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Best Sangria (Which Ingredients and Wine to Use)

This is everyone’s favorite Sangria for a reason.  It boasts a gorgeous deep red hue with plenty of fresh fruits. This make-ahead recipe allows you to relax and enjoy your gathering.

Red Sangria in pitcher and glass
Sangria is a fun, versatile, and delicious drink

What is Sangria?

Common in Spain and Portugal, Sangria is typically a beautiful dark red beverage that consists of red wine, sweeteners, additional spirits, and a mixture of freshly chopped fruits. It’s a favorite drink served in restaurants and gatherings throughout the year.

Sangria recipes vary quite a bit by the region, which is the reason there are a plethora of sangria ingredients that can be used. A red wine (typically Rioja) is the base of a traditional sangria, though white sangria recipes are now common as well.

It’s not hard to get why sangria is one of the most popular drinks in the Spanish cuisine; it’s extremely fun, versatile, and just 100% delicious. Nobody will complain when you pour them a glass of the best Sangria they’ve ever tasted.

red sangria in glasses with fresh fruits
Sangria showcases seasonal fresh fruits

sangria ingredients

This Sangria comes after much taste testing and sharpening to perfection. We’ve added, subtracted, and experimented. The result is this tasty, fruity, and refreshing Sangria that people can’t get enough of.

The ratios of sweeteners, juice, and liquor should remain consistent in this recipe.  The fresh fruit, you can freely experiment with, aiming for what’s in season.

  • Citrus: sliced rounds of lemon, orange, and lime are not only pretty, but lend wonderfully bright flavors to your punch. Do remove the seeds prior to using.
  • Spirits: orange-based liquors are common in sangria. A mixture of brandy (cognac) and Cointreau (triple sec) brings fabulous flavors. If you only have one kind of orange liquor, you can just use the one, if you prefer.
  • Wine: a bottle of dry red wine is the basis of this cocktail – details on this below.
  • Juices: a combination of pure orange and lemon juices enliven this festive punch and provide sweetness; stay away from artificial juices.
  • Fruits: strawberries, apples, oranges are an ideal combination for color, texture, and flavor. You can also use other fruit such as pineapples or peaches. These should be added just before serving.
  • Soda: for that bit of festive fizz, top off the sangria with lemon-lime soda. Sparkling water is also an option, though it’ll be less sweet and tends to be less bubbly.
Red Sangria in glasses with fresh fruit
Use a fruity, jammy, easy drinking red wine

Type of Wine

Here’s an occasion where you absolutely do not have to spend much for a red wine that works. Because sangria is infused with other spirits and juices, you can get away with an inexpensive red wine. Use an affordable red wine that you enjoy drinking on its own.

Rule of Thumb: if the red wine is fruity and tastes great by itself, then that’s the one to use. The key is fruity and low in tannins…nothing bitter nor astringent. (As a general rule, never cook or mix anything with a wine you don’t actually like.)

Examples of Wines to Use:

  • Garnacha/Grenache reds are typically ripe and fruity
  • Malbec is an Argentinian wine that tends to be deep red, fruity, and easy-drinking
  • Merlot is an easy-to-find option that’s generally soft and fruity
  • Tempranillo is a full bodied Rioja that works well in red Sangria
Red Sangria Chopped Fruit Ingredients
Fresh fruit adds color, texture, and flavor

Commonly Asked Questions

What is Sangria?

Sangria is a popular alcoholic beverage originating from Spain. It is typically made by combining red or white wine with chopped fruits, sweeteners, and a splash of brandy.

Can I make sangria with non-alcoholic wine?

Yes, you can make a non-alcoholic version of sangria by using non-alcoholic or dealcoholized wine. Simply substitute the alcoholic wine with your preferred non-alcoholic alternative, and proceed with the recipe as usual. Keep in mind that the taste might be different compared to traditional sangria, though it should still be delicious.

What fruits are commonly used in sangria?

Sangria typically includes a variety of fruits to add flavor and a refreshing touch. Common fruits used in sangria are oranges, lemons, limes, apples, berries (such as strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries), or peaches. Feel free to experiment with different fruits based on your preference and seasonal availability. We love keeping it simple, too!

Can I make sangria in advance?

Yes, sangria is often prepared in advance to allow the flavors to meld together. It is recommended to let the sangria sit in the refrigerator for at least a few hours or overnight to allow the fruits and other ingredients to infuse into the wine. This enhances the overall flavor and makes it more intensely fruity!

