Sangria is a beloved classic drink that has its origin in Spain. When it first emerged, it gained international recognition during the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City as a refreshing Spain alcoholic beverage everyone enjoyed.
The drinks’ basis evolved from mixing wine with additional flavors like fruits and spices. This practice came first in Rome and then spread across Europe. The version of Sangria that we know today is traced back to Spain. Its name comes from the word “sangre” in Spain, which means blood – a metaphor for the deep red color of the drink.
The first recipe is a combination of red wine, water, and sweetness from sugar or honey. Flavoring fruits to add can be oranges, lemons, and apples. Some bartenders add spices like cinnamon and cloves to enhance a more complex taste.
Today, the Sangria recipe has many variations to suit region and personal preference. For example, in the northern areas of Spain, the white Sangria, made with white wine, is more popular than the ones that use red wine. The article below will show you how to make this delightful drink!
Sangria Recipe

Sangria Recipe
Equipment
- Large pitcher
- Stirring Spoon
- Measuring cups
Ingredients
- 1 Bottle 750 ml of red wine
- 1/4 cup Brandy optional
- 1/4 cup Orange liqueur
- 1/4 cup Sugar adjust to taste
- 1 Orange
- 1 Lemon
- 1 Lime
- 1 Apple
- 1/2 cup Fresh orange juice 2-3 oranges
- 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice 1-2 lemons
- Ice cubes
- Soda water or sparkling water optional
Instructions
- Mix the red wine, brandy, and orange liqueur in a large pitcher. Next, add the sugar and use a spoon to stir it until dissolved.1 Bottle, 1/4 cup Brandy, 1/4 cup Orange liqueur, 1/4 cup Sugar
- Put the sliced oranges, lemons, limes, and apples in the pitcher. To extract the juice's natural tastes, gently muddle it.1 Orange, 1 Lemon, 1 Lime, 1 Apple
- Fill up the pitcher with fresh orange and lemon juice, stirring well.1/2 cup Fresh orange juice, 1/4 cup Fresh lemon juice
- Refrigerate the pitches at least 2-4 hours, ideally overnight. This gives the time for the drink to meld perfectly and maximizes the rich and fruity flavors.
- When ready to savor, fill a glass with ice and pour the Sangria on top with fruit slices.Ice cubes
- Top off the glass with soda water or sparkling water if you like the drink a little more bubbly.Soda water or sparkling water
- Garnish with a small orange slice for an appealing visual, if desired.
Video
Notes
Pro Tips for Success:
- Balance sweetness to your taste. The sweetness will increase when the Sangria chills and the flavors meld; you can start with less sugar and add more if needed.
- Well-balanced ingredients; do not overdo it with brandy or orange liqueur. These liquors complement the wine and fruit, not overpowering them.
- Use freshly squeezed orange and lemon juice to add brightness and natural sweetness to the drink.
- Try new combinations of fruits. The most traditional or authentic version includes the fruit above, but feel free to customize the recipe with the preferred fruit, sweetness, or type of wine.
How does Sangria taste?
Sangria features a delightful and refreshing taste – the harmonious combination of wine, fresh fruits, and sweeteners. The fruity and citrusy notes, the base of wine, go well with the sweetener and balance the tartness of the citrus fruits, making the drink sweet and refreshing. A small amount of liquor, such as brandy or orange liqueur, is also added to enhance the complexity of the flavor profile and a hint of alcohol.
What wine is best for sangria?
Traditional Sangria uses red wines; here are some brand names you can refer to:
- Tempranillo: The most popular choice for Sangria. It’s a great base Spanish wine known for its fruity and easy-to-drink character.
- Rioja: It offers a good balance of fruitiness and structure.
- Garnacha (Grenache): The wine gives the drink a pleasant sweetness and red berry notes.
Sangria is the perfect party recipe, especially for holidays and long weekends. You can easily double this recipe in a large pitcher or even a bunch of bowls. It has endless variations, so feel free to adjust and customize the recipe.

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