Melbourne's best sangrias

MoVida Aqui

Nothing quite embodies sangria's carefree summery appeal than a balmy evening spent on the rooftop terrace at MoVida Aqui. Fashioned in the same style as stuff that got him drunk as a child, Frank Camorra's cinnamon- and vanilla-laced version comes tinto (red) or blanco (with cava). It's a refreshing mix that contains Licor 43 and a secret splash of mead (spiced honey wine) for sweetness.

Level 1, 500 Bourke Street, Melbourne, 9663 3038, movida.com.au/movida-aqui

Bomba

Thoroughly disproving any claims from the sangria-ain't-cool movement, lovers of Bomba (and sister venue Anada) are possibly Melbourne's biggest consumers of the fruity punch. According to owner Jesse Gerner, the white version is the big star here. It combines white wine (usually pinot gris) with vodka, cucumber, mint, orange, lemonade, soda and a hint of orange blossom water.

103 Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, 9077 0451, bombabar.com.au

Cookie

Taking its inspiration from the British sangaree (a spiced, madeira-laced concoction of red wine, citrus and sugar syrup which dates back to the 1700s) the punches at Cookie are pimped-up to be boozier and more cocktail-like than the average. The Jouster's Sangaree combines pinot gris, orange and lime juices, Lillet Blanc, Grand Marnier and passionfruit syrup.

252 Swanston Street, Melbourne, 9663 7660, cookie.net.au

Bar Nacional

Popular with the post-work corporate crowd, the sangria here combines wine (red, white or rose) with brandy, Grand Marnier, citrus fruit and a host of aromatic spices, including nutmeg and star anise. Dashes of dry ginger and lemonade are added along with a fruity garnish of orange, apple, grapefruit and mint for a refreshingly fruity thirst-quencher.

727 Collins Street, Docklands, 9252 7999, barnacional.com.au

Pope Joan

There's something very girly about Joan's sangria and the local ladies seem to agree. A hit in the courtyard on summery mornings (a la champagne breakfast) this one is floral and aromatic – with a dash of peach bitters, orange blossom water and freshly picked lemon verbena from the herb garden. Might be red, white or pink – depends what the bartender feels like.

77-79 Nicholson Street, Brunswick East, 9388 8858, popejoan.com.au

LadyBoy

It's a wacky case of Barcelona via Bangkok with the sangria at this cheeky Richmond Thai diner and bar. The twist? In place of brandy the red sangria uses Sang Som (Thai dark rum), along with fresh mint, lime, apple, orange and a dash of lemonade. The white version comes same-same but with white wine and vodka.

394 Bridge Road, Richmond, 9421 3206, ladyboydining.com.au