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Best Sangria In Los Angeles

Tikal Restaurant header
(credit: Tikal Restaurant)

Summer is finally here and with it comes lighter libations more suited to the warmer weather. Sangria has always been a hit with its fruity flavor and easy preparation. But who needs to make it at home when you live in Los Angeles? With restaurants all over the city serving sangria, finding a glass or a pitcher of this Spanish nectar won't be hard as it also pairs nicely with a lot of summertime dishes on the menus. Here are five places you definitely want to check out for some delicious sangria.

LA Paella
(credit: LA Paella)

LA Paella
476 S. San Vicente Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90048
(323) 951-0745
www.usalapaella.com

If you're looking for authentic cuisine of Spain, then LA Paella is where you want to go. And that includes the sangria: a blended red wine with apples, oranges and lemons marinating at least four hours before serving. Servers wait until it's ordered before adding the sugar and soda for a more refreshing sangria. Pair it with any of the paellas for a truly enjoyable meal. Friendly and polite servers add to the delicious experience.

Versailles
(credit: Versailles)

Versailles Restaurant
1415 S. La Cienega Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90034
(310) 289-0392
www.versaillescuban.com

Versailles Restaurant keeps its sangria simple yet delicious, using only apples and oranges with just a little sugar and soda to bring out the flavors in the wine specifically chosen for its sangria. Whether you order it by the glass or indulge in a pitcher, pair it with one of Versailles' amazing pork entrees like the lechon asado and you'll think you've been whisked away to a cocina in Cuba. Be prepared because the parking lot is better suited for compact cars.

Related: Best Tapas In Los Angeles

El Cid Restaurant
(credit: El Cid)

El Cid
4212 W. Sunset Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90029
(323) 668-0318
www.elcidla.com

You can't get any more Spanish than sangria and flamenco dancers at El Cid. The specialty sangria has apples and oranges marinated in house red wine with brandy and peach schnapps for a little extra kick. By the glass or by pitcher, enjoy it with traditional Spanish flamenco entertainment every Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. Or try a glass with the gourmet Sunday brunch.

Tikal Restaurant
(credit: Tikal Restaurant Cocina Maya)

Tikal Restaurant Cocina Maya
4838 E. Huntington Drive S.
Los Angeles, CA 90032
(323) 352-8274
www.tikalrestaurant.com

For sangria that's a bit different, head over to Tikal Restaurant. House red with the sweet Guatemalan fruit jocote as a base and a little tequila makes this sangria extra special. For summer, white sangria will be made available with another sweet Guatemalan fruit called nance and other fresh citrus juices. It's offered by the glass but with sangria this fantastic, you'll want it by the pitcher. And the food is very good too.

Related: Best Los Angeles Bars For Tequila

Cocina Primavera
(credit: Cocina Primavera)

Cocina Primavera
9111 W. Olympic Blvd.
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(310) 550-7834
www.primaverala.com

Delicious food and courteous service is what you can expect at family-owned and run Cocina Primavera. And whether you're having the crab cakes as an appetizer or the grilled swordfish for dinner, the freshly made sangria will complement. Carefully selected burgundy with sliced apples, oranges, lemons and sweetened to taste, the freshly made sangria is a must try. But then again, everything at Cocina Primavera is a must try.

Kristine G. Bottone is a freelance writer living in Los Angeles. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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