This refreshing and delicious red sangria is made with Spanish red wine, various fruits, brandy, and a splash of seltzer. It's a crowd-pleasing punch that is perfect for your next backyard barbecue, summer party, or any occasion that calls for a festive drink. This post is meant for an audience of 21 and over.
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The full recipe with ingredients/instructions is available on the recipe card at the bottom of the post. Important tips/tricks are also included in the blog post.
I love summer and the refreshing drinks it brings. Although sangrias make me think of summer, I can have them year-round. It's wine, and it's good.
I traveled to Spain and had some delicious and authentic Sangria. At home, I recreated this version that calls for some main ingredients, like Spanish wine, Brandy, and fruit. I add a splash of club soda to the drink once I finish it to create a refreshing and bubbly effect.
The key to a good sangria is using quality ingredients, like good Spanish red wine and fresh, seasonal fruits. Letting the flavors mix for a few hours or overnight makes the drink taste better and more refreshing.
If you're a fan of batch summer drinks, try my Jamaican Rum Punch.
Ingredients for Red Sangria
- Wine & Spirits: A good quality Spanish red wine, such as Rioja or Tempranillo, forms the base. Brandy adds depth and complexity.
- Fruit: A combination of sliced oranges, lemons, lime, and apple adds sweetness, acidity, and a variety of flavors.
- Sugar: Balances the acidity of the wine and fruit.
- Fizz: Add seltzer or club soda just before serving to lighten the drink up a bit.
How to make Sangria
Combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and sugar in a large pitcher. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
Add the sliced orange, lemon, lime, and apple chunks to the pitcher. Stir to combine.
Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
Pour the sangria into glasses with ice, making sure to include some of the fruit pieces in each glass. Top each glass with a splash of club soda or sparkling water.
What to serve with Sangria
This drink is perfect for a crowd and goes well with various appetizers or dinners. Serve it alongside the following:
- Shrimp Paella
- Cheese Board
- Grilled meats
Tanya's Top Tips
- It's best to use Spanish red wine, like Rioja or Tempranillo. If you can't find those, medium-bodied red wines such as Merlot or Zinfandel can work well. Avoid using expensive or aged wines, as their complex flavors may be lost when mixed with fruit and other ingredients.
- Feel free to mix up the fruits. The most common fruits used in sangria are oranges, lemons, limes, apples, and berries. Peaches and grapes can also be great additions, especially if you use white wine. The key is to use fresh, seasonal fruits to enhance the flavor of the drink.
- Add the club soda, and ice, right before serving. The purpose of the soda is to provide fizz. Adding ice or the club soda too soon will just make the sangria watered down.
FAQ
Yes, sangria is better when made ahead of time. Preparing it a day before allows the flavors to blend more thoroughly. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a good stir before serving.
I hope you enjoy this red sangria recipe. If you make it, please let us know how you like it by leaving a review below. Your feedback is appreciated!
Red Wine Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 750ml bottle of red wine Spanish varieties like Tempranillo or Rioja
- ¼ cup Brandy
- ¼ cup orange liqueur like Triple Sec or Cointreau
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar adjust to taste
- 1 orange thinly sliced
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
- 1 lime thinly sliced
- 1 apple cored and cut into chunks
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda to taste, add just before serving
Instructions
- Combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and sugar in a large pitcher. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Add the sliced orange, lemon, lime, and apple chunks to the pitcher. Stir to combine.
- Refrigerate the mixture for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Pour the sangria into glasses with ice, making sure to include some of the fruit pieces in each glass. Top each glass with a splash of club soda or sparkling water.
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