Classic Spanish Sangria: A Refreshing Wine Punch Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle (750 ml) of red wine
  • 1/4 cup of brandy
  • 1/4 cup of orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice
  • 1/3 cup of white sugar
  • 1/2 orange, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 apple, cored and diced
  • 1 cup of strawberries, hulled and halved
  • 1 (750 ml) bottle of sparkling water or club soda, chilled

Steps and instructions

  1. In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar. Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
  2. Add the sliced orange, lemon, diced apple, and halved strawberries into the pitcher.
  3. Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and let it sit for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible, to allow the flavors to blend.
  4. Before serving, top the sangria off with chilled sparkling water or club soda.
  5. Stir gently to combine, then serve the sangria over ice in glasses, making sure to get some fruit into each glass.

Tools for making

  • Large pitcher - Used to mix and store the sangria.
  • Knife - To slice the oranges, lemons, and apple.
  • Cutting board - Provides a flat surface for cutting the fruits.
  • Measuring cup - For accurate measurement of brandy, orange juice, and lemon juice.
  • Tablespoon - To measure the sugar and lemon juice.
  • Serving glasses - Where the sangria will be served.
  • Ice cubes - To chill the sangria and keep it refreshing.

Recipe variations

  • Use white wine instead of red wine for a lighter and fruitier sangria.
  • Add a splash of rum or vodka for an extra kick.
  • Experiment with different fruits such as peaches, mangoes, or melons.
  • Add a handful of fresh mint leaves or basil leaves for a refreshing twist.
  • Replace the sugar with honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetener.
  • Try using sparkling wine or champagne instead of sparkling water for a bubbly sangria.
  • Add a cinnamon stick or a few cloves for a warm and spiced flavor.
  • For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the wine and brandy with grape juice and apple juice.
  • Adjust the sweetness by adding more or less sugar, based on personal preference.
  • Garnish each glass with a sprig of rosemary or a twist of citrus peel for an elegant presentation.

Recipe overview

Welcome to our Sangria recipe! This refreshing beverage, known for its vibrant fruit flavors and fun serving style, hails from Spain and is a favorite at gatherings and parties worldwide. The mix of red wine with brandy and fresh, ripe fruits gives it a perfect balance of sweet and tart. In this recipe, we'll guide you through an easy, step-by-step process to create your own Sangria at home. Expect a delectable concoction of wine-soaked fruits and a splash of sparkle from club soda. The longer it chills, the more the flavors meld together, resulting in a fruity, boozy, and wonderfully refreshing drink. Let's get started!

Common questions

  1. Can I use white wine instead of red wine for this sangria?
    Yes, you can use white wine instead of red wine if you prefer a lighter sangria. Adjust the other ingredients accordingly to complement the white wine.
  2. Is it necessary to refrigerate the sangria before serving?
    Yes, it is recommended to refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours, or overnight if possible. This allows the flavors to blend and develop, resulting in a more flavorful sangria.
  3. Can I substitute the sparkling water or club soda with another carbonated beverage?
    Yes, you can substitute the sparkling water or club soda with lemon-lime soda or ginger ale if you prefer a sweeter and more bubbly sangria.
  4. Can I add other fruits to the sangria?
    Absolutely! Sangria is a versatile drink, and you can add your favorite fruits such as peaches, pineapples, or grapes to enhance the flavor and customize it to your taste.
  5. Can I make the sangria ahead of time?
    Yes, you can make the sangria ahead of time. Prepare the sangria and refrigerate it without adding the sparkling water or club soda. Add the carbonated beverage just before serving to maintain its fizziness.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Pitcher - A large pitcher is needed to mix and store the sangria.
  • Stirring Spoon - A long-handled spoon for stirring the ingredients together.
  • Knife - To thinly slice the oranges and lemons.
  • Cutting Board - To safely cut the fruit.
  • Apple Corer - To easily remove the core from the apple.
  • Ice - To serve the sangria over ice in glasses.
  • Glasses - Serve the sangria in glasses.

Origin stories

Sangria, a punch that originated in Spain, has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages when water was often unsafe to drink. People began to mix it with alcohol to kill off bacteria, and it wasn't long before fruits were added to the concoction for flavor. The Romans, with their vast vineyards, played a significant role in the evolution of this beverage. As they moved across the regions, they planted vineyards and red wine became a popular base for Sangria. The word "sangria" itself comes from "sangre", meaning blood, referring to the drink's deep red color. Traditionally consumed at festive occasions, sangria is now enjoyed around the world, any time a touch of Spanish celebration is in order.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.