Red Sangria is the quintessential Spanish summertime sipper—refreshing, fruity, and a little bit sophisticated, yet oh-so-easy to put together. Imagine a gorgeous pitcher brimming with jewel-toned wine, zesty citrus slices, crisp apple, and sweet berries, all kissed by a hint of liqueur and a burst of bubbly sparkle. Whether you’re throwing a lively backyard barbecue or relaxing on the patio with friends, this vibrant Red Sangria is my go-to for effortless entertaining and guaranteed smiles.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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Red Sangria:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (such as Tempranillo or Merlot)
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 2 tablespoons sugar or honey (optional)
- 1 orange (sliced)
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- 1 lime (sliced)
- 1/2 cup sliced strawberries or raspberries
- 1 apple (cored and diced)
- 1 1/2 cups sparkling water or club soda (chilled)
- Ice for serving
How to Make Red Sangria
Step 1: Mix the Base
Start by pouring the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and your choice of sugar or honey into a large pitcher. Give it a really good stir until any sweetener is fully dissolved. You’ll immediately smell the rich, fruity aroma—this is where the magic begins!
Step 2: Add the Fruit
Next, pile in your sliced orange, lemon, lime, diced apple, and a generous handful of berries. Toss everything together gently so the fruit begins to infuse the liquid. The colors swirl together, making the whole pitcher come alive!
Step 3: Chill and Marinate
Cover the pitcher tightly and slide it into the fridge for at least 4 hours, or up to 24 if you’ve got time. This allows all the flavors to meld, the fruit to soften, and the whole batch to take on a luscious sangria personality.
Step 4: Add the Sparkle
Just before serving, pull out your sangria and give it a quick stir. Pour in that icy sparkling water or club soda for a delightful fizz that brightens every sip.
Step 5: Serve Over Ice
Fill glasses with ice, ladle in that fruit-laden Red Sangria, and be sure to spoon in some of the marinated fruit for each guest. Cheers to instant summer vibes in a glass!
How to Serve Red Sangria
Garnishes
This is where you can have a little fun and take your Red Sangria from simple to extra-special. Classic citrus wheels, fresh mint sprigs, or even a few more fresh berries tucked on top always add a festive, colorful touch to each glass. Don’t forget a cute reusable straw or a fancy stir stick for a playful finish!
Side Dishes
Red Sangria shines when paired with Spanish-inspired appetizers like Patatas Bravas, Manchego cheese, olives, or a simple charcuterie board. Craving something lighter? It’s just as lovely with grilled veggies, seafood, or a big garden salad. Whatever you serve, make it shareable—sangria is all about gathering and grazing.
Creative Ways to Present
Why not pour your Red Sangria into mason jars for a rustic outdoor party, or use mini pitchers for individual servings at a brunch gathering? For a bit of drama, fill a big glass dispenser with loads of floating fruit, or freeze edible flowers in your ice cubes for a surprising pop of color!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you’re lucky enough to have leftover Red Sangria, simply cover the pitcher and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for up to two days—just note that the fruit will continue to infuse, becoming softer and more flavorful. If it sits too long, the fruit can get mushy, but the flavors will be even deeper.
Freezing
Red Sangria freezes surprisingly well! Pour leftovers into an ice cube tray and freeze solid. Later, you can toss these sangria cubes into a fresh batch or blend them up with extra fruit for an instant slushy treat—so refreshing on a hot day.
Reheating
While sangria is meant to be enjoyed cold, if you want to re-chill leftovers without further diluting them, pop the pitcher in the freezer for 30 minutes, then stir before serving. There’s no need (or benefit) to heat Red Sangria—just keep it frosty!
FAQs
What’s the best wine for Red Sangria?
Look for dry, fruity reds like Tempranillo, Garnacha, or Merlot. Something too tannic, such as Cabernet Sauvignon, can make the sangria taste bitter. A less expensive wine works beautifully since all those flavors blend together—save the fancy bottles for sipping solo.
Can I make Red Sangria without alcohol?
Absolutely! Swap in non-alcoholic red wine, grape juice, or a berry juice blend for the wine and leave out the brandy and liqueur. Add more sparkling water and perhaps a splash of orange juice for complexity—the result is just as refreshing.
How long should Red Sangria chill?
Aim for at least four hours in the refrigerator, and even overnight if you can. This gives enough time for the fruit to infuse its flavor and the ingredients to mingle, resulting in the tastiest, smoothest sangria experience.
Can I use different fruits?
Definitely! Red Sangria is meant to be versatile. Try peaches, nectarines, blackberries, or pomegranate seeds depending on what’s in season. The more colorful and juicy, the better—just cut everything into bite-sized pieces so it’s easy to sip and snack.
How do I sweeten Red Sangria if my fruit isn’t ripe?
That’s where your sugar or honey comes in—start with two tablespoons and taste before serving, adding more if needed. A splash of orange juice or even maple syrup can also give a lovely sweetness and extra layer of flavor.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to impress friends or treat yourself to a sunshine-filled sip, you can’t go wrong with a chilled glass of Red Sangria. It’s festive, forgiving, and bursting with flavor—so grab your favorite wine, some bright fruit, and let the good times pour!
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Red Sangria Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A refreshing and fruity red sangria recipe perfect for summer gatherings. This Spanish-inspired cocktail features a mix of red wine, brandy, and fresh citrus fruits, with a splash of orange liqueur for a delicious twist.
Ingredients
Red Sangria:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (such as Tempranillo or Merlot)
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)
- 2 tablespoons sugar or honey (optional)
- 1 orange (sliced)
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- 1 lime (sliced)
- 1/2 cup sliced strawberries or raspberries
- 1 apple (cored and diced)
- 1 1/2 cups sparkling water or club soda (chilled)
- Ice for serving
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and sugar or honey if using. Stir until the sweetener is dissolved.
- Add the sliced orange, lemon, lime, apple, and berries. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, stir in the chilled sparkling water. Serve over ice in glasses with fruit pieces.
Notes
- Use a fruit-forward red wine and avoid overly tannic varieties.
- Customize with seasonal fruit like peaches or blackberries.
- For a sweeter sangria, add a splash of orange juice or more honey.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 160
- Sugar: 11g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
