Sangria Recipe

Sangria is the ultimate summer beverage, a refreshing and vibrant drink perfect for outdoor gatherings, barbecues, and casual parties. This Spanish classic has roots that go back centuries, with each region adding its own spin to the recipe. The charm of sangria lies in its flexibility and the ability to bring together a harmonious mix of flavors. Whether it’s a casual family get-together or a celebration with friends, a pitcher of sangria is sure to brighten the atmosphere.

Imagine sipping on a glass of chilled sangria, its rich red hue sparkling in the sunlight. The aromatic blend of fruit, wine, and a touch of liquor makes it a crowd-pleaser. This recipe isn’t just a drink; it’s a social experience that brings people together. The best part? You can make it ahead of time, letting the flavors meld beautifully for an unforgettable taste.

Why I Love This Recipe

this …

There’s something incredibly magical about making sangria. It’s more than just throwing a few ingredients together; it’s about creating something that invites connection. The joy of mixing your favorite fruits, a good bottle of wine, and a splash of brandy or rum to add depth of flavor is unbeatable.

What makes sangria so special is its versatility. You can choose different fruits, switch up the wine, or adjust the sweetness depending on your preferences. It’s a recipe that reflects the season, whether it’s the juicy fruits of summer or the warm spices of fall. I love that it can be made in large quantities, making it an ideal choice for gatherings. There’s no need for precise measurements or complicated techniques—just mix and let the flavors do the rest.

What’s even better is that this sangria is perfect for any occasion. If you’re hosting a barbecue, a birthday party, or just a cozy evening with friends, this drink is sure to impress. It’s refreshing and flavorful, with a balanced sweetness that makes it go down easily. It’s a drink that invites people to linger, to chat, and to enjoy each other’s company.

Ingredients for Sangria

To create the perfect sangria, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, each contributing to the overall flavor profile. The beauty of this recipe is that it allows for flexibility while still delivering a delicious result.

• Red Wine: This is the base of the sangria and sets the tone for the drink. A medium-bodied red wine, like a Spanish Tempranillo or a Cabernet Sauvignon, works well. The wine provides depth and richness that are essential to a great sangria.
• Fruits: Fruits are the soul of sangria. I recommend using a combination of oranges, lemons, and berries. These fruits provide a balance of citrusy zing and natural sweetness. You can also add apples or peaches depending on the season. The fruits infuse the wine with fresh, vibrant flavors.
• Brandy: Brandy adds a little extra kick to your sangria, enhancing its warmth. It’s the perfect complement to the wine and fruit combination, offering a smooth, slightly sweet aftertaste.
• Sweetener: Depending on how sweet you like your sangria, you can add a touch of sugar or honey. I prefer to keep it subtle, just enough to balance the acidity of the wine and fruits.
• Club Soda or Sparkling Water: This gives your sangria a refreshing fizz, making it even more enjoyable on a hot day. You can also use ginger ale for a bit of extra sweetness and spice.
• Spices: A cinnamon stick or two is a lovely addition, giving your sangria an aromatic warmth that pairs beautifully with the fruit.

This combination of ingredients brings out the very best of sangria, but don’t be afraid to experiment with other fruits or flavored liquors. Sangria is all about customization!

How Much Time Will You Need

Making sangria is relatively quick, but it does benefit from some prep time to allow the flavors to meld together. Here’s the breakdown:

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
• Chill Time: 2-4 hours (or overnight for best results)
• Total Time: 2.5-4.5 hours (with chilling time)

The prep time is minimal—just chop your fruits, mix the ingredients, and let it chill in the fridge. I recommend allowing your sangria to sit for a few hours, ideally overnight, so the flavors have time to come together. The longer it sits, the more the fruits infuse into the wine, creating a deliciously complex drink.

How to Make This Sangria

Here’s your step-by-step guide to crafting the perfect sangria.

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Start by washing and slicing your fruits. Cut the oranges and lemons into thin slices or wedges. If you’re using berries, give them a gentle rinse. If you want to add apples or peaches, slice them into bite-sized pieces. The goal is to have a mix of juicy, fragrant fruits that will infuse their flavors into the wine.

Step 2: Mix the Wine and Fruit

In a large pitcher or bowl, combine the wine with your prepared fruit. Add the oranges, lemons, and any other fruits you’re using. Gently stir to ensure the fruit is submerged in the wine, allowing it to release its juices.

Step 3: Add the Brandy and Sweetener

Pour in the brandy and stir to combine. If you like your sangria on the sweeter side, add a spoonful of sugar or a drizzle of honey. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.

Step 4: Let It Chill

Cover the pitcher or bowl and place it in the fridge. Let the sangria chill for at least two hours, but for the best results, let it sit overnight. This gives the flavors time to meld, creating a more robust and flavorful drink.

Step 5: Add the Fizz

Just before serving, add the club soda or sparkling water to the sangria. This will give it a refreshing effervescence. If you want a little extra sweetness, you can use ginger ale instead. Stir gently, and your sangria is ready to serve!

Substitutions

Sangria is a very adaptable drink, so feel free to get creative with your ingredients. Here are a few substitutions you can try to make the recipe even better:

• Wine: If you prefer white sangria, you can easily substitute the red wine with a dry white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. A fruity rosé wine also works wonderfully.
• Fruits: Experiment with seasonal fruits. Summer peaches, pineapple, or even berries like raspberries or blueberries can add a fun twist. In the colder months, try adding pears or pomegranate seeds.
• Liquor: Instead of brandy, you can use rum or even an orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier for a citrusy punch.
• Sweetener: If you want to avoid refined sugar, try using agave syrup or maple syrup as a natural sweetener.

