Name: Red Sangria Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Spanish
Ingredients: 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

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

Red Sangria captures the essence of summer relaxation and vibrant gatherings in a single glass. This classic Spanish wine punch is a swirl of deep red wine, zesty citrus, and sweet ripe fruit, all mingled together into a refreshingly sippable drink. Whether you’re preparing for a cheerful backyard barbecue, a cozy night in with friends, or simply want to treat yourself, Red Sangria always feels like a celebration. The blend of flavors is endlessly customizable, making every batch a new adventure. Trust me, once you start making your own, you’ll never want to serve a store-bought version again!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Red Sangria Ingredients:
- 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

In a large pitcher, combine your dry red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and sugar or honey if you’re using it. Give it a good stir until the sweetener completely dissolves. This creates the vibrant, flavor-packed foundation that makes Red Sangria so irresistible.

Step 2: Add the Fruit

Toss in your sliced orange, lemon, lime, diced apple, and those irresistible berries. As soon as the fruit meets the liquid, it starts infusing its juicy goodness—plus, your pitcher immediately looks like a work of art.

Step 3: Let It Chill

Cover the pitcher and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours, or overnight if you have the patience. This rest time is crucial: it allows all the flavors to mingle and the fruit to soak up that winey, citrusy magic, ensuring your Red Sangria tastes as incredible as it looks.

Step 4: Add Fizz and Serve

Right before serving, stir in the chilled sparkling water or club soda. This final touch brings bright bubbles and lightness, making each glass especially refreshing. Pour over lots of ice and make sure to scoop some fruit into every glass!

How to Serve Red Sangria

Garnishes

Sangria is meant to be luscious and a little bit showy, so don’t be shy! Garnish each glass with a fresh orange or lemon slice on the rim, a few extra berries, or even a sprig of mint for a fragrant flourish. Not only does it look beautiful, but the fresh garnish adds an extra pop of flavor with every sip.

Side Dishes

Red Sangria pairs wonderfully with just about every Spanish-inspired appetizer—think salty manchego cheese, marinated olives, or crispy patatas bravas. It’s also delicious served alongside barbecued meats, grilled vegetables, or light summer salads. The drink’s fruity, crisp profile is the perfect match for a wide variety of party snacks and small bites.

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive touch, serve your Red Sangria in a big clear pitcher or a punch bowl so the colorful fruit really shines. Or, try individual mason jars for an outdoor picnic vibe. Want to wow your guests? Freeze little pieces of fruit inside ice cubes and use them in each glass—they’ll keep things cold and look gorgeous as they slowly infuse the sangria.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Red Sangria in the refrigerator, covered tightly, for up to 2 days. The flavors will continue to meld, and the fruit will become even more intensely flavored, though the sparkling water will lose its fizz over time.

Freezing

For longer storage, pour leftover sangria (without the sparkling water) into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to a month. You can even freeze it in ice cube trays and drop the cubes into your next batch of sangria for quick chilling and extra flavor.

Reheating

Red Sangria is always best served chilled, so reheating isn’t necessary! If you’ve frozen your sangria or cubes, simply allow them to thaw in the fridge or serve the cubes directly in your glass for a frosty, flavorful twist.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Beverage

Absolutely! While Spanish reds like Tempranillo or Garnacha are traditional, you can easily use Merlot, Zinfandel, or any fruity, low-tannin red you enjoy. Avoid oaky or very tannic wines, as they can overpower the fresh fruit flavors.

Is it necessary to let the sangria chill for several hours?

Chilling is what transforms ordinary ingredients into extraordinary sangria! The minimum four-hour rest is vital, as it allows the fruit to infuse the wine with its flavors. Overnight is even better, giving the entire batch a richer, more layered taste.

Can I make Red Sangria without alcohol?

Yes, you can craft a tasty non-alcoholic version by swapping the wine for non-alcoholic red grape juice, leaving out the brandy and liqueur, and adding a splash of orange juice for extra citrus flavor. The result is just as fruity and fun!

What other fruits can I use in my Red Sangria?

This cocktail thrives on variety! Swap in fresh peaches, blackberries, pineapple, or even pomegranate seeds according to the season. Feel free to experiment—Red Sangria is all about embracing your favorite fruit combinations.

How can I make Red Sangria sweeter?

If you prefer a sweeter punch, add more honey, a splash of orange juice, or a bit of simple syrup before chilling. Taste as you go, since the sweetness can vary depending on your fruit and wine choices.

Final Thoughts

There’s truly nothing quite like sharing a pitcher of homemade Red Sangria with friends—it’s easy, festive, and completely customizable. I hope you give this recipe a try at your next gathering or lazy afternoon, and let the magic of fresh fruit and bold wine bring a taste of Spain to your table!