Clericó is a traditional Argentinean drink, perfect for warm weather and outdoor gatherings with friends and family. This refreshing fruit-filled wine punch is made with a combination of red wine, various fresh fruits such as pineapple, melon, oranges, apples, seedless red grapes, plums, and peaches, and a splash of Grand Marnier (optional) for an extra touch of sweetness.
The flavors are balanced with orange juice, sugar, and a touch of lemon or lime juice to create a deliciously sweet and tangy drink that's perfect for any occasion. Follow this simple recipe to make a pitcher of Clericó and enjoy a taste of Argentina in the comfort of your home.
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What is Clericó?
Clericó is a popular fruit punch from Argentina, typically served during warm weather and festive occasions. It is made with red wine, various chopped fruits such as pineapple, melon, oranges, apples, seedless red grapes, plums, peaches, and sometimes a Grand Marnier or other sweet liqueur splash. The mixture is then sweetened with sugar and orange juice, and a touch of lemon or lime juice is added for a tart flavor.
The result is a refreshing, fruity, slightly tangy wine punch perfect for sharing with friends and family. Clericó is often served in large pitchers and is a staple beverage for outdoor gatherings and barbecues in Argentina.
Clericó Ingredients
Note: The full ingredients list is provided in the recipe card below.
- Red wine (such as Malbec): Provides the base for the punch and gives it a rich, full-bodied flavor.
- Grand Marnier (optional): A sweet orange-flavored liqueur that adds depth and complexity to the punch.
- Pineapple, melon, oranges, apples, seedless red grapes, plums, and peaches: These chopped fruits provide the fruity flavor and texture of the punch and add visual appeal.
- Orange juice: Helps to sweeten and balance the flavors of the punch.
- Sugar: Provides additional sweetness to the punch to balance the acidity of the fruit and wine.
- Lemon or lime juice: Adds a tart flavor to the punch and helps balance the other ingredients' sweetness.
Tools you'll need
How to Make Clericó
Note: The full instructions are provided in the recipe card below.
Wash, peel, and cut the fruits, then place them in a large punch bowl. Add sugar and mix well. Pour in the wine, orange juice, lemon juice, and Grand Marnier (if using) and stir again to combine everything. Taste and adjust sweetness with sugar, if needed.
Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit in the refrigerator until just before serving. Ideally, you want to wait about 1 hour or overnight for the fruit to infuse each other (Clerico improves as it sits), but you can serve immediately. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Substitutions
- Red wine: If you don't have Malbec or another red wine, you can use another type with a similar flavor profile, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.
- Grand Marnier: If you don't have Grand Marnier, you can substitute another orange-flavored liqueur, such as Cointreau or Triple Sec, or omit the liqueur altogether.
- Pineapple, melon, oranges, apples, seedless red grapes, plums, and peaches: You can use other types of fruits that are in season or that you prefer. Some good options include strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, mango, kiwi, and watermelon.
- Orange juice: You can use another type of fruit juice, such as pineapple juice, grapefruit juice, cranberry juice, or a combination of juices to suit your taste.
- Sugar: You can use a different type of sweetener, such as honey, agave nectar, or maple syrup, or omit the sweetener altogether if you prefer a less sweet punch.
- Lemon or lime juice: You can use either lemon or lime juice interchangeably or use another type of citrus juice, such as grapefruit or orange juice. You can use bottled juice if you don't have fresh citrus juice.
Variations
- White wine Clericó: Instead of red wine, use a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to make a lighter, fruitier version of the punch.
- Spiced Clericó: Add a cinnamon stick, cloves, or other warm spices to the punch for a cozy, fall-inspired flavor.
- Frozen Clericó: Make a frozen version of the punch by blending the fruit, wine, and juice with ice until smooth.
- Sparkling Clericó: Add a splash of sparkling water or soda to the punch for a fizzy, refreshing twist.
- Berry Clericó: Use a combination of mixed berries, such as raspberries, blueberries, and strawberries, instead of the traditional fruit to make a flavorful and colorful punch.
- Tropical Clericó: Use tropical fruits such as mango, papaya, and passionfruit to give the punch a tropical twist.
- Non-alcoholic Clericó: Omit the wine and Grand Marnier and substitute the red wine with cranberry or grape juice to make a non-alcoholic version of the punch suitable for all ages.
How to Serve
Clericó is traditionally served in a large pitcher, perfect for sharing with friends and family at outdoor gatherings and barbecues. To serve, stir the punch and pour it into glasses filled with ice. Be sure to include plenty of fruit in each glass, as the fruit adds flavor and texture to the punch. You can also garnish each glass with a slice of citrus or a sprig of mint for a refreshing touch.
If you're making a large batch of Clericó ahead of time, you can store it in the refrigerator for a few hours to allow the flavors to meld and the fruit to infuse the wine. Again, just be sure to give the punch a good stir before serving to distribute the fruit and juices evenly.