Best Side Dish for Sangria

Sangria pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are three great options to serve alongside your sangria:

• Charcuterie Board: A selection of cheeses, cured meats, and crackers is the perfect complement to the fruity flavors of sangria. Choose cheeses like Manchego, Brie, or goat cheese for a balanced board.
• Grilled Shrimp Skewers: The smoky, slightly charred shrimp pairs perfectly with the fresh fruitiness of sangria.
• Mediterranean Salad: A light, refreshing salad with ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta adds a crisp contrast to the richness of the sangria.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Serving sangria isn’t just about pouring it into glasses—it’s about making the drink an experience that your guests will remember. Presentation is key when it comes to making sangria feel special.

Here are a few tips to make your sangria look as good as it tastes:

• Glassware: Use large glasses, such as wine glasses or even mason jars for a rustic touch. The wider opening allows the fruity aromas to waft through, enhancing the sensory experience. If you want a fun, casual vibe, you can even use tumblers or pitchers for self-serving.
• Garnishes: Add a final touch by garnishing your sangria with extra slices of citrus fruits, like oranges or lemons. You can also float whole sprigs of mint or even a cinnamon stick in each glass for added color and aroma.
• Chilled Fruits: Consider freezing small chunks of fruits like berries or grapes and using them as ice cubes. This keeps your sangria chilled without diluting the flavors.
• Pitcher Presentation: If you’re serving sangria directly from a pitcher, consider adding a few decorative elements, such as a sliced fruit border around the rim or even a colorful ribbon around the pitcher handle to make it stand out.

Tips and Tricks to Make This Recipe Better

While sangria is already an easy-to-make drink, there are a few tips and tricks that can elevate it and make it even more delightful.

• Use Quality Wine: The wine is the backbone of your sangria, so don’t skimp on quality. A good medium-bodied red wine will provide the necessary depth and complexity. While sangria doesn’t require the finest bottle, choosing a wine you’d enjoy drinking on its own will result in a better finished product.
• Let It Marinate: The key to great sangria is letting it sit for as long as possible. Don’t rush the process—allow the fruits to infuse the wine and alcohol. For maximum flavor, prepare it the night before your gathering and let it marinate in the fridge overnight.
• Adjust the Sweetness: Taste your sangria before serving. If it’s too tart, a bit more sugar or honey can balance the flavors. On the other hand, if it’s too sweet, add a splash of lemon juice or club soda to cut through the sweetness and add some refreshing zing.
• Add a Sparkling Element: For an added depth of flavor and texture, consider adding a splash of sparkling wine or prosecco just before serving. This gives the sangria a bit more of a celebratory feel.
• Experiment with Herbs: Beyond the usual cinnamon stick, try adding other herbs like basil or rosemary for a unique twist. These herbs can infuse the sangria with an aromatic and refreshing scent.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While making sangria is a straightforward process, there are a few common mistakes you should avoid to ensure your sangria turns out perfectly every time.

• Not Letting It Sit Long Enough: One of the most common mistakes is not letting the sangria marinate long enough. The longer the fruit and wine sit together, the more flavorful the sangria will be. Don’t rush it; let it chill for at least a few hours, preferably overnight.
• Over-Sweetening: It’s easy to go overboard with sugar or sweeteners, especially if you want to balance out the acidity of the wine. However, too much sugar can overwhelm the flavor of the sangria. Taste it and adjust the sweetness gradually, adding just a little at a time.
• Using Low-Quality Wine: Because sangria is largely wine-based, using a low-quality wine can make the drink taste flat and unpleasant. Choose a mid-range bottle that you’d enjoy drinking by itself. It will make all the difference.
• Adding Ice Too Early: Adding ice too soon can dilute the sangria, weakening its flavor. Instead, chill the sangria in the fridge and serve it with ice cubes only when you’re ready to serve. You can also use frozen fruits instead of ice to keep your sangria cold without compromising the flavor.
• Not Balancing the Alcohol: The alcohol should enhance the flavor of the sangria, not dominate it. Be mindful of how much brandy or other liquor you add. It should complement the wine and fruits, not overwhelm them.

How to Store It

Sangria can be made in advance, and storing it properly is essential for keeping its flavors intact.

• Refrigeration: Store sangria in an airtight container or pitcher in the refrigerator. The cold temperature helps the flavors meld, and the fruits stay fresh for several days.
• Avoid Freezing: While freezing individual fruits or adding frozen fruit cubes is a great idea to keep the drink chilled, you should avoid freezing the entire sangria. Freezing wine and liquor alters the texture and flavor, making the drink less enjoyable when thawed.
• How Long It Lasts: Sangria will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, but after that, the flavors will begin to degrade. If you’ve added sparkling water or soda, however, it’s best to drink the sangria within a day or two, as the fizz will go flat.

FAQ

Can I make sangria without alcohol?

Yes! You can easily make a non-alcoholic sangria by replacing the wine and brandy with fruit juices, such as grape or apple juice, and adding sparkling water or soda for fizz. This version still offers the same fruity flavor but without the alcohol.

How do I make sangria less sweet?

To make your sangria less sweet, reduce the amount of sugar or honey you add, or opt for a drier wine. You can also add more citrus fruits like lemon or lime, which will help balance out the sweetness.

Can I use a different type of alcohol in sangria?

Absolutely! You can swap out brandy for rum, triple sec, or even whiskey depending on your preferences. Each spirit brings a unique flavor to the sangria, so feel free to experiment with what you enjoy.

How do I know if the sangria is ready to serve?

Taste your sangria before serving. If it tastes well-balanced and the flavors are fully integrated, it’s ready to serve. Remember, it’s best when it’s had time to marinate for a few hours or overnight.

Can I make sangria with white wine instead of red?

Yes! White sangria is just as delicious as the red version. You can use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay and add fruits like peaches, strawberries, or pineapple for a lighter, refreshing twist.

Print