Hello internet friends! At Paulina Cocina, we don't limit ourselves to just food recipes, of course not. We also suggest making delicious drinks and even cocktails, like the one we're bringing you today: How to Make Clericot . It's impossible for you, if you live in Argentina or another Latin American country, not to find clericot reminding you of those New Year's Eve parties at an aunt's or grandmother's house, which were often mistaken for fruit salad and... whoops!
Clericot is ideal for a get-together at home with lots of friends or family, because it's super filling and refreshing on summer days. And at the end of the party, you can secretly eat the fruit left behind, which is delicious!
Today I'm going to tell you how to make clericot in an easy and delicious way. We'll also explore its secrets, its origin, ideal pairings, and some tips to make this fruity cocktail spectacular.
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What is clericot and where does it come from?
The clericot: A classic of the meetings
Clericot is a refreshing cocktail that combines red wine with a variety of fresh, juicy fruits, creating a delicious blend of flavors and colors. It's very popular in Latin America and, especially in the summer, is a staple at family or friends' gatherings.
Origin of the word “clericot”
The term clericot comes from the English "claret cup," referring to the glass in which it was traditionally served. Although its origin is believed to be Roman, the English popularized it in their colonies, and it later spread to Latin America, becoming a staple at celebrations.
The keys to this preparation
- The simplicity of preparing clericot : The process of preparing this drink is really simple, so much so that you don't need to be a cocktail expert to show off a delicious clericot. The most important thing is to follow a few key steps and choose good-quality ingredients to get the best result. If you're wondering how to prepare clericot , here are all the details you need to know.
- Choosing the Right Wine : For a good cocktail, it's ideal to use a young, fruity red wine. This type of wine provides a fresh, light flavor that pairs perfectly with the fruit. If you like to experiment, you can also opt for a white or rosé wine, which will give your preparation a different and less conventional touch. The key is to ensure that the wine isn't too complex, as we want it to complement the fruit flavors rather than overpower them.
- Fruit Selection and Preparation : Fresh fruit is the soul of this cocktail. Classic options include apples, oranges, pears, and peaches, but you can also add melon, strawberries, or even grapes for added variety and color. Cut the fruit into small pieces or slices, as you prefer, and make sure it's ripe but firm so it doesn't fall apart in the mix.
- A touch of sweetness and liqueur : A perfect clericot has a balanced sweetness. You can sweeten it with sugar, honey, or your favorite sweetener, adjusting the amount to your taste. Also, a touch of liqueur, such as brandy or Cointreau, makes all the difference and gives it that special flavor everyone loves. Just use it sparingly so it doesn't overpower the flavors of the fruit and wine.
- Resting: A Key Step : One of the secrets to making the most delicious clericot is letting it rest in the refrigerator for a few hours before serving. This time allows the fruit to release its juices and blend with the wine, creating a drink with a much more intense and balanced flavor. When it's time to serve, add ice to the glasses to keep it nice and cold.
What cannot be missing in a good clericot
- Fresh, quality ingredients : The authentic flavor of this cocktail comes from the ingredients you choose. Fresh, juicy fruits are essential for a balanced and delicious combination. Apples, oranges, and peaches are the most common choices, but feel free to get creative and try other fruits like kiwi, pineapple, or cherries. Also, the wine should be of good quality, but it doesn't have to be expensive.
- The perfect combination of sweetness and acidity : The key is to choose fruits that provide a mix of sweetness and acidity. This not only intensifies the flavors but also gives the cocktail a vibrant visual appeal that everyone will love.
Ideal pairings and combinations
Dishes that go wonderfully with clericot
Clericot is a versatile drink that adapts to different types of dishes. Its fruity and refreshing profile makes it the ideal companion for:
- Grilled meats : It contrasts deliciously with the smoky flavor.
- Fresh salads : Enhance light, herbaceous flavors.
- Soft cheeses : Especially Brie or Camembert types.
- Seafood : Enhance the experience with lighter dishes like ceviche or grilled shrimp.
Ideal for summer
Clericot shines at outdoor meals and casual dinners during the warmer seasons. It's a quintessential social cocktail, perfect for sharing with friends and family.
Differences between sangria and clericot
Two cocktails, two stories
It's common to confuse clericot with sangria , as both are wine- and fruit-based cocktails. However, each has its own unique characteristics. If you've ever wondered what the difference is between sangria and clericot , we'll clarify it here:
- Origin : Sangria originated in Spain, while clericot became popular in Latin America. Both drinks have a rich cultural history, but are prepared and enjoyed in different ways.
- Main ingredients : Sangria contains red wine, various fruits, lemon, and spices like cinnamon, giving it a spicy and warm touch. Clericot, on the other hand, combines red, white, or rosé wine with fresh fruits and a touch of liqueur, such as Cointreau or brandy, for a lighter, fruitier profile.
- Wine Flexibility : While sangria is typically made exclusively with red wine, clericot allows for experimentation with different types of wine, making it more versatile to suit different palates.
- Flavor Profile : Sangria has a spicier, more robust flavor, ideal for temperate climates. Clericot, on the other hand, is more refreshing and fruity, perfect for summer.
Both cocktails have their charm, but if you're looking for something light, fresh, and easy to prepare, now you know how to make clericot and why it's ideal for informal gatherings and summer evenings.
5 tips for a perfect homemade cocktail
- Choose young, fruity wines for a fresh taste.
- Experiment with different fruit combinations to discover which one we like best.
- Add liquor sparingly , as its role is to enhance the flavors, not overpower them.
- Adjust the amount of sweetener to taste, taking care not to cover the natural flavors of the fruit and wine.
- Let it rest for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator before serving.
Now, let's see how the most classic recipe for clericot with red wine . Below is the step-by-step recipe.
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Red wine clericot recipe
Yield: 6 portions
Preparation time: 15 minutes (plus cooling time)
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of young, fruity red wine (can be white or rosé)
- 1 sliced orange
- 1 diced apple
- 1 diced pear
- 1 diced peach
- 2 tablespoons of sugar, honey or sweetener of choice (according to personal taste)
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (cointreau)
- Ice to taste
How to make clericot step by step
- In a large bowl or pitcher, combine the red wine with the chopped fruit.
- Add the sugar and orange liqueur. Stir gently with a wooden spoon.
- Place in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.
- Serve the clericot in individual glasses or cups filled with ice. Garnish each glass with an orange slice or a sprig of mint. Enjoy chilled!
Did you like this clerico recipe?
Discover more festive drinks and recipes in Christmas Ebook . With more than 130 options, from appetizers to desserts and drinks like this one, you'll have everything you need to wow your guests at any celebration. Go ahead and make your parties even more special!
