Sangria is the ultimate big-batch wine cocktail that is perfect for sharing and sipping to beat the summer heat. Fresh fruit, orange juice, brandy, a bottle of red wine, and just a touch of sugar come together to make a seriously refreshing drink! Just mix everything in a pitcher for easy serving, then kick back and relax with a sangria in hand!
Fruity Sangria Pitcher Recipe
Whether you're hosting a backyard cookout or just looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy on a lazy afternoon, this red wine sangria is a perfect choice. I like to use a mix of fresh fruit, including oranges, lemons, and apples, along with a touch of brandy to give it a little extra kick!
A splash of orange juice and a sugar touch adds the perfect sweetness to tie everything together. So, grab a pitcher and a bottle of your favorite red wine, and get ready to mix up a batch of this fruity and flavorful drink!
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🌎 Origin
Sangria is a popular wine-based punch that originated in Spain. The word "sangria" comes from the Spanish word "sangre," which translates to "blood." This refers to the dark red color from using red wine.
The history of sangria can be traced back to Roman times. As the Romans conquered the Iberian Peninsula, they planted vineyards in the region, and the locals began experimenting with wine-based concoctions. These early versions of sangria likely included wine, water, and various fruits and spices.
Over time, the recipe for sangria evolved, incorporating local and seasonal fruits and various types of alcohol like brandy. Sangria gained popularity in the United States after it was showcased at the 1964 New York World's Fair, and since then, it has become a favorite summertime beverage worldwide!
🍹 Sangria Ingredients
You only need a handful of ingredients to make a truly delicious sangria. Play around with using different fruits to find a flavor combination that works for you!
- Sugar - 2 tablespoons of sugar (or 3 tablespoons of simple syrup).
- Orange - 1 orange (sliced).
- Lemon - 1 large lemon (sliced).
- Apple - 1 large apple (cored and diced).
- Orange Juice - ½ cup of orange juice without pulp.
- Brandy - ½ cup of brandy.
- Red Wine - 1 bottle of red wine (dry red wine like Rioja, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot).
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🍸 How To Make Sangria
One of the many reasons to love sangria is how easy it is to make! Grab knife and cutting board, a large pitcher, a wooden spoon, and your home bar kit or measuring utensils to get started.
- Add fruit and sugar. Add 2 tablespoons of sugar to a large pitcher, followed by 1 sliced orange, 1 sliced lemon, and 1 diced apple.
- Muddle. Use a wooden spoon or muddler to muddle the fruit and sugar for 30 seconds, then pour in ½ cup of orange juice and ½ cup of brandy, then muddle for another 15-30 seconds.
- Stir in red wine. Finally, pour in 1 bottle of red wine and stir to combine.
- Serve. Serve in a stemmed wine glass over ice with an orange wheel for garnish, if desired.
Sangria is the perfect summertime drink for cookouts, pool parties, or any other celebration that calls for a little alcohol. If you're having a larger get-together, just whip up a few more pitchers! Enjoy!
🥂 Cocktail Tips & Variations
- Choose a wine you enjoy drinking on its own. The wine's flavor will be the base for your sangria, so picking a good quality wine will greatly enhance the final result.
- You can also add up to 1 cup of mixed berries (sliced strawberries, raspberries, and/or blueberries) to give your sangria more color and fruity flavor.
- Experiment with different fruits to find the combination you love the most. Peaches, pineapple, and pears can also be used, depending on the season and your preference.
- Though not essential, if you have time to chill your sangria in the fridge for an hour or two, it really gives the flavors time to meld together!
- You can use up to ¾ cup of brandy if you prefer a stronger sangria. On the same note, you can omit the brandy completely if you prefer just wine.
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace the wine with grape juice and skip the brandy.
🍲 Foods To Serve With
Sangria is refreshing and fruity, so it makes a wonderful contrast to smoky, salty, or spicy foods. It also pairs well with earthy cheeses like Stilton, muenster, or Roquefort, so a charcuterie board is always a great choice too!
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❓ Recipe FAQs
Sangria can be made in advance, which makes it a great option for parties or gatherings! It's best to let the flavors meld for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, but you can make even make it a day or two in advance.
Yes, non-alcoholic sangria is still just as tasty! All you have to do is swap out the wine for grape juice and leave out the brandy. You can even add a bit of sparkling water to give it some bubbles!
Sangria is traditionally served cold over ice. However, hot versions of sangria also exist, particularly in colder months or in places with colder climates. Warm sangria is often enjoyed around Christmastime!
🍷 More Tasty Cocktails
- White Lady Cocktail - Sip on a luxurious and elegant blend of gin, Cointreau, and lemon juice with this sophisticated cocktail!
- Sidecar - Savor the rich and tangy flavors of brandy, triple sec, and lemon juice in this classic cocktail.
- Old Fashioned - This classic cocktail is sure to satisfy with its warm and comforting blend of bourbon, bitters, and a hint of sweetness.
- Whiskey Sour - Pucker up and enjoy the perfect balance of sweet and sour in this classic cocktail made with whiskey, lemon juice, and simple syrup!
- Sea Breeze Cocktail - Transport yourself to a tropical paradise with the refreshing blend of vodka, cranberry juice, and grapefruit juice.
- Lemon Drop Martini - This sweet and sour cocktail features the bright and zesty flavors of lemon juice and vodka, garnished with a sugary rim.
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📖 Recipe Card
Sangria
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon sugar (or 3 tablespoons of simple syrup)
- 1 orange (sliced)
- 1 large lemon (sliced)
- 1 large apple (cored and diced)
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup brandy
- 1 bottle red wine (dry red wine like Rioja, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot)
Instructions
- Add the sugar to a large pitcher, followed by the sliced oranges, lemons, and diced apples.
- Use a wooden spoon or muddler to muddle the fruit and sugar for 30 seconds, then pour in the orange juice and brandy, then muddle for another 15-30 seconds.
- Finally, pour in the red wine and stir to combine.
- Serve in a stemmed wine glass over ice with an orange wheel for garnish, if desired.
Notes
- Choose a wine you enjoy drinking on its own. The wine's flavor will be the base for your sangria, so picking a good quality wine will greatly enhance the final result.
- You can also add up to 1 cup of mixed berries (sliced strawberries, raspberries, and/or blueberries) to give your sangria more color and fruity flavor.
- Experiment with different fruits to find the combination you love the most. Peaches, pineapple, and pears can also be used, depending on the season and your preference.
- Though not essential, if you have time to chill your sangria in the fridge for an hour or two, it really gives the flavors time to meld together!
- You can use up to ¾ cup of brandy if you prefer a stronger sangria. On the same note, you can omit the brandy completely if you prefer just wine.
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace the wine with grape juice and skip the brandy.
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