Red wine sangria brings the taste of Spain to any gathering. This fruity, refreshing cocktail mixes wine, fresh fruit, and a splash of brandy to create a perfect party drink.
A classic red wine sangria recipe needs just 10 minutes of prep time. It should chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
The best sangria starts with an affordable Spanish red wine like Rioja or Tempranillo. Adding orange juice, lemon slices, and apple chunks gives the drink its signature fruity flavor. A touch of brandy and simple syrup balances the tartness.
This make-ahead cocktail serves 6-8 people and stays fresh in the fridge for up to 48 hours. The fruit soaks up the wine and becomes a tasty treat to enjoy at the bottom of each glass.
Classic Red Wine Sangria Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Large glass pitcher (64 oz/2L capacity)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Long wooden spoon for stirring
- Wine glasses for serving
- Fine mesh strainer (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 bottles 750ml each dry red wine (Rioja or Tempranillo)
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup triple sec
- 2 oranges sliced
- 2 lemons sliced
- 2 limes sliced
- 2 apples cored and chopped
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 2 cups cold club soda
Instructions
- Slice all fruits into thin rounds or small chunks.
- Add sugar to the pitcher and pour in the brandy. Stir until sugar starts to dissolve.
- Add the sliced fruit to the pitcher.
- Pour in the red wine and triple sec. Stir gently to mix.
- Place the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.
- Just before serving, add the club soda and stir gently.
Notes
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Tasting Notes
Classic red wine sangria offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. Fresh citrus notes from oranges and lemons blend with the rich warmth of Spanish red wine. The mix creates a refreshing and fruity drink.
Each sip brings layers of bright fruit flavors. The wine’s natural berry notes mix with hints of apple and citrus. Light bubbles from club soda add a gentle sparkle to the experience.
The drink starts sweet then moves to a pleasant tartness. Brandy adds depth and warmth without being too strong. The finish is clean and crisp with lingering fruit notes.
Temperature affects the taste profile:
- Cold (35-40°F): Sharper citrus notes
- Cool (45-50°F): Fuller fruit flavors
- Room temp: Stronger wine character
The ideal serving temperature is 45°F. This brings out the best mix of wine and fruit flavors while keeping the drink refreshing.
Adding fresh fruit garnish enhances both looks and taste. Orange wheels and apple slices float on top, releasing extra fruit essence as you drink.
Substitute
Red wine forms the base of classic sangria, but other wines can work too. White wine creates a lighter drink called sangria blanca. Meanwhile, rosé wine adds a fresh, fruity twist.
Non-alcoholic versions use grape juice instead of wine. Mix red or white grape juice with club soda for a family-friendly drink.
Common wine substitutes:
- White wine
- Rosé wine
- Red grape juice
- White grape juice
- Pomegranate juice
The brandy in sangria can be replaced with other spirits. For example, orange liqueur adds sweet citrus notes. Meanwhile, rum brings warmth and spice.
Brandy alternatives:
- Triple sec
- Cointreau
- Dark rum
- Spiced rum
- Apple brandy
For a non-alcoholic version, skip the brandy and add extra fruit juice. Apple, orange, or cranberry juice work well. Then, club soda adds bubbles and keeps the drink from being too sweet.
Club soda can be swapped for other fizzy drinks. For instance, ginger ale brings spice and sweetness. Meanwhile, lemon-lime soda adds bright citrus flavor.
