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Looking for a vibrant and easy-to-make drink that will impress your guests?
This red sangria recipe is a summer sipper that’s great for sharing at picnics and pool parties! With tangy citrus fruits and red wine, it’s a perfect blend of flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering or simply craving a refreshing beverage, this sangria is a must-try!
What is Red Sangria?
Sangria is a centuries-old red wine punch that originated in Spain, and it has slices of fresh fruit that soak up the delicious flavors! It’s a combination of freshly squeezed lime and lemon juice, along with sliced fruits and red wine. The addition of apricot brandy and triple sec add a delicious flavor and a bit of sweetness.
- Sangria is a go-to summer drink; it’s deliciously flavorful.
- This cocktail is best made ahead of time, so it’s party perfect.
- It’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion; make a pitcher of sangria before your guests arrive.
- Swap out red wine for white wine to make a white sangria.
Ingredients and Variations
Wine – The best wine for sangria is light and fruity. There are countless options, and honestly, any red will do, but don’t bother with a pricey bottle; save that for drinking on this own.
Try a Spanish red wine or any of the following: merlot, pinot noir, grenache, or tempranillo.
Liquor – Apricot brandy & triple sec add a delicious fruity flavor and a bit of sweetness. If you don’t have apricot brandy, you can substitute it with peach brandy or regular brandy or even use rum or vodka. Replace triple sec with Cointreau or another orange liqueur like Grand Marnier.
Fruit – Sliced colorful fruits like oranges, lemons, limes, green apples, peaches, or pears add colorful contrast to Red Sangria. No time to prep fruit? Toss in a bag of frozen mixed fruit!
Juice & Sweetener – Orange, pineapple, or grapefruit juice works great, and don’t forget simple syrup or your favorite sugar-free sweetener.
Bubbly – Top off drinks with festive bubbles from club soda or flavored sparkling water!
How to Make Red Sangria
- Juice one lime and lemon and slice the remaining fruit.
- Combine juice with the remaining ingredients (per recipe below) in a pitcher and add fruit. Chill for at least an hour.
- Pour into glasses and top off with a splash of soda or sparkling water before serving.
Serving & Storing Sangria
Because it’s so pretty, serve red sangria in a clear glass pitcher so everyone can see the jewel-toned colors of the fruit in the punch! I serve in a wine glass or stemless wine glass.
Leftover sangria will stay fresh in the refrigerator for a few days.
- For a sweeter sangria, adjust the amount of simple syrup according to your taste preferences.
- Feel free to experiment with different fruit combinations such as adding berries like blackberries, sliced strawberries, or peaches.
- To serve a larger crowd, simply adjust the ingredient quantities accordingly.
PRO TIP: Thread strawberries, blueberries, or cherries on a wooden stir stick as an edible garnish!
So Many Summer Drinks!
Did you enjoy this Red Sangria? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Easy Red Sangria
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 limes divided, one juiced, one sliced
- 2 lemons divided, one juiced, one sliced
- 1 (750 ml each) bottle red wine
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup apricot brandy
- ¼ cup simple syrup or to taste
- 2 ounces triple sec
- 1 orange sliced
- 1 apple sliced
- 2 cups club soda or lemon-lime soda, optional
Instructions
- Juice one lemon and one lime, and slice the remaining fruit.
- In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, lime juice, lemon juice, orange juice, brandy, simple syrup, triple sec, and sliced fruit.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- When ready to serve, fill a glass with ice and pour the sangria into the glass, filling it about ⅔ of the way. Top the sangria with club soda or lemon-lime soda.
- Garnish with extra slices of citrus fruit, if desired.
Notes
- For a sweeter sangria, adjust the amount of simple syrup to suit your tastes.
- Feel free to experiment with different fruit combinations to add your own personal touch. Try adding sliced strawberries, peaches, or grapes.
- To serve a larger crowd, simply double or triple the ingredients accordingly.
- Any leftover sangria can be stored in the refrigerator for a few days. Cover the pitcher or transfer it to an airtight container.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Beverage, Drink, Drinks
Cuisine American, Spanish© SpendWithPennies.com. 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. Please view my photo use policy here.
My favorite & my ‘go to’ summer Sangria recipe! so simple and refreshing. I use tempranillo wine, always turns out great. thanks for sharing!
I am so happy to hear you love this recipe Barb!
can red sangria be made using port wine?
I haven’t tried this with port, it might be a bit sweet.
When making this can I use a sweet red wine or should I go with something dryer since I’ll be adding simple syrup?
You can find this information in the post Tammy:
The best wine for sangria is light and fruity. There are countless options, and honestly, any red will do, but don’t bother with a pricey bottle; save that for drinking on this own.
Try a Spanish red wine or any of the following: merlot, pinot noir, grenache, or tempranillo.
This is NOT EASY
Is there part of the recipe that I can help with Michele?