Sangria is a classic cocktail made from an infusion of Spanish red wine and fresh fruit. Essentially, it’s a boozy fruit punch! It looks fancy, feels festive, and is perfect for any party.
Why You’ll Love This Sangria Recipe
When it comes to cocktails, sangria is to Spain as aperol spritz is to Italy. They’re both refreshing, well-known, and embody the spirit of their respective countries. Recently, I enjoyed several glasses of sangria while traveling through Madrid, Mallorca, and Barcelona with my nephew. Though fun fact: most Spaniards don’t drink sangria regularly (as one would think). They reserve it for special occasions, summer parties… and well, tourists! And while there are endless variations, I’m sharing with you a simple, traditional version where you can easily make it your own. Here’s why you’ll soon be making this sangria recipe for every get-together:
- It’s easy to make in 10 minutes. Just slice the fruits, add everything to a pitcher, and let the fruit infuse with the wine.
- It’s the best pre-made cocktail. I always make this a day in advance (especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas) because it tastes even better the next day!
- It’s endlessly customizable. It’s always fun to make unique blends of in-season fruits. You can even make a white wine sangria! I’ll share some more ideas below!
Red Sangria Ingredients
- Red Wine: A Spanish red wine is the classic choice here. I’ll share my favorites below!
- Liquor: A splash of brandy is traditional and pairs beautifully with the wine.
- Chopped Fruit: Oranges, apples, and lemon are the classics, but you can totally mix it up with whatever’s in season, just like I do in my festive white Christmas sangria.
- Sweetener: Depending on how sweet your fruit is, you may not need any extra sugar. But if you’d like a touch more sweetness, stir in a tablespoon or two of your favorite sweetener (I usually reach for maple syrup).
Find the printable recipe with measurements below.
How To Make Sangria
Step one: Start by chopping the apple, orange, and lemon into small pieces or wedges. There’s also no need to peel them (but do make sure they’re washed). Just toss everything straight into a large pitcher.
Step two: Next, pour in the wine, brandy, and a splash of sweetener (if using). Give it all a good stir, then let the pitcher hang out in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Or even better, let it sit overnight! The extra time really lets the flavors mingle together.
For serving: When you’re ready to serve, pour the sangria into glasses over ice. Don’t forget to scoop in some of that delicious fruit! And for a little fizz, top it off with sparkling water.
The Best Wine To Use
Since wine is the star of sangria, pick one you actually enjoy drinking. Look for something fruity but dry, with a little acidity and soft tannins. It should complement, not overpower, the fresh and fruity vibe of the cocktail. And there’s no need to splurge, you can absolutely find the right bottle under $20! Here are a few of my go-to options:
- Rioja: I call this Spain in a glass—it’s my favorite! This blend (often Tempranillo and Garnacha grapes) is fruity, delicate, and one of the most popular choices for sangria.
- Tempranillo: A classic Spanish grape that’s used in many varietals (including Rioja) with hints of blackberry, cherry, and cola notes. And thanks to oak aging, it embodies a rich, rustic flavor.
- Garnacha (Grenache): A red wine grape that’s low in tannins but big on bright, juicy fruit flavors. This makes it perfect for balancing a sangria.
- Zinfandel: A California favorite that’s rich and fruity with subtle floral notes.
- Bonarda: An affordable Argentinian wine bursting with fruity notes such as cherry, raspberry, and plum.
- Nero d’Avola: A dark and juicy Sicilian wine with sweet tannins and plum flavors, making it great for lighter, fruit-forward sangrias.
Make-Ahead and Storage Tips
There’s nothing better than having a pre-made cocktail ready for pouring! Letting this sangria sit overnight is what really brings out those rich, fruity flavors. If you sneak a taste right after mixing, it might even taste a little harsh, so give it time. And if by some miracle you end up with leftovers, sangria will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Just note that the fruit may start to break down before the wine does.
Sangria Variations
- Switch up the wine: If you prefer lighter cocktails, a white wine (or even Moscato) is a delicious alternative—like my sweet Moscato sangria!
- Try a different liquor: If you’re not a fan of brandy, orange liqueurs like Triple Sec or Cointreau are great swaps.
- Play with the fruit: Apples, oranges, and lemons are the classics, but don’t stop there. Berries, peaches, pineapple, mango, or kiwi are all fair game.
- Add herbs or spice: I love adding fresh ginger slices and a cinnamon stick during the holidays, or sprigs of mint or rosemary during the spring and summer.
More Cocktail Recipes
- Margarita: This classic margarita is a party staple.
- Strawberry Margarita: Fill up a pitcher with this blended version
- Mango Margarita: A fresh mango margarita is my favorite.
- Mojito: My go-to summer cocktail.
- Limoncello Spritz: A great lemony variation!
If you make this red sangria recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below! Your review will help other readers in the community. And if you’re hungry for more healthy food inspiration and exclusive content, join my free newsletter here.
Description
Video
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 750ml bottle of red wine
- ½ cup brandy
- 1 apple, sliced
- 2 oranges, one sliced and one juiced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- optional: maple syrup, honey, or other sweetener of choice
- optional: sparkling water
- garnish with extra orange slices
Instructions
- Chop the fruit. Dice the apple, orange, and lemon into small pieces. Make sure to leave the peels on and toss them into the pitcher along with the orange juice.
- Mix and refrigrate. Pour the wine, brandy and any sweetener into the pitcher. Then stir everything together until it's all combined. Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or overnight. The longer it sits, the more time the flavors can meld together.
- Serve this in individual glasses over ice. Then top with sparkling water if you'd like!
