Servicemen’s Sangria Cocktail Recipe

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Sangria gets a military makeover with this refreshing cocktail recipe that pays tribute to service members. This easy-to-make drink combines red wine, brandy, and fresh fruit for a patriotic twist on the classic Spanish beverage.

The recipe traces back to 1942 when American soldiers stationed in Spain first discovered sangria. They brought their own spin to the drink by adding local fruits and spirits found near their bases.

This crowd-pleasing punch works great for military gatherings, Memorial Day celebrations, and Veterans Day events.

The simple recipe makes enough for 8-10 servings and can be prepared in under 15 minutes.

Servicemen’s Sangria Cocktail Recipe

Servicemen’s Sangria Cocktail Recipe
This traditional military base cocktail mixes red wine, fruit, and brandy for a refreshing drink that gained popularity among U.S. service members stationed in Spain during the 1950s and 1960s.
John
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Serving Size 8

Equipment

  • Large pitcher (2-quart capacity)
  • Sharp knife
  • Cutting Board
  • Long-handled spoon
  • Wine glasses
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Fine-mesh strainer

Ingredients

  • 2 bottles Spanish red wine 750ml each
  • 1/2 cup brandy
  • 1/4 cup triple sec
  • 2 oranges sliced
  • 2 lemons sliced
  • 2 limes sliced
  • 2 apples cored and chopped
  • 2 cups club soda
  • 1/4 cup simple syrup
  • Ice cubes for serving

Instructions

  • Slice all fruits thinly and place them in the pitcher.
  • Pour the wine, brandy, and triple sec over the fruit.
  • Add the simple syrup and stir gently with a long-handled spoon.
  • Place the pitcher in the refrigerator for 4-6 hours to let the flavors blend.
  • Just before serving, add the club soda and stir once.
  • Fill wine glasses with ice and pour the sangria through a strainer.
  • Add a few pieces of the soaked fruit to each glass.

Notes

The sangria stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours.
Red wine options include Spanish Rioja, Tempranillo, or Garnacha.
Make simple syrup by heating equal parts water and sugar until dissolved.
Double or triple the recipe for large gatherings by maintaining the same ratios.
Keep the fruit pieces large enough to strain easily when serving.

Must Have Ingredients

Tasting Notes

The Servicemen’s Sangria offers a bright, fresh taste with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors. The red wine base provides deep berry notes, while fresh citrus adds a zesty kick.

A gentle fizz from the club soda creates a light, refreshing mouthfeel. The drink maintains its wine character without being too heavy or strong.

Primary flavors:

  • Red wine notes: Cherry, plum
  • Citrus: Orange, lemon
  • Light carbonation
  • Subtle brandy warmth

The drink starts fruity and ends clean with mild sweetness. Its alcohol content feels moderate and well-integrated, making it easy to sip.

Unlike traditional sangria, this version tastes lighter and more refreshing. The bubbles help lift the flavors and keep the drink from feeling too dense.

The fruit garnishes add visual appeal and release extra flavor as they soak. As the ice melts, the drink stays balanced rather than becoming watery.

Best served cold, the flavors become more pronounced as the drink warms slightly in the glass. The taste remains consistent from first sip to last.

Substitute

You can swap out some ingredients in the Servicemen’s Sangria recipe if needed.

White wine works instead of red wine. Try Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay for a lighter taste.

Replace brandy with bourbon or whiskey. These spirits add similar warmth and depth to the drink. Light or dark rum also makes a good substitute.

Fresh orange juice can take the place of sliced oranges. Use about 4 ounces of juice per pitcher.

Frozen fruit works too. Mixed berries or peach slices blend well with the wine.

Skip the club soda for a stronger drink. Or use ginger ale or lemon-lime soda to keep the fizz while adding extra sweetness.

For a non-alcoholic version:

  • Replace wine with grape juice
  • Skip the brandy
  • Add extra club soda
  • Use more fresh fruit
  • Mix in cranberry juice for color

Note: The taste will vary with substitutions, so adjust amounts to match your preferences.

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Hey there, I’m John Watson—a guy who’s spent over 20 years proving that a good drink can fix just about anything (well, almost anything). Whether it’s cocktails that wow or mocktails that mock boredom, I’m all about crafting sips with stories. Founder of ThirstyTales and full-time drink nerd, I’m here to help you shake things up, one glass at a time. Let’s mix, laugh, and maybe spill a little—cheers to the adventure!

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