If you’re looking for a simple and festive drink to serve at your holiday gathering, look no further than the classic red sangria. This delicious, fruity drink originally comes from Spain, where it’s a popular choice for warm weather and celebrations.
Whether you’re hosting a big party or a cozy get-together, this quick and tasty recipe is sure to be a hit.
Why Red Sangria Is a Holiday Hit
Red sangria is an ideal drink for your holiday gathering because it’s easy to make, refreshing, and full of festive flavors. You can prepare it ahead of time, so you won’t be stuck mixing drinks while your guests are having fun.
One of the best things about red sangria is its versatility. You can adjust it to suit your taste by adding more or less sweetness or even extra fruits like lemons or limes for a tangy twist.
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The red wine gives it a rich, deep flavor, and the combination of fruits and brandy adds a nice fruity sweetness. It’s also a drink that can be enjoyed by many—whether they like a light drink or something a bit stronger.
Not only is it delicious, but it’s visually appealing too. The bright, colorful fruit slices in the pitcher make it look festive and inviting. Red sangria is easy to share, and it’s a crowd-pleaser, so everyone at your gathering will enjoy it.
Tips for Perfecting Your Sangria Recipe
To make sure your sangria is as tasty as possible, here are some simple tips to help you get it just right.
1. Balance the Sweetness
Taste your sangria before serving. If it’s too tart or not sweet enough, you can add a little more sugar, orange juice, or brandy. Don’t be afraid to adjust until it fits your taste.
2. Let It Sit
After you mix everything together, let the sangria sit in the fridge for a few hours (or even overnight). This gives the flavors time to blend and develop, making it even more delicious.
3. Use Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit helps to bring out the flavors in your sangria. The fresher the fruit, the better the taste!
4. Try Different Fruits
While classic fruits like oranges and apples are great, feel free to experiment with other fruits like lemons, limes, or even pineapple for a fun twist.
5. Serve Over Ice
Serving your sangria over ice keeps it nice and chilled. Just make sure not to add too much ice, so it doesn’t water down the flavor too quickly.
6. Add Some Fizz
For a fizzy touch, you can add some soda water or lemon-lime soda right before serving. It adds a little extra bubble and makes the drink feel even more refreshing.
Serving Suggestions
When serving your classic red sangria, it’s best to pour it over ice to keep it cool and refreshing. Simply fill a glass with ice cubes and then pour the sangria right over them. The ice will keep it chilled and help bring out all the fruity flavors.
Also, pair your sangria with a variety of holiday snacks and appetizers. It goes wonderfully with cheeses, like sharp cheddar or brie, and crackers or bread.
You can also serve it alongside fresh fruits like grapes, strawberries, apples, pears, or sliced oranges to complement the sangria’s fruitiness. If you’re serving heavier dishes, like roast meats or spicy tapas, the sangria’s sweet and slightly tangy flavors will perfectly balance the richness of the food.
Classic Red Sangria
Equipment
- Large pitcher
- Muddling tool (such as a large wooden spoon)
- Knife and cutting board (for slicing fruit)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of Spanish red wine or any dry red wine
- 1/3 cup brandy
- 3/4 cup orange juice
- 3 tbsp sugar white or brown
- 1/2 orange sliced into small pieces
- 1/2 apple sliced into small pieces
Instructions
- Cut the fruit (with skin on) into small pieces and add to a large pitcher.
- Sprinkle in the sugar and muddle the fruit and sugar together using a large wooden spoon (or any muddling tool).
- Pour in the orange juice and brandy, then muddle again for about 30 seconds. Feel free to sip on the brandy while you muddle.
- Add the red wine and stir well. Taste to see if it’s sweet enough for your liking, and adjust with more sugar, brandy, or orange juice if desired.
- Serve over ice and garnish with fruit slices. For extra tang, add lemon or lime slices. Enjoy!
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Some images in this content were created/edited with the help of AI.
Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.