Sangria Recipe

I absolutely love this sangria recipe because it combines all my favorite things: a robust red wine base with a burst of citrus and sweet berries, making every sip feel like a trip to summertime in Spain. Plus, it’s super fun to prepare and share with friends, and nothing beats the refreshing fizz from the soda when it hits the fruit-infused medley!

I adore putting together a Sangria that just pops with flavor. For my Viva Sangria, I use the high-quality, fruity red wine Tempranillo as a deliciously dark base.

Poured over the oblong ice cubes I make in a muffin tin, I use a combination of ample fresh fruit, fresh herbs, and just the right amount of sweetener to balance out the ingredients. Once I mix everything and let it sit in the fridge for a couple of hours, I can hardly resist enjoying a glass.

Ingredients

Antioxidants are plentiful in red wine, which also contributes depth and body.

Brandy: Contributes warmth and intensifies taste intricacy.

Liqueur d’Orange: Doux et citronné, il apporte l’équilibre au cocktail.

Sugar, in its most basic form, is a straightforward carbohydrate.

It contains no other nutrients, but it is pure energy and can make food taste very good.

High in vitamin C, the orange provides natural sweetness and zest.

Lemon: Contributes tartness and amplifies the citrus fragrance.

Lime: Sour and zesty, it boosts brightness and freshness.

Juicy Berries: Contribute vivacious tones and an explosion of color.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 bottle of red wine (750ml), such as Tempranillo or Garnacha
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or Triple Sec
• 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
• 1 orange, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 lime, sliced into thin rounds
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1 cup club soda or lemon-lime soda, chilled
• 1 apple, cored and sliced thinly
• 1 cup fresh berries (such as strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)
• Ice cubes
• Optional: fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

1. In a sizable pitcher, mix the red wine, brandy, and orange liqueur. Stir in the sugar and let it dissolve.

2. Into the pitcher, add the sliced orange, lemon, and lime, and stir them into the mixture.

3. Add the fresh orange juice, and stir until all the liquids are well combined.

4. Put the sliced apple and fresh berries in the pitcher, and give everything a gentle stir to distribute the fruit evenly.

5. Sangria should be chilled for a minimum of 2 hours after preparation, or, even better, overnight, to give the flavors a chance to blend harmoniously.

6. Add the chilled club soda or lemon-lime soda to the pitcher just before serving, and stir gently to mix.

7. If you want to adjust the sweetness to your taste, add more sugar or a bit more orange juice.

8. Fill the glasses with ice cubes, then pour the sangria over the ice, making sure each glass gets its share of the fruit.

9. If using, add a fresh mint sprig to each glass for flavor, aroma, and appearance.

10. Enjoy the refreshing flavors of this classic sangria by serving it directly after preparation.

Equipment Needed

1. Sizable pitcher
2. Wooden spoon or stirrer
3. Knife
4. Cutting board
5. Measuring cups
6. Measuring spoons
7. Citrus juicer (optional)
8. Refrigerator
9. Glasses for serving
10. Ice cube tray (optional)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use a different type of wine for Sangria?Q: Are Tempranillo or Garnacha the only options for traditional fruity red wines?
• Q: Is it necessary to use both brandy and orange liqueur?A: Both contribute different flavor notes; however, if you prefer, you can specify the amount used or use only one.
• Q: How long should the Sangria chill before serving?A: Letting it chill for at least 2 hours is best, so the flavors can meld, but chilling overnight is even more beneficial.
• Q: Can I make Sangria ahead of time?Q: Can you make Sangria in advance? A: Yes, you can. Make it a day in advance, and just add the soda and ice right before serving.
• Q: What can I use if I don’t have fresh fruit?Use frozen fruit when fresh fruit isn’t an option.
• Q: Can I make Sangria non-alcoholic?A: Yes, substitute grape juice for the wine; use apple juice instead of brandy; and either opt for a non-alcoholic liqueur or simply add even more orange zest.
• Q: How do I adjust the sweetness of the Sangria?A: To adjust the sweetness to your preference, either increase or decrease the amount of sugar, or switch to a sweeter type of soda.

Substitutions and Variations

“If you need to lighten up your sangria, use a bottle of white wine instead of red.”
Peach schnapps or orange-flavored brandy can be used in place of brandy for a twist on the classic recipe.
Orange Liqueur: You could use Grand Marnier or a splash of orange bitters if you wanted a slightly more bitter flavor profile.
Sweetener: For a natural sweetness, use honey or agave syrup instead.
Club Soda: You can use sparkling water or tonic water as a stand-in, flavored or not.

Pro Tips

1. Choose a Good Wine Select a fruity and young red wine such as Tempranillo or Garnacha, which offers a robust base for your sangria. Avoid wines that are too tannic or aged, as they can overpower the other flavors.

2. Enhance with Citrus Zest Before slicing the orange, lemon, and lime, consider zesting them to release more of their essential oils into the sangria for a more vibrant citrus flavor.

3. Sweetness Adjustments To tailor the sweetness without overdoing the sugar, try adding additional fresh juice from sweet oranges, or experiment with adding a splash of apple or grape juice.

4. Macerate the Fruit Allow the fruit to macerate in the wine mixture longer by preparing the sangria a day ahead. This enhances the infusion of flavors and results in a richer, more cohesive taste.

5. Add a Touch of Spice To add depth, consider including a cinnamon stick or a couple of cloves in the mix while the sangria chills. Remove them before serving to prevent the spices from becoming overwhelming.