Just like they make in Spain, this Sangria Wine cocktail has red wine, brandy, and fresh fruit like oranges, apples, and pears. Make a large pitcher for your next party!
When I was in high school I spent time in Spain as an exchange student. There were many things I ate and drank for the first time during the months I was there. Being a kid from Iowa I had never before had raw oysters, figs, or artichokes—the figs I loved, the oysters not so much.
As a 16-year-old I had certainly never tried the multitude of red wine cocktails enjoyed by many Spaniards. The Kalimotxo (red wine and Coke) and Sangria are the ones I remember drinking most often. The Kalimotxo was what we had out at the club and Sangria was often enjoyed at home or in the cafe on a Sunday afternoon.
My host parents would order a pitcher of sangria and a few snacks at this little restaurant on the beach. (also the same place I tried that dreaded first oyster) and we would sit and relax and soak up the sun the way Spaniards are true experts at.
Now that party season is coming around again, I think it’s a great time to revisit sangria. It is the perfect punch to make for a party. The alcohol level is relatively low and the fruity flavors go great with lots of different appetizers from spicy marinated olives to salty chips.
What Is Sangria Made Of?
The classic red sangria recipe has a few simple ingredients and is really easy to make. All you need is wine, fresh fruit, brandy, an orange liqueur like triple sec, and some type of citrus flavored soda or sparkling water. There are many variations on this combination but for the true taste of an authentic Spanish sangria, stick to these simple flavors.
Ingredients
- Red wine. To keep it traditional choose a Spanish red wine like Garnacha (aka Grenache), Tempranillo, or Rioja wine.
- Brandy. Or a similar liquor like cognac.
- Apples. Use a sweeter variety of apple like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady.
- Pears. Make sure the pears are ripe but still firm so they don’t turn to mush.
- Oranges. Juicy Valencia oranges work great here.
- Sparkling water or club soda. I opted for orange-flavored sparkling water instead of an orange-flavored soda like San Pellegrino because I don’t like my sangria too sweet.
- Orange liqueur. I’m using Cointreau.
How To Make This Recipe
step one
Combine wine and liquors. Pour wine into a pitcher. Add brandy and Cointreau.
step two
Add fruits. Stir in apples, pears, and oranges. Cover and refrigerate until cold, at least an hour.
step three
Serve! Take out of the fridge, add sparkling water. Spoon some fruit into each glass, add ice and pour sangria over the ice.
What Other Kinds Of Fruit Can I Use?
This is a very basic recipe that can be spun in a million different directions. You can use a lot of different fruits, the best is whatever is in season. Like strawberries in the spring, peaches and berries in the summer, grapes and figs in the fall, and more citrus like lemons and limes in the winter.
Sangria FAQ’s
I’d like to add spices. What should I use? Stick to warm spices that are large enough no one is going to swallow them like cinnamon sticks and star anise.
Can I use other kinds of wine? Sure! Use white wine or rosé that works, especially in the hot summer months. If you can’t find the Spanish varietals try using Pinot Noir or Cabernet Sauvignon.
If You Like This Recipe, Try:
- Apple Blackberry Hard Cider Sangria
- Sangria Marinated Shrimp Skewers
- How To Make A DIY Chambord Sangria Bar
- The Best Paloma Recipe
- Spicy Raspberry Margarita
- Cucumber Mezcal Margarita
- Super Easy Spicy Margarita
Classic Sangria Wine Cocktail
Just like they make it in Spain, this Sangria Wine cocktail has red wine, brandy, and fresh fruit like oranges, apples, and pears. Make a large pitcher for your next party!
Ingredients
- 1 (750ml) bottle Spanish red wine like Garnacha, Tempranillo, or Rioja
- 1/2 cup brandy or cognac
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur like Cointreau
- 1 sweet apple, thinly sliced
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 pear, thinly sliced, plus a few more slices for garnish
- 1 cup cold orange-flavored sparkling water
Instructions
- Mix. Combine wine, brandy, and Cointreau in a large pitcher.
- Add fruit. Add fruit and stir. Cover and chill until cold, at least an hour and up to overnight.
- Add water and serve. Stir in sparkling water. Spoon some fruit into the bottom of each glass, add ice, pour sangria over the top and serve. I like to slice another pear super thin and fan a few slices into each glass for garnish.
Notes
- Make-ahead instructions: You can mix the sangria through step two up to a day in advance and keep cold in the fridge until you are ready to serve. Add the sparking water just before serving.
- Adjusting sweetness: I think the Cointreau and fruit add plenty of sweetness to the sangria but if you'd like it sweeter, use orange-flavored soda like San Pellegrino instead of the sparkling water or stir in a couple tablespoons of sugar. Make sure to stir well so the sugar completely dissolves.
- Adding juice. Many Spanish recipes call for orange juice. Add 1 cup of (ideally fresh-squeezed) orange juice if you'd like.
- Chopping the fruit. I think the fruit is prettier when thinly sliced but it is more traditional to chop it into bite-sized pieces so it is easier to eat—yes, you are supposed to eat the fruit.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 142Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 5gFiber: 0gSugar: 4gProtein: 0g
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