Red Sangria
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It’s time for a big pitcher of Red Sangria! Loaded with fresh fruit, this is the cocktail you need to add to your summer arsenal. Easy to customize, substitute ingredients, and impossible to mess up. Time to raise your glasses and say salud to this refreshing Spanish treat!
The Best Red Sangria Recipe
I can’t stress how much I adore a big glass of sangria on a warm day. I mean, who doesn’t? You can use any fruit you like, any juices, and grab your favorite bottle of light, fruity wine. Use this recipe as a guide to create your perfect pitcher of sangria!
The best part about sangria, of course, is getting to snack on those fruits at the end of your glass. They soak up all the wonderful flavors of the sangria, and possibly a little extra alcohol as well! I think here I have to tell you to enjoy responsibly.
Pro Tip
The key to a truly fantastic sangria lies in your choice of red wine and time. Opt for a fruity, full-bodied Garnacha or Pinot Noir and make sure to prepare your sangria a few hours in advance, allowing the flavors to meld together in the fridge for the most refreshing and flavourful result.
- Red wine – You’ll need to use a whole bottle.
- Orange juice – Pulp-free works best for your sangria aesthetically, but you can really use any type.
- Brandy – A smooth bourbon light in flavor or rum can be used if needed.
- Simple syrup – OPTIONAL: this is only if you prefer an extra sweet sangria.
- Citrus – I used lemons and oranges.
- Berries – Strawberries, cherries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries. Whatever you happen to have in your fridge works!
Assembling this delightful sangria couldn’t be simpler. Start by gathering all your ingredients and pouring them into a generously-sized pitcher. Give everything a good stir to ensure the flavors meld together beautifully.
Now, to keep your sangria chilled without diluting the flavor, you have a couple of options. You could add ice directly to the pitcher if you’re serving immediately, or better yet, fill individual glasses with ice and pour the sangria over it. This way, you maintain the robust flavor of the sangria while keeping it refreshingly cold.
Best Red Wine To Use
Choosing the right wine is key for a delectable red sangria. Spanish Garnacha is a top choice for its fruity, rich flavors that complement the sangria’s fruit mix. For a lighter option, Pinot Noir is an excellent choice with its versatile, berry-driven flavor profile.
Merlot offers a more full-bodied taste with notes of plums and black cherries, while Tempranillo brings a bold and slightly spicy character. For a fruit-forward punch, try Zinfandel. But remember, the best wine for your sangria is one you enjoy, so feel free to experiment!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of brandy?
Yes, you certainly can! While brandy is traditionally used in sangria, feel free to experiment with other liquors such as rum, vodka, or even a flavored liqueur.
Can I make sangria ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, sangria tastes even better when made a few hours (or even a day) ahead. This allows the flavors of the fruit, wine, and brandy to fully meld together.
What other fruits can I use in my sangria?
Sangria is incredibly versatile when it comes to the fruit you can use. Peaches, apples, grapes, and pears are all great options. Just remember to use fresh, ripe fruit for the best flavor.
Is adding simple syrup necessary?
Adding simple syrup is completely up to your personal taste. If you prefer a sweeter sangria, feel free to add the simple syrup. If you prefer your sangria on the drier side, you can omit it.
What Is Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is a basic sugar-and-water syrup used in many cocktails and other drink recipes. It’s made by stirring granulated sugar into hot water until the sugar is dissolved and then cooling the solution. A basic simple syrup is a 1:1 ratio of sugar dissolved in water, meaning you’ll want to heat equal parts of sugar and water. The syrup provides a sweet flavor and smooth consistency to cocktails and other beverages.
Storage
This is one of the only times you can make a cocktail and save the leftovers. It’s a dream come true in a pitcher! You can cover the top of your pitcher with plastic wrap or transfer the sangria to a sealable bottle. It will last up to 3 days refrigerated.
Other Delicious Cocktails
- White Sangria
- Tequila Sunrise
- Cosmopolitan Cocktail
- Pomegranate Cider Mimosas
- Aperol Spritz
- Pomegranate Elderflower Spritz
- Mint Julep
- Mojito Recipe
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Red Sangria
Ingredients
- 750 ml red wine (one bottle, Garnacha or Pinot Noir.)
- 1 cup orange juice
- ½ cup brandy (or cognac)
- ½ cup simple syrup (OPTIONAL – if you want your sangria sweet)
- 1 lemon (sliced into slices, then each slice into quarters)
- 1 large orange (sliced into slices, then each slice into quarters)
- 2 cups berries (strawberries, cherries, raspberries, blueberries, and/or blackberries)
Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a large pitcher and stir well to combine.
- Add ice either to the pitcher, or pour the sangria over individual glasses of ice to avoid watering down the pitcher.
Notes
- Quality Matters: While it may be tempting to use a cheap bottle of wine for your sangria, remember that the flavor of the wine will significantly impact the end result. Choose a wine you’d enjoy drinking on its own.
- Fresh Fruit: Always use fresh fruit for the best flavor. The fruit absorbs the wine and contributes a delightful freshness to the sangria. Experiment with seasonal fruits to add variety to your sangria.
- Chill Time: Sangria improves with time, so make it a few hours before you plan to serve it or even the night before. The extra time allows the flavors to meld together and the fruit to soak up the wine.
- Ice Matters: Avoid adding ice directly to the sangria pitcher if it won’t be consumed immediately. The ice can water down the flavors. Instead, add ice directly to the glasses when serving.
- Sweetness Adjustment: The simple syrup is optional and can be adjusted based on personal preference. Taste the sangria before adding it and adjust the sweetness to your liking. Remember, the fruit will also add some sweetness.
Nutrition Information
Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.
