I can’t think of a better way to thaw out from winter’s dreary doldrums than with a cold, crisp, born-in-the-South, raised-in-a-glass cherry soda. Or perhaps a carafe of deep purple sangria. Luckily for me – and you – Mateo has taken these warm-weather daydreams and blended them together for its Cheerwine Sangria. Available by the glass or carafe, it’s mostly red wine, plus citrus – lemon, orange, lime – orange liqueur, brandy, Cheerwine and seasonal fruit – apples, pears and/or grapes, depending on what’s available. It’s finished with some smashed basil to release its aromas. “This was one of the first drinks I thought of when deciding on core cocktails for Mateo,” says beverage director Michael Maller. “Sangria is deeply rooted in the heart of Spain, and Cheerwine is definitely a soulful Southern soda. There’s also a classic beverage from [the Spanish region of] La Rioja, called kalimotxo, that’s red wine and cola. So, this kind of brings that cola-esque idea to the sangria.” Michael recommends starting with the sangria before you get into the menu, or try it with salty serrano ham.