Lisa’s Tips
- Make-ahead tip: This is best made the night before. Overnight chilling lets the flavors meld beautifully.
- Storage tip: Sangria keeps in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, though the fruit may soften first. For the best flavor, enjoy it within a day or two.
- Sangria variations: Swap the red wine with white wine, play with different seasonal fruits, or toss in fresh herbs. Check out my other ideas in the post above
- I prefer to cut the fruit fairly small (I quarter each citrus slice), so that I can easily top an individual glass with a little bit of fruit.
- If you love my modern pitcher, make sure to grab it! As well as my wine glasses.
Nutrition
©Downshiftology. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited.
Recipe originally posted May 2020, but updated to include new information and photos for your benefit!
I made this recipe exactly as posted and it was a winner. My only issue was that, despite a large fridge, my shelves could not accommodate either of my pitchers. So I put the sangria in Tupperware – LOL – and it still disappeared in minutes.
Glad your sangria was a success!
I love this recipe. A great option for seasonal variation that I like to do is make a simple syrup with cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg to use as a sweetener. So yummy!
Happy to hear you loved this red sangria recipe, Missy!
This recipe makes absolutely delicious Sangria! It is hard to have just one glass of it
Glad you’re loving this sangria recipe, Rene!
Hi Lisa,
Your receipe says is makes 12 servings … how many ounces are you considering a serving size. Need to triple for a party and trying estimate how much to make …. Also, when you use maple syrup to sweeten, it should be the “real” maple syrup not the other kind, correct?
Thanks much,
Another “Lisa”.
Hi Lisa – yes, I use real maple syrup in this recipe. And my servings are about 5-6 ounces when you include fruit and sparkling water. Enjoy!
I love Sangria but often too sweet for me. Thank you for this recipe sweetened with just a bit of orange juice. Delicious!!!
Yes, that little bit of orange juice really makes all the difference. Hope you enjoy it, Joanna!
OMG—LOVE THIS SANGRIA. I USED A ZEVIA LEMON LIME SODA INSTEAD OF THE WATER JUST TO HAVE THE FIZZ.
THANKS FOR THE RECIPE
Hi Dawn – I’m happy to hear you love this sangria with the lemon-lime soda!
How much sparkling water you recommend?
I used rum instead of brandy [16 oz]. 7up instead of club soda, it really zoned up the party.
Sounds delicious! Thanks for sharing and glad this was a hit for your party :)
Everyone loved it! I used maple syrup and a mandarin orange flavored sparkling water. Everyone asked for the recipe.
Hi, how much sparkling water did you add?Â
sounds delish!!
Can’t wait to try! Do you have a brandy recommendation?
If I want to make this in a 2.4 gallon container for a party, how many times should I scale up/multiple this recipe?
Hi Shannon – You can triple the recipe to reach an estimated 2.4 gallons.
Enjoyed the sangria video!!! Where can I purchase the wine opener?? Love it!! Love all of your video!!
Hi there! You can find it linked in the Shop page on my website :)
How much sweetener would you recommend? A tablespoon?
Hi Tina – yes, I’d start with that and you can always add more.
The recipe says 2 oranges, 1 juiced but it doesn’t say to add that juice to the sangria?Â
Hi Sarah – thanks for the catch! I’ve just fixed it. :)
A really good and delicious recipe. Deserve to be shared.
Thanks Darius! I’m happy you loved the recipe – and I agree, it’s always best shared!
Made this yesterday and OMG it’s AMAZING! I added a little cinnamon and it was TO DIE FOR! Thank you so much for this recipe and ALL of your hard work.
Yay, I’m so happy you loved the recipe Kathryn! A little bit of cinnamon really does enhance it as well. Enjoy!
I had never heard of adding cinnamon to Sangria, but while looking for a recipe I found one that said to add a cinnamon stick to the pitcher with your wine. It also said for some alternative variations you could add ginger, crushed red peppers or even smoked chipotle peppers. Not sure about those, but the cinnamon I’ll give a shot! LOLÂ
Thanks for replying Lisa about the link for the pitcher. I found it…but unfortuantely because I live in the Uk…the delivery and import tax more than doubles the price of the pitcher:-( Fab recipe though) I’ll just have to use another jug:-)
Looks so delicious! Lisa where did you get that handy wine bottle opener?
Hi Cindy! You can find the link for it in the video description on the Youtube video 😊
Can’t wait to try this! Combining fruit and wine sounds delicious with some cheese and french bread on the side!
Yes! It’s such a great pairing with little cheese nibbles. Hope you enjoy it, Barbara!
I don’t know what I want more – a big glass of this sangria or that amazing pitcher! Can I have both?? I love all your tips for choosing wines. This is a must have for any party!
Haha, it’s a toss up isn’t it? ;) Glad you enjoyed the recipe and the serving pitcher. It definitely makes it more festive!
I love the look of this! Red wine is my fav, so you’ve got me there and I love having your fruit in the wine, great for texture also. This looks perfect for the weekend, looking forward to trying, thanks!
Can never have too much fruit with wine :)
Yum! This sangria sounds incredible with the Rioja wine. Love that color and that it can be made ahead of time.Â
Yes! Letting it sit overnight definitely makes the sangria taste much better :)
I love how flavorful and delicious this sangria is. I really like how easy it is to make too!
It’s so easy to make and perfect for the long weekend ahead!
I like all the flavor combinations. And what a lovely presentation. Love the extra tips.
It’s a solid fruit combination, but you can definitely switch it up with other ingredients that I’ve listed above :)