A refreshing glass of sangria brings the taste of Spain to any gathering. This fruity wine cocktail has been a party favorite since it came to the United States during the 1964 World’s Fair in New York. Traditional sangria combines red wine, fresh fruit, and a splash of brandy to create a drink that’s perfect for warm days and social occasions.

The best part about sangria is how easy it is to make ahead of time. The flavors get better when the drink sits in the fridge for a few hours, which makes it great for parties.

Anyone can make this classic drink at home with basic ingredients from the grocery store.

Simple changes to the recipe can create new versions. White wine makes a lighter sangria, while adding different fruits creates unique taste combinations. Some people add soda water for extra fizz, while others prefer their sangria without bubbles.

Sangria Cocktail Recipe

This Spanish wine punch combines red wine, fresh fruit, and a splash of brandy for a refreshing summer drink.

John

Prep Time 20

Total Time 20

Serving Size

Equipment

Large glass pitcher (64 oz capacity)
Long wooden spoon for stirring

Sharp knife for cutting fruit
Cutting Board
Wine glasses for serving
Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

2 bottles dry red wine 750ml each
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup triple sec
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
2 oranges sliced
2 lemons sliced
2 limes sliced
2 green apples cored and diced
2 peaches sliced
1/4 cup sugar
2 cups club soda optional

Instructions

Add sugar to the pitcher and pour in the brandy. Stir until sugar dissolves.

Add the sliced fruits to the pitcher. Pour in the wine, triple sec, and orange juice.
Stir gently to mix all ingredients.
Place the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours.

Before serving, taste and add more sugar if needed. Add club soda for extra fizz if desired.
Serve in wine glasses filled with ice. Include some of the soaked fruit in each glass.

Notes

Choose a dry Spanish red wine like Rioja or Tempranillo for authentic flavor.

The fruit can be changed based on what’s in season. Strawberries, pears, or plums work well.

Sangria gets better with time as the flavors blend together. Make it a day ahead for best results.

Keep the pitcher refrigerated and drink within 48 hours.

For a non-alcoholic version, replace the wine with grape juice and skip the brandy and triple sec.

Tasting Notes

Classic sangria offers a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The red wine base provides deep berry notes while citrus fruits add bright, zesty elements.

Fresh fruits like oranges, lemons, and apples soak up the wine and create bursts of flavor in each sip. The brandy brings warmth and complexity without overpowering the wine.

Key flavor notes:

Primary: Red wine, citrus, stone fruit

Secondary: Brandy, apple, berry
Finish: Light sweetness, subtle oak

The texture is smooth and medium-bodied. Ice dilutes the drink slightly, making it refreshing and easy to sip.

Carbonation from the optional splash of soda water adds a pleasant effervescence. The bubbles help lift the fruit aromas to create an engaging sensory experience.

The drink’s color ranges from deep purple to bright ruby red, depending on the wine used. Floating fruit pieces and ice create an appealing visual presentation.

Serving temperature affects the taste:

45-50°F: Brightest fruit flavors
50-55°F: Fuller wine character
Above 55°F: Too warm, flavors become muddled

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Substitute

A classic sangria recipe can be made with different ingredients when certain items are not available. Red wine serves as the base, but other alcoholic drinks work well too.

White wine creates a lighter sangria perfect for summer. Meanwhile, rosé wine adds a sweet and fruity twist to the drink. Brandy can be replaced with rum, vodka, or triple sec.

Fresh fruits can be swapped based on what’s in season. Apples, pears, and stone fruits make great alternatives to citrus. Frozen fruits work too. They help keep the drink cold.

For a non-alcoholic version, use grape juice or cranberry juice instead of wine. Add sparkling water or lemonade for bubbles.

The sweetener can be honey or agave nectar instead of sugar. Meanwhile, club soda can replace ginger ale for less sweetness.

Best fruit substitutes:

Peaches for oranges
Plums for lemons
Nectarines for limes
Apples for any citrus
Berries for any stone fruit

Sangria Cocktail Recipe