This Sangria recipe is a refreshing, fruity cocktail recipe that’s perfect for warm-weather gatherings, backyard barbecues, or relaxing evenings with friends. This classic Spanish drink blends wine with fresh fruit, a touch of sweetness, and a splash of something fizzy, creating a vibrant beverage that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
The base of sangria is traditionally a bottle of red wine, typically something dry and medium-bodied like Tempranillo, Garnacha, or Merlot. The wine is combined with a variety of sliced fresh fruits – common choices include oranges, lemons, limes, apples, and berries. These fruits infuse the wine with their natural sweetness and vibrant flavors as it chills.
To balance the acidity of the wine and add a hint of sweetness, a little sugar, honey, or simple syrup is stirred in. Many recipes also include a splash of brandy, which deepens the flavor and adds a bit of warmth. For a lighter twist, you can substitute the brandy with orange liqueur like Cointreau or Grand Marnier.
Just before serving, sangria is topped off with a splash of club soda, lemon-lime soda, or sparkling water to add a touch of effervescence. This final step brightens the drink and makes it incredibly refreshing.
Sangria recipe is endlessly customizable. Swap red wine for white to create a crisp white sangria, or use rosé for a lighter, fruitier variation. Tropical fruits like pineapple and mango, or herbs like mint and basil, can be added for a creative twist.
Serve sangria over plenty of ice in a large pitcher or punch bowl, letting the fruit float beautifully on top. It pairs wonderfully with tapas, grilled meats, seafood, or simple cheese and charcuterie boards.
Sweet, tangy, and beautifully colorful, sangria is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. It is easy to make ahead, perfect for sharing, and guaranteed to bring a festive touch to any gathering.

Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine preferably dry
- 1/4 cup brandy or orange liqueur
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup orange juice freshly squeezed
- 1 orange sliced
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1 lime sliced
- 1 cup club soda optional, for fizz
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, and sugar. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
- Add the orange juice and the sliced fruits (orange, lemon, lime) to the mixture.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together.
- Before serving, add the club soda if desired for a bit of fizz.
- Serve in glasses over ice with a few pieces of fruit for garnish.
This sangria recipe is super easy and delicious! Perfect for summer parties. I made it for my friends and everyone loved it!
I’m glad it turned out well for you! Sangria is definitely a crowd pleaser. 🍹
Absolutely loved this! Perfect for summer parties. Will make again for sure!
This was alright but a bit too sweet for my taste. I think I prefer a more traditional recipe.
Sangria is my favorite drink! This recipe is a winner, I added strawberries too and it was so good.
Sounds fancy, but can I just use any wine? Doesn’t have to be dry, right?
I dunno about putting sugar in it, feels like it defeats the purpose. But my friends loved it.