More to Enjoy

try this easy Strawberry frosé, too


Did you make this?

Please give us a rating and comment below. We love hearing from you!

Red Sangria in pitcher and glass

The Best Sangria

5 from 57 ratings
This is The Best Sangria for good reason. It is a perfection blend of juices, fruits, and wine. The liquids and citrus can be mixed up the night before and chilled overnight for best infused flavor. Add chopped fruits the day you’re serving.
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 10 servings
Author: Amy Dong

Ingredients  

  • 1 lemon, sliced into rounds with seeds removed
  • 1 orange, sliced into rounds with seeds removed
  • 1 lime, sliced into rounds with seeds removed
  • ½ cup Cognac, brandy
  • ½ cup Cointreau, triple sec
  • 1 bottle dry red wine
  • cup orange juice, pulp-free
  • ¼ cup lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • cup frozen lemonade concentrate
  • Chopped fruits: Strawberries, apples, oranges (add just before serving)
  • 2 cups lemon-lime soda, add just before serving

Instructions

  • Combine: In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine all ingredients (except for lemon-lime soda and chopped fruits). Stir well to incorporate and chill in fridge overnight.
  • Fruit: About an hour or two before serving, add desired amount of chopped fruit.
  • Soda: Right before serving, add the lemon-lime soda.
  • Garnish: Reserve some chopped fruit in a dish as garnish, for guests to add into their drinks as they wish.

Notes

  • Though chilling overnight results in the most complex flavors, you can chill sangria for a minimum of 4 hours. 
  • Feel free to use various seasonal fruits, such as pineapple, pear, or peaches. 
  • If you enjoyed this recipe, please come back and give it a rating ♡

Nutrition (per serving)

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 188kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.03g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 121mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 17g | Vitamin A: 71IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 16mg | Iron: 0.2mg
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Spanish
Diet: Vegetarian
Method: Mixing

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Recipe Rating




18 comments

    • Melissa Beachy
    • 5 stars

    Fantastic flavor! This will be my to go to recipe from now on. Thank you for sharing!

      • Amy Dong

      Yay! So glad you loved it.

    • Mary Ann
    • 5 stars

    Delish!
    Great recipe -thank you!
    Can I ask where you bought your glasses?
    Love those too!
    Thanks!
    Mary Ann

      • chewoutloud

      You’re so welcome, Mary Ann!

    • Jen
    • 5 stars

    I love sangria. This recipe is just in time for the summer. I am adding it to my summer BBQ menu!

    • Ramona
    • 5 stars

    This sangria looks super delicious and very refreshing! I have been meaning to make sangria for the summer and my time has finally come. Thank you for sharing this recipe, I will definitely be making this!

    • amycaseycooks
    • 5 stars

    Summer is here when I whip up a batch of sangria, I know it’s summertime! Thanks for a new recipe to try. It looks delicious 🙂

    • Cathleen
    • 5 stars

    I love a good sangria, but I have yet to make it myself at home. This looks perfect, bookmarked to make later today 🙂

    • Tania
    • 5 stars

    You have me inspired to make Sangria tonight! I always have these ingredients on hand. Can’t wait to try this.
    Thank you!

    • Enriqueta E Lemoine
    • 5 stars

    Yours is one of the best homemade sangrias I ever had! Love your pictures. Well done!

    • Lori | The Kitchen Whisperer
    • 5 stars

    Oh YUM! This is amazing!!! Thank you so much for sharing! The pictures are amazing! This is a must-make for our next gathering and bbq!

    • Ksenia
    • 5 stars

    As soon as the weather improves, sangria makes constant appearances on my lunch table. I can’t wait to try your version for Mother’s Day this weekend!

    • Heidy
    • 5 stars

    This Sangria recipe was so refreshing and delish! There’s nothing like a great recipe for a cold Sangria on a hot Florida day! Saving to make again.

      • chewoutloud

      Thank you, Heidy 🙂

    • Jenny
    • 5 stars

    We love sangria and rarely make it. I could not resist your recipe. We had some last night, and it was delicious and lovely. We will be making it again for sure; we are big fans now! Thanks so much for this recipe.

      • chewoutloud

      YAY, Jenny! 🙂

    • Allyssa
    • 5 stars

    Thanks a lot for this genius idea! Loved it! Will surely make it again!

    • veenaazmanov
    • 5 stars

    Citrus fruits and juices make me feel good. This is so yum and perfect for Summers. Fruits sounds healthy and this drink is a perfect start to an awesome evening.

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