Traditional Sangria

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 6
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Sangria is the quintessential summer drink that brings a burst of fruity flavors to any gathering. This traditional recipe combines the richness of dry red wine with fresh citrus and a hint of sweetness, making it perfect for a relaxing afternoon or a lively party.

Ingredients for Traditional Sangria

The foundation of our sangria is a bottle of dry red wine. It brings depth and richness, serving as the perfect base for our fruity concoction. Brandy complements the wine with a warm, mellow flavor, while orange liqueur adds a touch of citrusy sweetness. Granulated sugar is used to balance the tartness of the fruit and enhance the overall sweetness. For the fruit, orange slices add a sunny brightness, lemon slices bring a zesty tang, lime slices offer a refreshing bite, and diced apple adds a crisp sweetness. We’ll finish with a splash of club soda for a little fizz and serve it all over ice cubes to keep it refreshingly cool.

Tips & Tricks

  • Choose a wine you enjoy drinking alone; it forms the backbone of your sangria.
  • For a stronger fruit flavor, let the sangria sit overnight in the fridge.
  • If you prefer a sweeter sangria, add more sugar or use a sweet wine.

Serving Suggestions

Sangria pairs beautifully with a wide range of foods. Try serving it with grilled meats, tapas, or a simple cheese platter. It’s also delightful alongside a casual barbecue or picnic spread. For a themed party, consider pairing it with Spanish-inspired dishes like paella or patatas bravas.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of wine?
Absolutely! While dry red wine is traditional, you can experiment with white or rosé for a different twist.
How long can I keep sangria in the fridge?
It’s best enjoyed within 48 hours, but it can last up to three days. The flavors will continue to develop over time.

Traditional Sangria Recipe Walkthrough

Start by grabbing a large pitcher, which will be your mixing vessel for this delightful drink. Pour in the red wine, brandy, and orange liqueur. Once those are in, add the granulated sugar and stir well until the sugar has dissolved completely. This might take a minute, but it's worth the effort for a smooth drink.

Next, it's time to introduce the stars of the show: the fruits. Drop in the orange, lemon, and lime slices, followed by the diced apple. Give everything a gentle stir to mix the fruits with the wine and spirits.

Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 2 hours — this waiting time allows the flavors to develop and meld together beautifully.

Just before you’re ready to serve, add the club soda. Stir gently so you don’t lose the bubbles, and your sangria is ready to be poured over a glass of ice cubes. If you like, garnish each serving with additional fruit slices for a colorful presentation.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to prepare with just a handful of ingredients.
  • Perfect for making ahead — flavors only get better with time.
  • A crowd-pleaser that suits any occasion, from casual to festive.
  • Customizable to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

Ingredients

1 bottle of dry red wine (750 ml)
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup orange liqueur
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 lime, sliced
1 apple, cored and diced
1 cup club soda
Ice cubes

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and granulated sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add the orange, lemon, lime slices, and the diced apple to the mixture in the pitcher.
3. Allow the mixture to chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
4. Before serving, add the club soda and stir gently to combine.
5. Serve the Sangria over ice cubes in glasses, garnishing with additional fruit slices if desired.

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