How To Make Spanish Sangria Recipe

I get a bold, fruity, authentic sangria with just 7 ingredients, and it looks like it came straight from a Spanish tapas bar. This is the no-fuss party drink everyone asks about first.

I’m obsessed with Spanish sangria because it tastes bold, juicy, and a little bit dangerous in the best way. I love how dry red wine turns fruity without losing its bite, and how orange brings that bright, sunny punch I crave.

No fussy cocktail energy. Just a pitcher I want on the table when I’m picking at tapas, grilling outside, or pretending my tiny patio is somewhere in Spain.

And yes, I always go back for another glass. Cold, colorful, lightly boozy, and easy to love.

This is the sangria I keep thinking about long after the pitcher is empty.

Ingredients

• Dry red wine is the base, so pick one you’d actually drink.
• Brandy adds that cozy little kick, without making it taste too boozy.
• Sugar softens the edges, especially if your wine is a bit sharp.
• Club soda brings bubbles, making the whole thing feel lighter and more fun.
• Orange slices add juicy sweetness and make the pitcher look instantly happier.
• Lemon keeps it bright, fresh, and not too sweet.

  Basically, balance.

• Apple soaks everything up, and you’ll want those boozy little bites.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 cup club soda or sparkling water
• 1 large orange, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, cored and diced

How to Make this

1. Pour 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine into a large pitcher.

2. Add 2 tablespoons granulated sugar and stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.

3. Pour in 1/4 cup brandy and stir to combine.

4. Add 1 large orange thinly sliced, 1 lemon thinly sliced, and 1 apple cored and diced to the pitcher.

5. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 to 24 hours, to let the fruit infuse the wine.

6. Just before serving, add 1 cup club soda or sparkling water to the pitcher and gently stir to combine.

7. Fill glasses with ice if desired, then ladle sangria into glasses, making sure to include some of the macerated fruit in each serving.

8. Taste and, if needed, dissolve a little more sugar in a spoonful of warm water and stir it in or add a splash more brandy to adjust sweetness and strength.

9. Serve chilled and enjoy.

Equipment Needed

1. Large pitcher or jug (at least 2 quart)
2. Measuring cup (for brandy and soda)
3. Measuring spoons (for sugar)
4. Wooden spoon or long stirring spoon
5. Chef knife
6. Cutting board
7. Ladle for serving
8. Glasses and ice scoop or tongs

FAQ

How To Make Spanish Sangria Recipe Substitutions and Variations

How To Make Spanish Sangria

This is a bright, easy sangria that sings of summer evenings and good company. It is refreshing, fruit forward, and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients
– 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine
– 1/4 cup brandy
– 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
– 1 cup club soda or sparkling water
– 1 large orange, thinly sliced
– 1 lemon, thinly sliced
– 1 apple, cored and diced
– Ice and extra fruit for serving

Method
1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
2. Add the orange slices, lemon slices, and diced apple. Stir gently to combine.
3. Refrigerate at least 2 hours, preferably 4 to allow the flavors to marry. For best flavor, prepare a few hours ahead.
4. Just before serving, add the club soda or sparkling water to the pitcher and give a gentle stir.
5. Serve over ice and garnish with extra fruit. Adjust sweetness with a pinch more sugar or a splash of orange juice if desired.

Substitutions you can use

• Red wine: use a medium bodied Garnacha or Tempranillo, or substitute with a dry rosé for a lighter, fruitier sangria
• Brandy: replace with orange liqueur such as Cointreau or Triple Sec, or use dark rum for a richer note
• Granulated sugar: swap for honey or simple syrup for easier dissolving and a rounder sweetness
• Club soda: substitute with ginger ale or sparkling apple cider for added flavor and effervescence

Pro Tips

1) Let it rest at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. The longer the fruit soaks, the deeper and more balanced the flavors. If you need it sooner, muddle a few of the fruit pieces gently to jumpstart the infusion.

2) Add the sparkling water only just before serving so the fizz stays lively. If you like extra effervescence, keep the soda chilled and top up glasses individually.

3) Taste and tweak in small steps. Warm a teaspoon of water to dissolve extra sugar, or add brandy by the splash until it feels right. It is much easier to add than to take away.

4) Use the fruit as garnish and texture, not just decoration. Cut the orange into thin rounds with peel on for aroma, and toss the apple in right before serving if you prefer it crisp. If you want the apple softer and sweeter, add it earlier.