Sangria is one of our go-to drinks for summer get-togethers. There’s something irresistible about how it transforms a simple bottle of wine into a vibrant, fruity cocktail. I’ve experimented with countless sangria recipes, from classic red wine versions to crisp white sangrias, but this recipe is my favorite. This easy sangria recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and tangy. Whether you’re a sangria newbie or a seasoned pro, this recipe will become a summer staple when entertaining.
The Best Types of Red Wine for Sangria
The best red wine for sangria is typically a young, fruity, and inexpensive Spanish wine. Here are some good options:
- Tempranillo: This classic Spanish grape variety works well in sangria and is often the primary grape in Rioja wines.
- Garnacha (Grenache): Another Spanish variety that adds bright, fruity flavors to sangria.
- Rioja: A Spanish wine region known for its Tempranillo-based blends. Young Rioja wines (Joven or Crianza) are excellent for sangria, offering a balance of fruit and subtle oak flavors.
- Monastrell (Mourvèdre): This grape produces full-bodied wines with dark fruit flavors that can stand up well to the added fruits in sangria.
- Merlot: While not Spanish, Merlot’s soft tannins and plum flavors make it a good choice for sangria.
- Zinfandel: This grape produces bold, fruity wines that can add depth to your sangria
Avoid expensive or complex wines when choosing a wine for sangria, as their nuances will be lost among the other ingredients. Also, steer clear of overly tannic wines, as they can make the sangria taste bitter.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Creating the perfect sangria is all about balancing flavors and choosing the right ingredients. Whether making a classic red wine sangria or experimenting with a white sangria recipe, the key components remain similar – a good wine base, fresh fruits, and a splash of sweetness.
In the printable recipe below, you can find a complete list of ingredients and measurements.
- Spanish wine: The foundation of any traditional sangria recipe, red wine provides a rich, fruity base. For an authentic taste, use a Spanish red like Tempranillo or Garnacha, but any full-bodied red wine for sangria will work.
- Brandy: Adds depth and warmth to the sangria. You can substitute with rum or cognac for a different flavor profile.
- Simple syrup: Balances the acidity of the wine and fruit. Honey or agave nectar can be used as alternatives for a unique twist.
- Fresh orange juice: This brightens the wine and complements its flavors. Freshly squeezed is best, but store-bought works in a pinch.
- Orange, lemon, and lime slices: These citrus fruits are essential sangria fruit, infusing the drink with vibrant flavors and adding visual appeal. For variety, you can include other fruits like apples or peaches.
How to Make Red Sangria
Here are the quick step-by-step instructions with visuals; you can find the full instructions with the exact ingredients in the recipe card below.
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Pro tip: Try combining wine in your sangria for a more complex flavor profile. Mix a bold Spanish Tempranillo with a fruity Garnacha or even a splash of white wine.
1. Mix the Ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine the wine, brandy, simple syrup, and orange juice. Add the slices of orange, lemon, and lime. Stir everything well to blend the flavors.
2. Adjust Sweetness: If you’ve got a sweet tooth, add a few more tablespoons of sweetener. Remember, the best sangria recipes are the ones tailored to your taste!
3. Chill: Here’s the hard part – waiting! Cover your pitcher and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but if you can resist, up to 4 hours.
4. Serve: When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour in your sangria. Cheers to your homemade Spanish sangria!
Make-Ahead and Storage
Make-Ahead: Sangria is a great make-ahead party cocktail. Combine all the ingredients and refrigerate for up to 24 hours in advance to maximize the fruity flavor.
How to Store: You can store your sangria pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop, but the fruit may soften over time. We recommend removing the fruit from any leftover sangria before refrigerating it.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace the wine and brandy with grape juice and sparkling water.
- Choose a good quality red wine for sangria – it doesn’t need to be expensive, but it should be something you enjoy drinking.
- Don’t skimp on the sangria fruit – it adds flavor and visual appeal to your pitcher.
More Summer Cocktails to Try
Looking for more refreshing summer cocktail recipes? Try these other favorites:
- Strawberry Margarita – Using homemade strawberry simple syrup, enjoy easy, refreshing strawberry margaritas two ways – on the rocks or frozen. They are the perfect cocktail for a few people or a crowd.
- Frozen Pina Colada with Coco Lopez – Made with Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut, this frozen summer cocktail is full of coconut flavor.
- Strawberry Pineapple Frosé – This frozen rosé is a perfect summertime drink. It’s a light and refreshing frozen drink that’s not too sweet.
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Red Sangria
This recipe may contain paid affiliate sales links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my full disclaimer policy for details.
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Ingredients
- 1 bottle Spanish wine
- ¼ cup brandy
- 2 ounces simple syrup
- ½ cup fresh orange juice
- 1 orange, rind on, sliced
- 1 lemon, rind on, sliced
- 1 lime, rind on, sliced
Instructions
- Add the wine, brandy, simple syrup, orange juice, orange slices, lemon slices, and lime slices to a large pitcher. Stir to well combine. Taste and add in a few tablespoons of sweetener, if desired.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Serve the sangria over ice.
This recipe is so good! It was very refreshing and easy to make!
Made this for my book club meeting and it was probably our most fun meeting ever! Everyone loved it and it made the night so festive. Great recipe!
We served this on our Canada Day BBQ, it was a hit!
This is my favorite sangria recipe! It has become my go to.
This Red Sangria is such a fantastic drink for a summer get-together!