Sangria

Sangria

A vibrant, fruit-forward Spanish sangria made with bold red wine, fresh citrus, brandy, and a splash of orange liqueur. This classic pitcher drink is best made a few hours ahead so the fruit can soak up the wine and the flavors meld beautifully. Perfect for tapas nights, warm evenings, and any gathering that calls for a taste of Spain.

6 servings · Prep 15 min · Cook 5 min · Total 20 min

Spanish · Beverage

  • 1 bottle dry red wine such as Rioja, Garnacha, or Tempranillo
  • Rioja
  • Garnacha
  • Tempranillo
  • 0.5 cup brandy Spanish brandy preferred
  • 0.25 cup orange liqueur such as Cointreau or Triple Sec
  • Cointreau
  • Triple Sec
  • 2 tbsp granulated sugar adjust
  • 1 cup fresh orange juice from about 2 large oranges
  • 1 whole orange sliced into rounds or half-moons
  • 1 whole lemon sliced into rounds
  • 1 whole lime sliced into rounds
  • 1 cup apple cored and diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 cup sparkling water or club soda added just before serving
  • club soda
  • 1 cup ice for serving
  • 4 piece fresh mint sprigs

Equipment

  • Mixing Bowl
  • Pitcher (Large)
  • Glasse
  • Pitcher
  • Glass (Large)
  • Wooden Spoon
  • Measuring Cups
  • Rice Cooker
  • Knife
  • Measuring Spoons
  • Cutting Board
  • Mixing Bowl (4 Quarts)

Instructions

  1. In a small #[Mixing Bowl] or #[Measuring Cups], combine the @[Sugar] with the fresh @[Orange Juice] and stir until the @[Sugar] is fully dissolved, ~[about 1–2 minutes]. This creates a light citrus syrup that blends evenly into the @[Red Wine].
  2. Add the sliced @[Orange] rounds, @[Lemon] rounds, @[Lime] rounds, and diced @[Apple] to a large pitcher. Pour in the @[Orange Juice]–@[Sugar] mixture, @[Brandy], and @[Orange Liqueur]. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Pour in the entire bottle of @[Red Wine] and stir well with a long #[Wooden Spoon]. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for ~[at least 2 hours], or ideally ~[overnight], to allow the fruit to infuse and the flavors to meld.
  4. Just before serving, stir in the @[Sparkling Water] or @[Sparkling Water] for a light effervescence. Taste and adjust sweetness with a little more @[Sugar] if desired. Pour over #[Rice Cooker]-filled glasses, making sure each glass gets some of the macerated fruit. Garnish with fresh @[Mint] sprigs if using.