The Best Sangria Recipe

The Best Sangria Recipe is one of those drinks that embodies the essence of all seasons—refreshing, vibrant, and full of fruity flavors.

Whether you’re hosting a BBQ, lounging by the pool, or just craving a flavorful drink, sangria is a go-to for a reason.

While it may seem simple, crafting the perfect sangria requires a few key tips to bring out the best in every ingredient.

Here’s a tried-and-true recipe, along with some helpful tricks to take your sangria to the next level.

Ingredients for the Best Sangria Recipe:

1 bottle of red wine (750ml), preferably a Spanish variety like Tempranillo or Garnacha – doesn’t have to be an expensive wine
1/4 -1/2 cup Grand Marnier or Cointreau
1/4 cup brandy or cognac (optional for an extra kick)
2 tablespoons of sugar or honey (to taste)
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 lime, sliced
1/2 cup of orange juice
1/2 cup of sparkling water or soda water (for fizz)
1/2 cup of fresh fruit: apples, berries, peaches, or pineapples, pomegranate seeds
Fresh mint leaves or cinnamon stick for garnish (optional)
Ice cubes

Instructions:

Choose the Right Wine: Start by pouring the bottle of red wine into a large pitcher. The best sangrias are made with dry, fruity red wines like Tempranillo or Garnacha, which have bold flavors that blend well with fruit without becoming overly sweet.
Add Spirits: Stir in the Grand Marnier, as well as the brandy or cognac, if you like your sangria with a bit of extra punch. If you’re looking for a lighter version, you can skip this step. It adds depth and richness to the drink but isn’t a necessity.
Sweeten to Taste: Dissolve the sugar or honey in the mix. If you prefer your sangria on the sweeter side, add more to taste. Alternatively, you can use agave syrup or fruit juice for sweetness without the extra sugar. Stir until well incorporated.
Add Citrus and Fruit: Add the sliced orange, lemon, and lime to the pitcher. These fruits are classic for sangria, adding a zesty brightness to the wine. Then, throw in your other chosen fruits like apples, berries, or peaches. Be creative! The fruit soaks up the wine and becomes a delicious treat in every glass.
Mix in Juice: Stir in the orange juice to enhance the fruitiness. You can substitute pineapple or apple juice for a different flavor profile, depending on your fruit choices.
Chill for Flavor: Cover the pitcher and let the sangria chill in the refrigerator for at least 1-2 hours, or preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the fruit to absorb the wine, creating a more complex and delicious sangria.
Add Fizz Before Serving: Just before serving, add the sparkling water for a light fizz. You can adjust the amount based on how bubbly you like your sangria.
Serve with Ice: Pour the sangria into glasses filled with ice. Garnish with cinnamon stick or fresh mint leaves for a cooling, aromatic finish.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Sangria

Don’t Splurge on Wine: One of the beauties of sangria is that you don’t need an expensive bottle of wine. In fact, a decent, affordable wine is best. The fruits and spirits will add enough flavor that a fancy wine isn’t necessary—save that for sipping on its own.
Customize Your Fruit: The great thing about sangria is its flexibility. While the classic recipe calls for citrus fruits like oranges and lemons, feel free to get creative! Try berries in the summer, apples and pears in the fall, or tropical fruits like mango and pineapple for a fun twist.
Let It Sit: Time is your best friend when making sangria. Letting the mixture sit allows the fruit and wine to mingle, creating a more harmonious flavor. Ideally, aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better. The longer it sits, the more flavorful the fruit becomes.
Add Sparkle Last: If you’re using soda water or a lemon-lime soda, always add it just before serving to keep that fizzy, effervescent texture. This step keeps the sangria fresh and prevents it from going flat.
Chill Without Diluting: Instead of using regular ice cubes, try freezing some of the fruit or even juice cubes to keep the sangria cool without watering it down. This trick is especially useful if you’re serving outdoors on a hot day.
White and Rosé Sangria Variations: If red wine isn’t your thing, sangria works just as well with white wine or rosé! For white sangria, use a crisp wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, and add fruits like green apples, peaches, and grapes. For rosé, strawberries and raspberries make a beautiful and delicious addition.
Spice It Up: Want to add a new dimension to your sangria? Consider throwing in a cinnamon stick or a dash of nutmeg to the mix. These spices work especially well if you’re making a fall-inspired sangria with apples and pears.

Sangria FAQ

1. Can I make sangria ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it’s best to make sangria ahead of time. Prepare it at least 2-4 hours before serving, or ideally, let it sit overnight. This allows the flavors of the fruit, wine, and other ingredients to blend together for a richer taste.

2. How long can I store sangria?

Sangria can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep it covered to maintain freshness. The longer it sits, the more the fruit will break down, so it’s best consumed within the first couple of days.

3. What are some good serving suggestions for sangria?

Serve sangria over ice in a glass pitcher or individual glasses, with a mix of fruit from the drink. Add fresh fruit garnishes like orange slices or mint leaves for presentation. Pair it with tapas, grilled meats, or light appetizers like cheese and charcuterie for a perfect meal.

4. Should I add ice to the sangria?

Add ice to individual glasses rather than the entire pitcher to avoid diluting the sangria. As an alternative, you can freeze some of the fruits or use juice ice cubes to keep the drink chilled without watering it down.

5. Can I use different types of wine?

Absolutely! While red wine is traditional, you can make sangria with white wine, rosé, or even sparkling wine. Each offers a unique flavor profile. White wine pairs well with fruits like peaches and apples, while rosé works wonderfully with berries.

6. Can I make sangria without alcohol?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version by substituting the wine with grape juice or sparkling fruit juice and skipping the brandy. It will still be flavorful and refreshing!

7. How do I keep sangria fizzy?

To maintain the fizz, only add the sparkling water or soda just before serving. This keeps the bubbles fresh and lively. If storing leftovers, add more sparkling water when serving again.

8. Can I use frozen fruit in sangria?

Yes, frozen fruit works well in sangria and helps keep the drink chilled without diluting it. Just note that frozen fruit may break down more quickly in the sangria than fresh fruit, so it may be best for short-term use or immediate serving.

9. How do I sweeten sangria without making it too sugary?

You can adjust the sweetness to your liking by using alternatives like honey, agave syrup, or even fruit juices (like pineapple or apple) instead of sugar. Taste as you go to find the perfect balance.

10. What should I serve with sangria?

Sangria pairs perfectly with tapas, grilled dishes, seafood, or light appetizers like olives, cured meats, and cheeses. For dessert, consider serving it with fresh fruit tarts or citrus-flavored sweets to complement the fruity sangria flavors.

Final Thoughts

Sangria is a crowd-pleasing drink that’s both easy to make and highly adaptable.

Whether you’re crafting a classic red version or experimenting with new fruits and wines, the key is to have fun with it! Follow these tips and tricks, and you’ll be on your way to making the best sangria every time.

So grab your pitcher, pick out your favorite fruits, and get ready to sip on a refreshing, fruity masterpiece. Cheers!