There’s nothing quite like a chilled glass of sangria to elevate any gathering. This classic cocktail is bursting with fruity flavors, making it the perfect drink for warm evenings, special celebrations, or simply unwinding at home.
Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just want a refreshing twist on your usual drink, try this recipe out.
Why Sangria Is the Perfect Cocktail
Sangria is more than just a drink—it’s a celebration of fresh ingredients and bold flavors. Originating in Spain, this beloved cocktail combines wine, citrus, and a hint of sweetness to create a balanced and refreshing experience.
The beauty of sangria lies in its versatility. You can customize it to your preference by selecting your favorite wine, fruits, and sweeteners.
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The combination of red, white, or rosé wine with fresh fruits and a splash of soda creates a light yet flavorful drink. Lemon and orange’s citrus notes bring brightness, while rum adds depth and complexity.
The result? A deliciously smooth and easy-to-drink cocktail that’s both satisfying and festive.
Tips for the Best Sangria
Creating the perfect sangria is all about balancing flavors and letting the ingredients blend harmoniously. Here are a few tips to take your cocktail-making skills to the next level:
- Choose the Right Wine: A dry red, white, or rosé works best. Avoid overly sweet wines since the added fruit and sugar provide natural sweetness.
- Let It Marinate: Allow the sangria to sit in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. This helps the flavors meld together and enhances the taste.
- Add a Sparkling Finish: Just before serving, add club soda or ginger ale for a refreshing fizz.
- Use Fresh Fruits: Fresh citrus, berries, apples, and stone fruits add layers of flavor and visual appeal.
- Chill Before Serving: Serve over ice for a crisp, cool experience.
How to Customize Your Sangria
One of the best things about sangria is how easily it can be customized to suit different preferences. Whether you prefer a classic version or a tropical-inspired twist, there are endless possibilities.
- For a sweeter sangria, add extra sugar or use fruit juices like orange or pineapple.
- For a bolder flavor, include a splash of brandy or flavored liqueur.
- For a lighter version, use sparkling water instead of soda.
Experiment with different wine varieties and fruit combinations to find your perfect mix.
The Perfect Cocktail for Any Occasion
Sangria isn’t just a summer drink—it’s a year-round favorite. Whether you’re planning a cozy winter gathering, a weekend brunch, or a casual get-together with friends, this cocktail fits any occasion.
It’s a crowd-pleaser that adds a festive touch to any event, making it a staple in any cocktail recipe collection.
From intimate dinners to lively parties, sangria is a drink that brings people together. Its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it a must-try for anyone who loves flavorful cocktails.
So grab your favorite wine, mix up a batch, and enjoy a glass of this classic, fruit-filled delight.
Sangria Cocktail Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 bottle dry red, white, or rosé wine, chilled
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1 orange sliced
- 2-4 tablespoons sugar adjust to taste
- ¾ cup white rum
- 2 cups club soda or ginger ale
- Fresh fruit as desired: sliced strawberries, kiwis, blueberries, blackberries, apples, pears, peaches, nectarines, plums, melon balls, oranges, grapes (fresh or frozen)
- Mint leaves optional
Variations:
Citrus Mint Sangria
- Use white wine and add fresh mint leaves along with a mix of citrus fruits.
Green Tea Sangria
- Substitute green tea for the soda and use white wine. If using unsweetened tea, add ¼ cup honey as a sweetener.
Winter Sangria
- Use red wine and add ¼ cup brandy, apple cider, and orange juice. Include apples, oranges, and pears, garnishing with cinnamon sticks and cloves.
Cucumber-Melon Sangria
- Replace the lemon and orange with a seedless, peeled cucumber. Use watermelon juice instead of soda and add melon balls.
Lemonade Sangria
- Use white wine and replace the soda with lemonade or pink lemonade.
Tropical Sangria
- Use white wine and reduce the soda to 1 cup. Add 1 cup pineapple juice, 1 cup orange juice, and ½ cup coconut rum. Include pineapple and mango chunks.
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, mash the lemon and orange slices gently to release their juices.
- Pour in the wine, sugar, and rum, stirring to combine.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least several hours or overnight for the flavors to meld.
- Before serving, add the club soda or ginger ale to the pitcher and stir.
- Pour into glasses filled with ice and garnish with fresh fruit and mint leaves.
Nancy has been a plant person from an early age. That interest blossomed into a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Nancy worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.