Clerico: South America’s Signature White Sangria

Clerico isn’t just a drink; it’s a celebration in a pitcher. This Latin American iteration of the Spanish Sangria first emerged in Uruguay, quickly earning its stripes as a top-rated recipe. Its refreshing qualities and vibrant presentation have since made it a beloved staple throughout South America, especially during the warmer months and festive holiday seasons like New Year’s Eve. Imagine a balmy evening, the air filled with laughter, and a chilled glass of Clerico in hand – it’s the quintessential South American experience.

While Clerico shares its spirit with traditional sangria, its unique combination of white wine and a subtle whiskey undertone, paired with specific fruits, sets it apart. If you’re a fan of sangria and looking to explore more delightful variations, you might enjoy these other recipes: a delicious white sangria with cava for extra fizz, or a rich sangria with Licor 43 for a sweeter, aromatic touch.

The Allure of White Sangria: Clerico vs. Traditional Red

Sangria has long been synonymous with sunny days and convivial gatherings. Traditionally, it’s a red wine-based punch brimming with various fruits, offering a sweet and fruity respite from the heat. White sangria, however, offers a lighter, often crisper alternative, allowing different fruit and wine profiles to shine. Clerico stands out in the white sangria family with its specific medley of grapes, strawberries, and mango, diverging from the typical sweet wine base by opting for a delightful, dry Chardonnay.

Why Chardonnay is the Perfect Base for Clerico

Chardonnay is a globally recognized dry white wine, celebrated for its versatility and widespread cultivation. Its grapes are remarkably adaptable, resilient to many diseases, making Chardonnay a reliable and accessible choice. This full-bodied wine carries a significant flavor profile that evolves depending on its aging process and terroir:

• Oaked Chardonnay: Often reveals hints of vanilla, toast, and butter, adding complexity.
• Cool Climate Chardonnay: Tends to exhibit crisp notes of green apple and citrus.
• Milder Climate Chardonnay: Develops a slightly sweeter character with undertones of melon and stone fruit.
• Warm Climate Chardonnay: Can showcase tropical fruit flavors like pineapple and, yes, mango, making it an ideal companion for the fruits in Clerico.

When creating Clerico, a dry, un-oaked Chardonnay is often preferred as it allows the natural sweetness and acidity of the fresh fruits and lime to take center stage, while still providing a robust wine foundation. Serving your Clerico chilled is essential, as the cool temperature enhances the wine’s refreshing qualities and the integrated flavors of the fruit and whiskey.

Essential Ingredients for Crafting Your Authentic Clerico

To prepare this vibrant Clerico recipe, selecting fresh, high-quality ingredients is key. The precise amounts can be found in the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this article. Here’s a closer look at what you’ll need and why each component is crucial:

• Mango: Choose a ripe, soft, and wonderfully sweet mango. Its tropical notes are essential for Clerico’s signature flavor. Remember to peel the skin and remove the large pit before cutting the flesh into small, bite-sized cubes. For a quick and easy method, here’s a video demonstrating two simple ways to prepare a mango.
• Grapes: Opt for wonderfully sweet and juicy seedless grapes. Both red and green varieties can work beautifully, adding a lovely color contrast and diverse sweetness. Always wash the grapes thoroughly and remove them from their stems before halving them.
• Whiskey: The inclusion of whiskey is a unique touch that truly defines Clerico and distinguishes it from other sangrias. A smoky Bourbon or a smooth Irish whiskey complements the fruity sweetness without overpowering it. It adds a subtle depth and warmth, enhancing the overall drinking experience.
• White Wine: As mentioned, a dry white wine forms the base. While Chardonnay is my preference for its full body and versatile flavor profile, other excellent choices include a crisp Sauvignon Blanc (known for its herbaceous notes and bright acidity) or a light, refreshing Pinot Grigio. The goal is a wine that can stand up to the fruits and whiskey while remaining refreshing.
• Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are paramount. Their sweet-tart flavor and vibrant red color contribute significantly to the appeal of Clerico. It’s crucial to wash them first and then remove the green crown (hull them). If you hull them before washing, they tend to absorb more water, leading to a less concentrated flavor and a watery texture.
• Sugar: A touch of granulated sugar helps to balance the acidity from the lime and the dry wine, enhancing the natural sweetness of the fruits. You can adjust the amount to your preference, making it slightly sweeter or allowing the natural fruit sugars to dominate.
• Lime Juice: Freshly squeezed lime juice is non-negotiable. Its bright, zesty acidity cuts through the sweetness, providing a refreshing tang that elevates all the other flavors. Avoid bottled lime juice, as it often lacks the fresh, vibrant punch of real lime.

