Orange Clove Sangria Cocktail Recipe

I love making cocktails at home—sangria’s one of my go-tos, honestly. There’s just something about that mix of fruit, wine, and a hint of spice that makes any evening feel a little more special, but without too much fuss.

This orange clove sangria cocktail recipe is my way of keeping things simple but interesting, with bright citrus and that warm, almost nostalgic spice.

When I first tried this combo, I was surprised by how the orange’s sweetness just pops, while the cloves add this cozy depth. It’s honestly the kind of drink you can bring out for a small get-together, or just enjoy solo when you want to unwind.

The flavors really balance each other out. It’s not quite like any other sangria I’ve made.

You’ll see—once you check out the ingredients and steps, it’s actually pretty easy to throw together. I’ll walk you through the recipe and share a few tasting notes, so you know what you’re getting into with every sip.

Orange Clove Sangria Cocktail Recipe

I make this sangria when I’m craving something that’s got both citrus brightness and a little spice. It’s a blend of fresh fruit, wine, and just enough clove to make things interesting.

Equipment

• Large pitcher or jug (at least 2 quarts)
• Wooden spoon for stirring
• Sharp knife for cutting fruit
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Citrus juicer (optional, but honestly pretty handy)
• Fine mesh strainer (if you’re after a smoother drink)
• Serving glasses or stemless wine glasses

I usually grab a wide pitcher—gives the fruit more room to mingle, if that makes sense. And, for what it’s worth, a wooden spoon’s just gentler on the fruit than metal.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle red wine (750 ml, medium-bodied)
• 1/2 cup orange juice (fresh squeezed is best)
• 1/4 cup brandy (totally optional, but adds depth)
• 2 whole oranges, sliced thin
• 1 lemon, sliced thin
• 1 cup strawberries, hulled and halved
• 4–5 whole cloves
• 1–2 sprigs fresh mint
• 1/2 cup soda water or sparkling water (add just before serving)
• Ice cubes for serving

Sometimes I switch out the red wine for white wine if I want something lighter. Both versions work, honestly—it’s just a matter of mood.

Instructions

• Slice up the oranges, lemon, and strawberries—thin is good.
• Toss all the fruit into your pitcher.
• Add the cloves. I like to poke them into a few orange slices so they don’t float around too much.
• Pour in the red wine, orange juice, and brandy.
• Stir everything gently with your wooden spoon.
• Cover the pitcher and stick it in the fridge for at least 2 hours (overnight if you can wait).
• Right before serving, pour in the soda water or sparkling water for that fizz.
• Serve over ice, and maybe add an extra orange slice or some mint on top if you’re feeling fancy.

The flavor really deepens the longer it chills. If you’ve got the patience, overnight is where the magic happens.

Notes

I always go for fresh orange juice if I can—bottled stuff just tastes a bit too sweet for me. Whole cloves are key, too; ground clove can make things gritty and weird.

If you want something lighter, swap in chilled white wine and leave out the brandy. And if you’ve got a sweet tooth, a spoonful of sugar or honey before chilling does the trick.

I usually pour this sangria into stemless glasses, with an orange slice floating on top. The mint sprig? It just gives it a fresh aroma that cuts through the fruitiness.

For bigger gatherings, I’ll double the batch and keep the sparkling water separate. That way, everyone can add as much fizz as they like, and the sangria doesn’t end up flat.

Tasting Notes

That first sip? It’s bright, almost zippy with citrus. The orange brings in a gentle sweetness, just enough to mellow out the dry wine.

Clove is there too, but it’s subtle—a soft spice that lingers in the background. It never pushes too hard.

The drink feels smooth, honestly. Light on the tongue, not heavy at all. I get this mix of fruit and spice that’s both refreshing and somehow a little cozy.

I really like that the sweetness doesn’t go overboard. The fruit flavors stay crisp. Clove gives it some depth, but it doesn’t drown out everything else.

Flavor Highlights:

• Citrus: fresh, a bit tangy
• Spice: warm clove, not too bold
• Sweetness: mild, definitely not syrupy
• Body: light, super easy to sip

If I stop to think about calories, I guess this cocktail’s lighter than anything creamy, but it’s not as lean as a plain glass of wine. The fruit brings in a bit of sugar, so I treat it as more of a special thing—not something I’d reach for every day.

The aroma honestly hits before the taste. There’s this bright orange peel scent, plus a whiff of spice, and it just makes you want to dive in.

Every glass feels balanced, somehow. Enough sweetness to keep it fun, just the right amount of spice, and enough freshness that I keep going back for another sip.