Traditional Spanish Sangria

🕒 Prep: 10 min
🔥 Cook:
🍽 Serves: 8

Traditional Spanish Sangria is a delightful, refreshing drink that perfectly captures the essence of a sunny afternoon in Spain. It's a vibrant mix of fruits and wine that’s sure to add a festive touch to any gathering.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Easy to make and perfect for a crowd.
  • Infinitely adaptable with your favorite fruits.
  • A fun way to enjoy wine with a fruity twist.
  • Chill it ahead of time for easy serving.

Ingredients

1 bottle red wine (750ml)
1/4 cup brandy
1/4 cup orange liqueur
1/4 cup sugar
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
1 lime, sliced
1 apple, cored and diced
1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced
2 cups club soda

Step-by-step Instructions

Start by grabbing a large pitcher. Pour in the red wine, brandy, and orange liqueur. Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves completely—this is key for ensuring a smooth drink. Next, slice your orange, lemon, and lime and toss them into the pitcher. Core and dice the apple, and hull and slice the strawberries, adding them to the mix as well.

Once all your fruits are in, cover the pitcher and refrigerate it for at least two hours. This resting time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. When you're about ready to serve, take the pitcher out, pour in the club soda, and give it a gentle stir. Serve the sangria over ice to keep it refreshingly cool.

Tips & Tricks

  • Chill the pitcher and glasses beforehand to keep the sangria cold longer.
  • Experiment with different fruits like peaches or raspberries for a seasonal touch.
  • Adjust the sugar to taste depending on your preferred sweetness level.

Serving Suggestions

Serve your traditional Spanish sangria in clear glasses to showcase the vibrant colors. Pair it with tapas like olives, cheese, and cured meats for a true Spanish experience. It’s also fantastic with grilled seafood or a light salad to keep things fresh and summery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make sangria ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it up to 24 hours in advance. Just wait to add the club soda until right before serving.
What type of wine should I use?
Choose a dry red wine like Tempranillo or Garnacha for an authentic taste.
Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Absolutely! Use grape juice instead of wine and skip the brandy and liqueur.

Ingredients Explained

Red wine forms the base of our sangria. Choose a dry, robust wine to balance the sweetness of the fruits and sugars. Brandy adds depth and a touch of warmth, while orange liqueur brings a citrusy brightness to the mix. A bit of sugar sweetens the deal, complementing the natural sweetness of the fruits. Speaking of fruits, orange, lemon, and lime slices provide fresh, zesty flavors. The apple adds a crisp texture, and strawberries infuse the sangria with a beautiful aroma and color. Finally, club soda gives it a refreshing fizz right before serving.

Simplified Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and sugar.
2. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
3. Add the orange, lemon, lime slices, diced apple, and sliced strawberries.
4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld together.
5. Just before serving, add the club soda and stir gently.
6. Serve over ice and enjoy.

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