This classic Red Sangria Recipe is only takes about 10 minutes to make and is the perfect summer cocktail. This is a recipe you must have in your back pocket.
There is no time I enjoy entertaining more than summer. The sunshine puts everyone in a great mood, and everyone can spread out from indoor spaces to outdoor. I love when summer parties stretch on because everyone is having such a great time.
The perfect cocktail for celebrating just about anything in the summer is this great Red Sangria recipe. Sangria is the natural fit for a party because it is meant to be made before and brought out right as guests arrive.
This simple recipe for red sangria requires only about 10 minutes of hands on time for cutting up an orange and an apple and mixing a few things together. Not overly sweet, and with just the right amount of wine and brandy, this simple sangria recipe is going to become a staple for all your summer get togethers.
How to Make Sangria with Red Wine
One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is. You only need a few ingredients, and the most time intensive part is the slicing of the fruit. For the full recipe with all of the measurements, see the recipe card in the bottom of the post.
- Red Wine: Read my recommendations below.
- Brandy: The flavors in brandy pair really naturally with red wine. If you are looking to use a different liquor, you might want to consider dark rum.
- Cointreau: Adds a subtle sweet orange flavor with a little bit of alcohol. It is the fancier version of Triple Sec, and both can be used.
- Orange Juice: This both stretches the sangria out and sweetens it a little while adding some great orange flavor.
- Fruit: We are using oranges, apples, and raspberries in this recipe. There are lots of great fruit that you could add though, see some of my recommendations below. Consider adding the berries at the end, as they will hold their shape better that way.
After you mix everything together, you will want to let it sit for a few hours in the refrigerator. I like making this recipe the night before so it can sit overnight.
I like to put out a bottle of lemon lime soda with the sangria. Adding just a small splash to the top of my glass takes this from a great recipe to a fantastic one. It adds just the perfect balance to the drink.
Fruit for Sangria
As mentioned above, we are using a mixture of apples, oranges, and raspberries. But the sky is really the limit when it comes to what fruit you can add. Some other suggestions are:
- Blueberries
- Peaches
- Apricots
- Strawberries
- Blackberries
- Pears
Best Red Wine for Sangria
There are a few things you want to consider when buying a bottle of red wine to make sangria. The first is cost. My humble opinion is that when you are making sangria – or cooking with wine in general – you do not need to break the bank. Pick a bottle of wine that you enjoy, but try to stick to the less expensive bottles, this isn’t a time to go with a high end aged wine.
Traditionally, sangria, being a recipe of Spanish origin is made with a Spanish red wine, such as a Garancha (or Grenache) or a Rioja. I love using Cabernet Sauvignon in this wine because it is so easy to find and I often have a bottle on hand.
Cabernet Sauvignon is known for it’s subtle fruity taste, which lends itself perfectly to sangria. It is not overly dry, which also makes it perfect for this slightly sweet fruity sangria.
What is most important is that you pick a red wine that you love on it’s own. That way you will really love it in this sangria recipe.
Cointreau vs. Triple Sec
Cointreau is an orange liqueur that adds the perfect flavor to red sangria. It is my preference both for red sangria recipes and for margaritas. That said, it is a slightly expensive bottle, and triple sec isn’t. Triple Sec will absolutely work in this recipe, so if the price tag on Cointreau will stop you from making this recipe, use Triple Sec instead.
Tips and Tricks for Red Sangria
- As mentioned above, pick a wine you really love.
- If you don’t like brandy, substitute with rum. My preference would be dark rum or even a spiced dark rum.
- Serve with lemon lime soda. This will help guests sweeten it up if they need to, and the added carbonation is great here.
- Alternatively, serve with club soda.
- Double the batch, but not the fruit. This recipe makes nine 6 ounce glasses of sangria. If you are serving a big group, consider doubling the recipe. Double all of the liquid. If you want to keep the same amount of fruit it will still be delicious.
How to Serve Red Sangria
Traditionally, you serve red sangria at room temperature, just like you serve red wine. I personally think, as this is such a great summer recipe, that it is delicious served cold. I even have been known to throw some ice cubes in my glass on an extra hot day.
Stemless Wine Glasses
FAQ
Traditionally, red wine sangria is made of red wine, alcohol (like brandy), juice, and fresh fruit.
Traditionally, a Spanish wine is used to make sangria. But this recipe has evolved over time and can be made using any sort of wine you like – even white for a White Sangria. I like using Cabernet Sauvignon to make red sangria.
Typically sangria is on the sweeter side. You can certainly make it more dry by leaving out the orange juice, or sweeter by adding simple syrup and/or soda at the end.
I love this sangria after about 8 hours of the fruit soaking and everything mixing together. I do not recommend serving it after 48 hours, because the rinds of the oranges break down too much.
Sangria Recipes
One of my favorite things about sangria is once you have the basic red sangria recipe down you can throw together so many different flavor combos. Essentially, you just need a bottle of wine, some liquor, and fruit. If you love this red sangria recipe, you will also love my white sangria.
Red Sangria Recipes
White Sangria Recipes
Most Popular Sangria Recipes
I have a few sangria recipes that are some of my most popular recipes. You will love them!
- This Pina Colada Sangria is only three ingredients and everyone loves it!
- My Tropical Margarita Sangria is a combination of two favorite cocktails.
- This Caramel Apple Sangria goes nuts every fall, but I love it all year round!
If you make this red wine sangria recipe or any of my other recipes, leave me a comment and let me know what you think! I love hearing from you.
Red Sangria
Ingredients
- 750 ml Cabernet Sauvignon
- 1/2 cup Brandy
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup triple sec or Cointreau
- 1 orange cut into chunks
- 1 green apple cut into chunks
- 1/2 cup raspberries
- lemon lime soda (like Sprite or 7UP) optional
Instructions
- Add the fruit to a large pitcher (see note). Pour in the orange juice, brandy, and triple sec.
- Top with wine and stir to combine.
- Let the sangria sit a few hours or overnight before serving. I do not recommend letting this sit for more than 48 hours.
- Serve and top with lemon lime soda if desired.
Notes
Lori says
I have made sangria before and will definitely try this one. My question is what causes the sangria to go cloudy? It tastes fine but is less appealing. Thanks
The pulp from the fruit. It’s just kind of the nature of sangria.
Pam Paradiso says
Thank you for your recipes and narrative; they are very helpful! I’m new to your site — I am hosting a huge celebration of life and want to serve sangria. Have you ever started with a wine that is ‘already’ a Sangria? Like Carlo Rossi bottles / Peter Vella boxes……
I haven’t. I just love this recipe so much as written that I probably wouldn’t switch up that element of it.
Nellie says
I made this tonight for an impromptu get together. Super easy to make. I made it with what I had on hand and hoped for the best.
I could have been more pleased. I make it with bourbon, and blue curaçao because that is what I had. I used a red wine blend for the wine choice. For fruit I used oranges, honey crisp apples, apricots, and raspberries.
I did follow the notes about adding raspberries in just before serving and I loved the beverage topped off with lemon lime soda! Just enough sweet but not overwhelming sweetness!
Delicious beverage and would definitely make again!