How to Store
If you have leftover Clericó, store it in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Then, pour the punch into an airtight container, such as a pitcher with a lid or a large mason jar, and store it in the fridge until you're ready to serve it again. Before serving, stir the punch quickly and add any additional ice or fruit as needed.
Make-Ahead
Clericó is a perfect make-ahead beverage for parties and gatherings, as it can be prepared several hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve it. Follow the recipe and combine all ingredients in a large pitcher or container to make ahead. Then, cover the container with a lid or plastic wrap and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve. Then it's time to serve the Clericó; please stir it and add any additional ice or fruit as needed.
If the punch has been in the refrigerator for a while, you may want to taste it and adjust the sweetness or tartness before serving. Remember that the Clericó fruit will continue to infuse the wine and juices over time, so the longer the punch sits, the more flavorful it will become. However, be cautious not to leave the Clericó out of the refrigerator for too long, as the fruit may begin to spoil and affect the flavor of the punch.
Tips for Making The Best Clericó
- Use good quality wine: Choose a good quality red wine with a rich, full-bodied flavor, such as Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon, for the best results.
- Chill the wine and ingredients: Chill the wine and fruit before making the punch to ensure that the punch is cold and refreshing.
- Cut the fruit into uniform sizes: Cut the fruit into consistent lengths to cook evenly and look attractive in the punch.
- Adjust the sweetness to taste: Taste the punch as you go and adjust the sweetness or tartness as needed to suit your preferences.
- Let the flavors meld: Allow the punch to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together, and the fruit infuse the wine.
- Serve with plenty of ice: Serve the punch with plenty of ice to keep it cold and refreshing.
- Use a good-quality pitcher: Use a large, sturdy pitcher with a lid to serve the punch, and choose one that is easy to pour from and looks attractive on the table.
- Experiment with variations: Try different interpretations of the Clericó recipe by using other fruits, juices, or sweeteners to find your favorite combination.
FAQ
My Clericó is too sweet. How can I reduce the sweetness?
If your Clericó is sweeter than desired, you can balance it by adding more red wine or citrus juice (lemon or lime). Start by adding small amounts and taste until it reaches your preferred level of sweetness and acidity.
My fruit punch tastes too tart. How can I make it sweeter?
To make your Clericó sweeter, you can add more sugar gradually. Stir the punch well and taste as you go to achieve the desired level of sweetness.
Can I use white wine instead of red wine for Clericó?
Traditionally, Clericó is made with red wine, often using Malbec in Argentina. While you can use white wine if you prefer, keep in mind that it will result in a different flavor profile. White wine Clericó tends to be lighter and less robust in flavor.
Can I make Clericó without alcohol for a non-alcoholic version?
Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of Clericó by omitting the red wine and Grand Marnier. Simply replace the wine with grape juice or a combination of fruit juices for a refreshing alcohol-free alternative.
How far in advance can I prepare Clericó before serving?
Clericó can be prepared in advance, and it often benefits from some time for the flavors to meld. Ideally, allow it to sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving, but it can be made a day in advance for even better flavor.
Can I customize the fruits in my Clericó?
Yes, you can customize the fruits to your preference or based on what's in season. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of fruits, but keep in mind that the overall flavor will vary depending on the fruits used.
Notes:
- For the Non-Alcoholic version for kids: Omit the wine and use grape juice or non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider.
- Clerico is very easy to customize according to your taste in wine and fruit preference.
Related Recipes:
Recipe
Easy Clericó
Ingredients
- 2 (750-ml)bottle of red wine, such as Malbec (Alamos)
- 50 ml Grand Marnier , optional
- 1 pineapple , cut into ¾ inch cubes
- 1 melon , cut into ¾ inch cubes
- 6 oranges , cut into ¾ inch cubes
- 5 apples , cut into ¾ inch cubes, (use a sharp knife to cut the core).
- 1 lb. seedless red grapes , whole or cut in half
- 2 plums , cut into ½ inch cubes, pitted
- 2 peaches , cut into½ inch cubes, pitted
- 2.63- liter orange juice
- ¼ cups of sugar , to taste
- Juice from 2 lemons or lime , divided
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and cut the fruits, then place them in a large punch bowl. Add sugar and mix well. Pour in the wine, orange juice, lemon juice, and Grand Marnier,(if using) and stir again to combine everything. Taste, and adjust sweetness with sugar, if needed.
- Cover with plastic wrap and allow to sit in the refrigerator until just before serving. Ideally, you want to wait about 1 hour or overnight for the fruit to infuse each other,(Clerico gets better as it sits) but you can serve right away. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
How to Serve Clerico
- When serving Clerico, use a punch ladle to scoop and pour the Clerico into glasses for your guests and serve with a spoon so that they can eat the wine-soaked fruit. Enjoy!
Notes
- For the Non-Alcoholic version for kids: Omit the wine and use grape juice or non-alcoholic sparkling apple cider.
- Clerico is very easy to customize according to your taste in wine and fruit preference.
All nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and is only an estimate. Each recipe and nutritional value will vary depending on the brands you use, measuring methods, and portion sizes per household.