More and more people are visiting Spain for its food each year. And what these hungry travelers want most is a popular summer drink – Sangria, a combination of wine and fruit that aims for refreshment and fun.

Sangria is known as the national drink of Spain. The name of the drink comes from the Spanish word Sangre (which itself comes from the Latin Sanguis), meaning "blood", and refers to its dark color. There is even a saying that no Spanish holiday is complete without Sangria. Although the drink didn't get its official name until the 18th century, its history can be traced back to the oven 2,000 years ago.

Around 218 B.C., the Romans made their way across the Iberian Peninsula and planted vineyards along the way. At that time, water was unsafe to drink, and drinking fermented beverages carried a much lower risk of causing illness. Therefore, people mixed wine, which was much lighter and less potent than what we are used to today but still had the ability to kill off bacteria, with water, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon. This drink was called hippocras and was considered to be the ancient precursor of both Sangria and mulled wine.

But in the 700s, the Spanish wine business, including the Spanish Sangria business, faltered. Islamic Moors conquered the peninsula in 711 A.D. Sangria returned as the Moors' rule ended in 1492, and with the return of wine, there was the return of Sangria.

In the 1700s and 1800s, a style of Sangria was made in England and France using traditionally French grapes. There was also white Sangria, sparkling Sangria, and Sangria made with peaches, which was called zurra. Sangria was introduced to the United States at the 1964 New York World's Fair when the Pavilion of Spain served it to visitors from the Taberna Madrid kiosk. Since then, Americans have been quick to embrace the Spanish cocktail, and in recent years many bars have started to serve a signature Sangria to their guests.

Under European Union law, the use of Sangria in commercial or trade labeling is now restricted under geographical labeling rules.

The European Parliament approved new labeling laws by a wide margin in January 2014, protecting indications for aromatized drinks, including Sangria, Vermouth, and Glühwein. Only Sangria made in Spain and Portugal is allowed to be sold as "Sangria" in the EU.

Sangria recipes vary wildly even within Spain, with many regional distinctions. Traditionally, Sangria may be mixed with local fruits such as peaches, nectarines, berries, apples, pears, or global fruits such as pineapple or lime, and sweetened with sugar and orange juice. There are some choices for getting into the Sangria for wine lovers, based on wine type.

·Red wines are the original basis for Sangria and have a long tradition in Europe dating back possibly to the Middle Ages. Tempranillo from Spain's Rioja region is the classic ingredient. Almost any red wine will do, providing it's fruity and simple.

·White wines tend to showcase fruitiness, which works well in Sangria recipes. We highly recommend these white wines that have aromas and flavors that will complement, rather than compete.

·Rosé wines are widely available, versatile, and can add beautiful colors and tones to Sangria. Drier Rosé is great to be used with Sangria recipes that include raspberries, cranberries, or other red barriers. Do not choose these very sweet Rosés which can be more difficult to pair with Sangria's other ingredients.

·Sparkling wines add zesty acidity and celebratory air. Use white (Blanc de Blancs) sparkling wines in place of white wine in Sangria recipes, and rosé bubblies in place of Rosé or red wines. You'd better avoid older, expensive sparkling wines; and don't add the bubbles until ready to serve.

·Dessert wines, or sweet wines, are usually sweet with pronounced flavor and higher alcohol content. The sugar in dessert wines can help to balance the acidity of the fruit in some Sangria recipes. You are supposed to look for off-dry sweet wines that are not lusciously sweet, and too high in alcohol. Fortified wines like Marsala, Port, and Madeira are not recommended.

No matter which type of wine you choose, Sangria is all in all, relatively easy to make, and ideal for any summertime fiesta.