I’m a big fan of drinks that are both tasty and a little bit of a showstopper, and this Spider’s Web Sangria totally fits the bill. Here’s how I whip up a spooky sangria with a webby twist that’s honestly perfect for Halloween or any party where you want to impress.
The steps are pretty simple, and you don’t need anything fancy to pull it off. I’m excited to show you how I make it—maybe you’ll want to give it a try, too.
Spider’s Web Sangria Cocktail Recipe
Honestly, I love coming up with cocktails that feel a little different, and this one is such a fun, festive option for Halloween. You get all those fruity flavors, and the “spooky” look is easier than it sounds.
Equipment
- Large pitcher – Gotta have something big enough to mix everything.
- Cocktail shaker – I’ll use this sometimes if I want to blend a few liquids before pouring them in.
- Long bar spoon – Makes stirring with fruit and ice so much easier.
- Measuring cups and spoons – I like to be at least a little precise.
- Strainer – Sometimes I use it, sometimes I skip it and leave the fruit in.
- Glasses – Clear ones are best so you can actually see the sangria and the web.
- Small bowl – For prepping berries and garnishes.
- Ice cube tray – Cold drinks just taste better.
- Piping bag or squeeze bottle – For that spider web with whipped cream on top.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine – I usually go for something dry.
- 1/4 cup brandy – Adds a cozy, warm note.
- 2 oz orange liqueur (like Grand Marnier) – For a citrusy kick.
- 1/4 cup simple syrup – Just enough to sweeten it up.
- 1 cup orange juice – Makes it bright and fresh.
- 1/2 cup pomegranate juice or strawberry juice – Deepens the color.
- 1/2 cup club soda or sparkling water – A bit of fizz is always good.
- 1/2 cup ginger ale – Adds some gentle spice and more bubbles.
- Blood oranges, sliced – For garnish and that pop of color.
- Blackberries, grapes (red or black), sliced strawberries – More fruit, more flavor, more spooky.
- Whipped cream – For drawing the web on top.
- Optional: goldschlager for a little shimmer, extra berries, or even a splash of orange soda.
Instructions
- Pour wine, brandy, orange liqueur, simple syrup, orange juice, and pomegranate juice into your pitcher.
- Stir it all together with your bar spoon—don’t rush it.
- Toss in the orange slices, grapes, blackberries, and strawberries.
- Add the club soda (or sparkling water) and ginger ale.
- Give it a gentle stir, but don’t overdo it or you’ll lose the bubbles.
- Fill glasses with ice, then ladle in the sangria, making sure each glass gets some fruit.
- Use your piping bag or squeeze bottle to draw a spider’s web on top with whipped cream.
- Serve it cold and enjoy right away.
Notes
Sometimes I swap in white wine if someone isn’t into red. If I want it bubblier, I’ll just add more ginger ale or club soda. Freezing the blackberries or grapes is a cool trick—they double as ice cubes and look awesome.
For a non-alcoholic version, I just skip the wine and brandy, use extra juices, and pour in more club soda and ginger ale. You can even tint the whipped cream for the web if you’re feeling creative. Clear glasses are my go-to because the colors and fruit just look so good.
Equipment
- Cocktail shaker (optional)
- Strainer (optional)
- Piping bag or squeeze bottle (for whipped cream web)
Ingredients
- 1 bottle 750 ml dry red wine
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 2 oz orange liqueur e.g. Grand Marnier or Cointreau
- 1/4 cup simple syrup adjust to taste
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup pomegranate juice or strawberry juice
- 1/2 cup club soda or sparkling water
- 1/2 cup ginger ale
- 1 blood orange sliced
- 1/2 cup blackberries
- 1/2 cup red or black grapes
- 1/2 cup sliced strawberries
- Whipped cream for spiderweb garnish
- Optional: Extra berries gold liqueur (like Goldschläger), or orange soda
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the wine, brandy, orange liqueur, simple syrup, orange juice, and pomegranate juice.
- Stir thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Pour in the club soda and ginger ale. Stir gently to preserve the fizz.
- Fill clear glasses halfway with ice and ladle sangria over the top, ensuring fruit is evenly distributed.
- Use a piping bag or squeeze bottle to draw a spiderweb design on top of each glass with whipped cream.
- Serve cold and enjoy immediately!
Tasting Notes
First sip? This Spider’s Web Sangria is super refreshing and fruity. The citrus flavors really pop, and there’s a nice hint of wine in the background.
It’s got enough sweetness but doesn’t go overboard. I love how the crispness of the wine balances with all that fruit.
The bubbles from the sparkling water make it feel playful—almost like each sip wakes you up a bit.
The berries bring in a gentle tartness, which keeps things interesting. It finishes clean, so I end up reaching for another glass without thinking.
Aroma Highlights:
- Fresh cut fruit
- Citrus zest
- Soft berry notes
Honestly, it’s just light and bright, and the fruit flavors really shine through. I can totally picture this being a hit at a summer afternoon get-together, not just Halloween.
Substitute
Sometimes I just don’t have every single ingredient for the Spider’s Web Sangria. No big deal—there are a few swaps I’ve found that work surprisingly well.
Ingredients
- Out of red wine? I’ll grab white or even rosé, honestly, whatever’s in the fridge.
- No orange liqueur? Apple or peach schnapps steps in pretty nicely.
- Missing oranges or berries? I’ll toss in apples, grapes, or even a couple of kiwis if that’s what I’ve got.
- Lemon-lime soda can totally stand in for club soda if you want things a bit sweeter.
Equipment
- No big pitcher? I just use a large bowl—works fine.
- I’ve used a regular spoon instead of a bar spoon more times than I can count.
- Wine glasses are nice, but I’ll happily pour sangria into any drinking glass I have.
Instructions
- If ice is gone, I just chill the wine in the fridge a little longer—problem solved.
- I’ll use frozen fruit when fresh is missing, and it actually keeps the sangria cold, which is kind of perfect.
- Want to tone down the alcohol? I’ll swap out half the wine for grape or cranberry juice, and it still tastes great.
