This Red Wine Sangria blends brandy, Pinot Noir, simple syrup, blackberry soda, and plenty of fresh fruit for a bright, fruity drink that’s perfect for warm weather. It’s refreshing, easy to make, and ideal for sharing with friends.
Summer Red Wine Sangria
If you enjoy fresh fruit and a well-made drink, this sangria is likely to become a summer favorite. It’s simple enough for a casual backyard barbecue but pretty and flavorful enough for a dinner party.
Prepare it ahead to let the flavors meld, then serve chilled over ice with extra fruit for garnish.
Have a Cocktail with dinner!
What is sangria?
Sangria is a traditional Spanish punch made with wine and chopped fruit, often boosted with a spirit such as brandy and sweetened with syrup or juice. Classic versions use red wine, but there are many variations that use white wine, rosé, or sparkling wine.
The charm of sangria is its versatility: you can stay close to tradition or create your own combination of wine, fruit, and sweeteners to suit your taste.
Should Sangria be served warm or cold?
Cold. Sangria is best when well chilled.
For the deepest flavor, make the sangria at least four hours in advance—overnight is even better. Chilling allows the fruit to infuse the wine and spirit, producing a richer, more balanced drink. If you’re short on time, pour the sangria over plenty of ice when serving.
Serving over ice also keeps the drink visually appealing with fruit floating through each glass.
What other kinds of fruit can be used?
One of the best things about sangria is how customizable it is. Use whatever ripe, fresh fruit you enjoy—apples, peaches, cherries, berries, oranges, and melon all work well.
Here are a few flavor ideas to try:
- Stone-fruit only: Combine plums, cherries, peaches, nectarines, and apricots for a juicy, sweet sangria.
- Add some heat: For a subtle kick, add a mild, deseeded chili to the pitcher for a unique finish that complements the fruit.
- Warm spiced citrus: For autumn or winter, stir in a stick of cinnamon, a star anise, and some citrus peel to create a warmly spiced version.
- Sweet melon: Use honeydew, cantaloupe, or watermelon with a touch of local honey and a splash of Moscato for a light, refreshing twist.
What other types of wine can be used?
Pinot Noir works nicely, but any medium-bodied red with low tannins is a good choice. Low-tannin wines are less bitter and tend to be fruitier, which pairs well with the sweetness of the fruit and syrup.
If you prefer white wine, a dry white can provide a pleasant acidity that balances the fruit’s sweetness. For a celebratory twist, use sparkling wine or champagne—add the bubbles right before serving so the drink keeps its fizz.
When using sparkling wine, do not mix it into the sangria until just before serving, otherwise it will flatten. If you want to store sangria for a couple of days, keep everything mixed except the sparkling wine and add it just before you pour.
Choosing a wine you enjoy on its own—without overpaying—is the simplest approach to a delicious sangria.
How to make delicious homemade sangria
- Use fresh fruit: Ripe, fresh fruit gives the best flavor and texture—don’t skip it.
- Choose a good wine: Pick a wine you’d enjoy on its own; it doesn’t need to be expensive, but it should be pleasant to drink.
- Chill well: Refrigerate the sangria for at least three to four hours before serving to let the flavors meld.
- Make it your own: Swap the simple syrup for other fruit syrups—such as cherry or blueberry syrup—or adjust the spirit and fruit to create your signature version.
How long does sangria last in the fridge?
Stored in the refrigerator, sangria will keep well for about 3–5 days. Keep an eye on the fruit: it will typically lose freshness before the liquid does. If the fruit starts to look tired, you can remove it and add fresh fruit before serving to refresh the presentation.
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Red Wine Sangria
This fruity red wine sangria is an easy, crowd-pleasing summer drink that doubles as a colorful centerpiece. Make it the night before to let the flavors meld so every glass tastes balanced and bright.
10 minutes
4 hours
4 hours 10 minutes
Ingredients
- 1 cup apple brandy
- 1 bottle red wine (medium-bodied, low tannin)
- 1 cup diced apples
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 cup pitted cherries
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher. Stir gently to mix the fruit and liquids.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve well chilled over ice, adding more fresh fruit or a splash of sparkling water or soda if desired.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 12
Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 169
Total Fat: 0g
Sodium: 6mg
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 1g
Nutrition data is an estimate. For medical or dietary concerns, consult a reliable nutrition source.
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