Picture this: It’s a hot summer day, your friends are over, and someone brings out a sad, store-bought sangria that tastes like watered-down fruit juice with a side of regret. You deserve better. This sangria recipe?
It’s the game-changer. No fluff, no mystery ingredients—just a foolproof, crowd-pleasing jug of happiness. Want to be the hero of your next gathering?
Keep reading.
Why This Sangria Recipe Slaps
Most sangrias are either too sweet, too weak, or just plain boring. Not this one. The magic lies in the balance: bold red wine, fresh fruit, a hint of citrus, and just enough sweetness to keep things interesting.
It’s refreshing without being cloying, strong without knocking you out, and stupidly easy to make. Plus, it looks Instagram-worthy—because let’s be real, presentation matters.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Grab these, and you’re halfway there:
- 1 bottle of dry red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon or Tempranillo works best)
- 1/4 cup brandy (optional, but highly recommended)
- 2 cups sparkling water or lemon-lime soda (for fizz)
- 1/4 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed, unless you’re lazy)
- 2 tbsp honey or simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- 1 apple, diced (for crunch)
- Handful of berries (strawberries, blueberries, or whatever’s in your fridge)
How to Make It (Without Messing Up)
- Mix the liquids: In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange juice, and honey. Stir until the honey dissolves.
Pro tip: Taste it. Too tart? Add more honey.
Too sweet? Add a splash of lemon juice.
- Add the fruit: Throw in the sliced oranges, lemons, limes, apples, and berries. Yes, all of them.
This isn’t the time to be shy.
- Let it chill: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is better). The longer it sits, the more the fruit infuses the wine. Patience is a virtue, or so they say.
- Top it off: Right before serving, add the sparkling water or soda.
Stir gently—you want bubbles, not a flat mess.
- Serve over ice: Because nobody likes warm sangria. Garnish with extra fruit if you’re feeling fancy.
How to Store It (If There’s Any Left)
Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or transfer leftovers to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the fridge for up to 2 days, but the fruit will get boozy and mushy.
FYI, that’s not necessarily a bad thing.
Why This Recipe Wins
Besides being delicious, this sangria is versatile. Serve it at brunch, picnics, or pool parties—it’s always a hit. The fruit makes it feel ~healthy~ (we can pretend), and the brandy gives it a kick without overwhelming the wine.
Plus, it’s cheaper than buying pre-made sangria that tastes like disappointment.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using cheap wine: If you wouldn’t drink it straight, don’t put it in sangria. The wine is the star—don’t ruin it.
- Skipping the soak time: Rushing the process? You’ll miss out on the infused flavor.
Plan ahead.
- Adding ice too early: Ice dilutes the sangria. Add it only when serving.
- Overloading on sugar: Start with less sweetener—you can always add more later.
Alternatives for the Adventurous
Feel like mixing it up? Try these twists:
- White sangria: Swap red wine for white (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) and use peaches instead of apples.
- Rosé sangria: Because pink drinks are always a vibe.
Add raspberries and a splash of elderflower liqueur.
- Non-alcoholic version: Replace wine with grape juice and brandy with orange extract. It’s not the same, but it’ll do.
FAQs (Because Someone Always Asks)
Can I use a different type of wine?
Sure, but stick to dry wines. Sweet wines will make the sangria cloying, and nobody wants that.
How long does sangria last in the fridge?
2 days max.
After that, the fruit turns into boozy mush. Still edible, but texture-wise, it’s questionable.
Can I make sangria without brandy?
Yes, but it’ll lack depth. If you’re anti-brandy, try a splash of triple sec or just skip it.
Why add sparkling water last?
To keep the fizz.
Adding it early is like deflating a balloon before the party starts.
Can I freeze sangria?
Technically yes, but the texture will be weird. IMO, just drink it fresh.
Final Thoughts
This sangria recipe is stupidly simple, impossibly delicious, and guaranteed to make you look like a host(ess) with the most(est). The next time someone brings that sad store-bought stuff, you’ll know what to do.
Now go forth and impress.