Crafting Your Clerico: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Creating your own pitcher of Clerico is wonderfully straightforward, requiring minimal effort for maximum reward. The full printable recipe with a detailed step-by-step description is available at the very end of this blog post. But here’s an overview of the simple process:

1. Dissolve the Sweetness: Start by spooning the sugar into a large pitcher. Add the fresh lime juice and whiskey. Stir this mixture vigorously until the sugar is completely dissolved. This ensures that the sweetness is evenly distributed throughout the drink.
2. Infuse with Aromatics: Gently place your prepared fruits – the halved grapes, strawberries, and mango cubes – into the pitcher. The longer they steep, the more their flavors will infuse into the wine.
3. Add the Wine & Chill: Pour the white wine over the fruits and the sugar-whiskey-lime mixture. Give it a final stir. Now, the most crucial step for optimal flavor: refrigerate the Clerico for at least 1 hour, or ideally 2-4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld beautifully and ensure it’s thoroughly chilled. The cooling time is essential for the fruits to release their juices and for the different components to harmonize.
4. Serve and Enjoy: Just before serving, add a generous amount of ice cubes directly to the pitcher or, to prevent dilution, add ice to individual glasses as you serve. Garnish with a few fresh mint leaves, a slice of lemon, or an extra lime wedge for an added touch of freshness and visual appeal.

The beauty of Clerico lies in its simplicity and the delightful interplay of fresh fruit, dry wine, and a surprising hint of whiskey. It’s a truly refreshing and sophisticated choice for any occasion.

Expert Tips, Creative Variations, and Serving Suggestions

Clerico is wonderfully versatile, and these tips will help you tailor it to your taste or dietary needs, ensuring a perfect batch every time:

• Alcohol-Free Version: For a delightful mocktail, simply replace the white wine with an alcohol-free white wine. Many supermarkets now offer excellent non-alcoholic wine alternatives that maintain the flavor profile. You can also use sparkling grape juice or a combination of white grape juice and soda water for a lighter option.
• Enhance the Freshness: Fresh garnishes make all the difference. Add more mint leaves, lime wedges, or lemon slices to individual glasses for a burst of refreshing aroma and visual charm. A few slices of cucumber can also add an unexpected, cooling element.
• Fruit Preparation Tip: Always wash strawberries thoroughly before hulling them (removing the green top). If you hull them first, the exposed flesh will absorb water during washing, diluting their flavor and making them watery.
• Fruit & Alcohol Absorption: Remember, the juicier your fruits are, the more readily they will absorb the alcohol from the wine and whiskey. This means the fruit itself becomes a delicious, boozy treat – a delightful bonus for those who enjoy it!
• Fruit Variations: Feel free to experiment with other summer fruits. Sliced peaches, nectarines, orange segments, pineapple chunks, or even a mix of berries (raspberries, blueberries) can add different layers of flavor and color.
• Add a Sparkling Touch: For a bubbly Clerico, top up each glass with a splash of sparkling water, club soda, or even a dry sparkling wine (like Cava or Prosecco) just before serving.
• Sweetness Adjustment: If your fruits aren’t very sweet or you prefer a sweeter drink, you can add a bit more sugar to taste. Conversely, for a less sweet profile, reduce the sugar or rely entirely on the natural sweetness of the fruit.
• Make Ahead: Clerico is an excellent make-ahead cocktail. Prepare the base with the wine, whiskey, sugar, and lime juice and let it chill in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Add the fresh fruits 1-2 hours before serving to prevent them from becoming too soggy, especially softer fruits like strawberries.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve Clerico in large wine glasses or stylish tumblers. A pitcher makes for easy self-serving at parties. It pairs wonderfully with light appetizers, grilled seafood, chicken, and fresh salads. The refreshing notes also make it a fantastic palate cleanser between courses.

Did you make this delicious recipe? Tag #byandreajanssen via Instagram! I love to see what your creation looks like and regularly share the most beautiful photos of you! Did you like this recipe? Then leave a rating on the recipe card below! Your feedback helps other home cooks and me enormously.

Need more inspiration?

• You can find video recipes on my YouTube channel.
• And don’t forget to save the recipes on Pinterest, so you can easily find them again next time!

Andréa