remain rosy!

La Sangria Robada Rosé is a salute to those elusive lazy, hazy days – a combination of Stolen white rum, Rochfort Rees 2011 Marlborough Rosé, black peppercorns, fresh nectarine, sweet basil leaves, cinnamon sticks and Agave nectar.

At its essence, sangria (Spanish ‘blood’) is wine, spirit, sweetener and fruit and the new Stolen version gives the classic drink a fresh flavour profile while still paying homage to its Spanish roots.

The lovely Rochfort Rees Rosé lends the sangria an amazing blush colour; peppercorns enhance the spice in the Stolen rum which also partners the fresh, tart strawberry flavours in the Rosé.

Finely sliced nectarine adds dry, floral notes; sweet basil plays with the herbaceous notes in the wine while complementing the earthiness of the rum; and the cinnamon quills give warmth and depth of flavour.

Agave nectar is a natural sweetener derived from the blue agave plant used to make tequila. The nectar brings out the syrupy sweetness of the Rosé. It is generally available in the sweeteners section in many supermarkets or at local health food stores.

If keen to indulge in this most pleasant of summer beverages try the recipe for La Sangria Robada Rosé. It will make approximately one litre (divide measurements by five for an individual serve).

Ingredients

5-6 whole black pepper corns
1 whole nectarine - finely sliced
3 cinnamon quills
6 basil leaves
40mls Agave nectar (be exact – too much will be too sweet)
150mls Stolen White Rum
750mls Rochfort Rees Rosé (1 bottle)

Method

Combine Stolen White Rum and agave nectar in a glass jar or large vessel and stir to dissolve. Add all other ingredients except the Rosé and stir again. Add Rosé and place covered in fridge for one hour. When serving add large chunks of ice.

This sangria will benefit from being allowed to rest so if possible prepare an hour in advance to allow flavours to blend. It also benefits from ice – it is designed to be a strong sipping drink at first, and then as the ice melts and dilutes the drink in your glass, the drink mellows and allows the softer flavours to come through.

Stolen White Rum is available at all good liquor retailers nationwide for RRP$45 (700ml).

Rochfort Rees 2011 Rosé, RRP$19.95 (750ml). (Remember you must be 18 years and over to purchase any alcohol including Stolen White Rum and Rochfort Rees Rosé).