Classic Spanish Sangria Recipe – Easy, Refreshing & Fruity Drink

Sangria is a delightful, fruity wine punch that hails from Spain and Portugal. Traditionally made with red wine, a variety of fruits, sweeteners, and often a splash of brandy or orange liqueur, sangria is the quintessential summertime beverage. Its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and refreshing nature have made it a popular drink across the globe, perfect for barbecues, parties, and casual gatherings.

The beauty of sangria lies in its versatility. You can easily customize it based on the fruits in season, the type of wine you prefer, or how sweet or strong you like your drinks. In this comprehensive Sangria Recipe, we’ll guide you through the traditional way to make sangria, while also offering tips for fun variations.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Note: Nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on ingredients used.

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Prep Time, Cook Time & Other Details

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Active Time: 15 minutes

• Resting Time (Chill Time): 4 hours (minimum), ideally overnight

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes – Overnight

• Cuisine: Spanish

• Course: Beverage / Cocktail

• Servings: 6–8 servings

• Calories (per serving): Approx. 200–250 kcal

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Equipment Needed

To prepare this sangria recipe, you’ll need:

• Large pitcher or jug (at least 2 liters)

• Stirring spoon or ladle

• Cutting board and sharp knife

• Measuring cups and spoons

• Citrus juicer (optional)

• Glasses for serving

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Ingredients

Here’s the classic lineup for a traditional Spanish sangria recipe. Feel free to customize based on your taste and what’s in season!

Base Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine (Spanish Rioja, Tempranillo, or Garnacha are ideal)

• 1 orange, sliced into rounds or wedges

• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds or wedges

• 1 lime, sliced into rounds or wedges

• 1 green apple, cored and diced

• 1/2 cup brandy (or orange liqueur like Cointreau or Triple Sec)

• 2–3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)

• 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh-squeezed for best flavor)

• 1 cup soda water or sparkling water (added just before serving)

Optional Additions

• Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)

• Pineapple chunks

• Cinnamon stick (for a spiced twist)

• A splash of lemon-lime soda or ginger ale (for a sweeter sangria)

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Instructions

Step 1: Choose Your Wine

Start with a dry, fruity red wine that is affordable but flavorful. Spanish red wines like Rioja, Garnacha (Grenache), or Tempranillo are ideal. Avoid very tannic or oak-heavy wines.

Step 2: Slice and Dice the Fruits

• Wash all your fruits thoroughly.

• Slice the orange, lemon, and lime into thin rounds or wedges. Remove seeds if possible.

• Dice the apple into small bite-sized pieces.

• If using berries or other fruits, prep them accordingly.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in a Pitcher

• In a large pitcher, add all the sliced and diced fruits.

• Sprinkle the sugar over the fruit and let it sit for 2–3 minutes. This helps to macerate the fruit and draw out their juices.

• Add the brandy and orange juice, then stir gently to dissolve the sugar.

• Pour in the red wine and stir everything together.

Step 4: Chill the Sangria

• Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 4 hours.

• For best flavor, let it chill overnight. This allows the fruits to infuse the wine with their natural juices and aroma.

Step 5: Add Sparkling Water Before Serving

• Just before serving, add the soda water or sparkling water to the pitcher. This adds a refreshing fizz.

• Taste and adjust sweetness if needed—add a little more sugar or a splash of fruit juice if you prefer it sweeter.

Step 6: Serve

• Stir the sangria gently.

• Fill glasses with ice (optional) and pour the sangria, making sure to include some fruit pieces in each glass.

• Garnish with a fresh citrus slice or mint sprig if desired.

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Tips for the Perfect Sangria

• Don’t use expensive wine. Choose a mid-range bottle that’s dry and fruity. Save the fancy wine for sipping on its own.

• Let it rest. Resting time is crucial for flavors to meld. Don’t skip it!

• Experiment with flavors. Add herbs like mint or basil, use white wine for a white sangria variation, or try rosé for something in between.

• Balance the sweetness. Taste as you go and adjust the sweetness with sugar or fruit juice based on your preference.

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Sangria Variations

White Sangria

• Use white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio).

• Add peaches, nectarines, green grapes, and citrus fruits.

• Use elderflower liqueur or peach schnapps instead of brandy.

Rosé Sangria

• Use rosé wine for a pretty pink sangria.

• Try watermelon, strawberries, or grapefruit slices.

• Add a splash of pink lemonade for a tangy twist.

Winter Sangria

• Use a spiced red wine and include pears, apples, pomegranate seeds, and cinnamon sticks.

• Optional: Heat gently for a warm version.

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Storage Instructions

Sangria can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. However, it’s best enjoyed within 24–36 hours. If storing longer, remove citrus rinds to avoid bitterness and consider straining out the fruit after the first day.

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Pairing Suggestions

Sangria pairs well with:

• Tapas (Spanish small plates)

• Grilled meats and vegetables

• Cheese boards

• Seafood dishes like paella or shrimp skewers

• Spicy dishes—sangria’s fruity notes balance the heat

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Why You’ll Love This Sangria Recipe

This sangria recipe is:

• Easy to prepare – no cooking, minimal chopping.

• Flexible – use your favorite wine and fruits.

• Perfect for entertaining – can be made in large batches.

• Visually appealing – colorful fruits make it a showstopper.

• Deliciously refreshing – ideal for hot weather.

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Final Thoughts

Sangria is more than just a drink—it’s a celebration in a glass. Whether you’re hosting a summer cookout, enjoying a backyard picnic, or simply winding down after a long day, this sangria recipe delivers a burst of fruit-forward, boozy goodness that everyone will enjoy. With endless ways to personalize it and its universal appeal, sangria is sure to become a staple in your drink rotation.