Hey everyone, this is Jacob Allen from Beyond the Bayou Blog, and I can’t wait to share a drink that’s become synonymous with my summer get-togethers—red sangria. It’s more than just a drink to me; it’s a reminder of my first apartment party in the city.
Back when I was new to city life, I wanted to host a rooftop party for my friends. The space was small, but the view was amazing, so I knew it had potential. I figured we needed a signature drink, so I remembered a sangria recipe I had seen at a friend’s brunch. It looked so refreshing and perfect for a rooftop vibe.
The day of the party, my friends and I turned my little apartment into a makeshift prep area. We had someone chopping fruit, someone mixing the wine, and someone setting up the rooftop with string lights and comfy cushions. It was a flurry of activity and excitement.
When the party started, we carried the pitcher of sangria up to the roof, and it was an instant hit. People were mingling, sharing stories, and passing around cups of sangria filled with colorful fruit. We even threw some chilled melon balls into the mix for a refreshing twist. It was a night of laughter, music, and that perfect city sunset.
Now, every time I make red sangria, it brings me back to that first rooftop party with friends, where we toasted to new beginnings and city adventures. It’s not just a drink; it’s a symbol of the fun times ahead. So, let’s raise a glass to great memories and enjoy this classic red sangria recipe!
Overview: How to Make Classic Red Sangria?
Red sangria is a refreshing and colorful wine-based punch that’s perfect for gatherings and parties. It’s made by combining dry red wine with a variety of chopped fruits, a splash of citrus juice, and a bit of brandy or orange liqueur for an extra kick. The drink is then sweetened with sugar and left to chill, allowing the fruit flavors to blend with the wine. Just before serving, a dash of club soda is added for a bubbly finish.
Making red sangria is a fun and easy process. Start by slicing up a selection of fruits like oranges, lemons, and limes. You can also add apples or berries for extra sweetness. Toss the fruit into a large pitcher, then pour in the wine and any additional spirits. Mix in the orange juice and sugar, stirring until everything is well combined. Cover the pitcher and let it sit in the fridge for at least two hours to allow the flavors to meld.
When you’re ready to serve, add some club soda for a bit of fizz, then pour the sangria into glasses filled with ice, making sure to include a few pieces of fruit in each glass. Garnish with extra slices of citrus or a sprig of mint for a touch of freshness. Red sangria is a crowd-pleaser that brings a burst of fruity flavor to any occasion, making it a go-to choice for parties, barbecues, or any time you want a taste of something delightful.
Red Sangria Recipe
Equipment
- Large pitcher
- Cutting Board
- Sharp Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Spoon
- Plastic wrap or lid
- Glasses
Ingredients
- 1 bottle 750 ml of dry red wine (like Tempranillo, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 orange sliced
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1 lime sliced
- 1 apple cored and chopped
- 1/4 cup brandy or triple sec
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 2 tbps sugar
- 1 cup club soda or sparkling water
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: In a large pitcher, add the sliced orange, lemon, lime, and chopped apple. You can add other fruits if you like, such as berries, peaches, or pineapples.
- Add the Liquids: Pour the entire bottle of red wine into the pitcher. If you’re using brandy or triple sec, add it now. Also, add the orange juice.
- Sweeten the Mix: Add the sugar and stir until it’s fully dissolved. You can adjust the sugar based on your preference for sweetness.
- Chill and Marinate: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and the fruit to infuse into the wine.
- Add the Fizz: Just before serving, add the club soda or sparkling water to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
- Serve: Pour the sangria into glasses filled with ice. Include some of the fruit pieces in each glass. If desired, garnish with additional slices of citrus or a sprig of mint.
Notes
Reducing or eliminating added sugar will also lower the calorie count.
Including additional fruits (like berries) may increase the sugar content.
Nutrition
Food’s you can Serve With Red Sangria
What’s the Best Type of Red Wine to Use for Sangria?
Great question! You want a dry red wine with enough body to hold up against the fruit and added flavors. Tempranillo, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon are all solid choices. Don’t go too fancy or expensive; sangria is about a mix of flavors, so a mid-range bottle will do just fine.
Can I Make Sangria Ahead of Time, or Does it have to be Fresh?
You can totally make it ahead of time! In fact, it’s often better to make sangria a few hours before you plan to serve it, or even the night before. This gives the fruit time to soak into the wine, infusing it with those lovely flavors. Just wait to add the club soda or sparkling water until right before serving, so it stays nice and bubbly.
My Personal Tips For Best Red Sangria
Tip 1
If you really want your sangria to pop with flavor, use fresh, ripe fruits. I always go for oranges, lemons, and limes because they bring that bright citrusy kick. Adding apples or berries can give you a nice mix of textures and flavors too. The key is to let them sit in the wine for a couple of hours, so their essence really comes through.
Tip 2
When it comes to sweetening your sangria, don’t overdo it with the sugar. You want just enough to balance the acidity of the wine and fruit, but not so much that it’s overly sweet. I usually start with a couple of tablespoons, give it a good stir, and then taste to see if it needs more. You can always add, but you can’t take it out!
Tip 3
Here’s a little trick I love: when you’re ready to serve your sangria, add some sparkling water or club soda for a touch of fizz. It lightens up the drink and makes it super refreshing. Just make sure to add it right before serving to keep that bubbly texture. It’s a simple step that really makes a difference!
What if I don’t have Brandy? Can I Use Something Else?
Absolutely! If you don’t have brandy, you can use triple sec, Cointreau, or even a splash of rum or vodka to give it that extra kick. Or, if you prefer to skip the spirits altogether, no worries—just increase the orange juice a bit to balance the flavors. Sangria is super flexible, so feel free to adjust it to your taste.