Easy Red Wine Sangria Recipe (+ storage tips)

Discover an easy red wine sangria recipe using fresh fruit and a fruity red wine. Learn storage tips to keep your sangria fresh, and explore variations for your next summer gathering. Ideal for sharing with friends on a hot summer day.

Sangria has been a beloved beverage for over 2,000 years, dating back to the Romans who planted vineyards across the Iberian Peninsula. Due to unsafe drinking water at the time, they fortified it with wine, spices, and herbs, giving birth to an early version of sangria. Fast forward to 1964, when this delightful Spanish wine cocktail made its formal debut in the United States during the World’s Fair in New York, captivating the palates of many with its vibrant flavors.

The name “sangria” comes from the Spanish word "sangre", meaning blood, a nod to its deep red color. While commonly associated with Spain, sangria is often enjoyed by tourists, whereas locals may prefer a similar beverage called "tinto de verano." There is no single traditional sangria recipe, but the essential components include fresh fruit, fruit juice, a sweetener, a touch of liquor, and of course, a good Spanish red wine like Tempranillo or Garnacha.

Whether you're hosting a summer gathering or just want a refreshing fruity drink to enjoy on a hot day, this easy sangria recipe is the perfect choice. The best way to make sangria is to start with a fruity red wine and avoid high tannin wines like Cabernet Sauvignon. With this guide, you’ll learn how to create the perfect red wine sangria and explore fun variations to suit your taste.

Jump to:

• Why You Will Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• How to Make Sangria
• Sweeten to Taste
• Refrigerate
• Chef’s Tips
• Variations
• What to Serve With Red Wine Sangria
• Storage Instructions
• How Long Does Sangria Last In The Fridge?
• FAQ's
• Easy Red Wine Sangria Recipe (+ storage tips)

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This easy sangria recipe comes together in just a few simple steps, making it perfect for both beginners and seasoned hosts looking for a refreshing summer punch.
• No Special Equipment Needed: You won’t need any fancy gadgets—just a large pitcher, a good stir to mix all the ingredients and serve a delightful glass of sangria.
• Versatile: Customize this recipe with your favorite wine, seasonal fresh fruit, and even swap in non-alcoholic sangria options for those who prefer a lighter beverage.
• Make Ahead: Prepare this sangria a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. The shelf life of sangria can be extended by storing it in an airtight container in the fridge.

Ingredients

• Dry Fruity Red Wine: The foundation of this traditional sangria, providing body and flavor. Choose a Spanish red wine like Tempranillo or Garnacha for the best results.
• Fresh Fruit: Adds natural sweetness and a burst of flavor. Use seasonal fruit like apples, oranges, and lemons for a vibrant taste.
• Simple Syrup: Balances the acidity of the wine and fruit, offering just the right amount of sweetness without overpowering the drink.
• Brandy or Cointreau: Enhances the depth of flavor and adds a hint of citrus from the orange liqueur.
• Orange Juice: Introduces a fresh, tangy element that complements the wine and fruit.
• Sparkling Water: Optional, but adds a refreshing fizz when serving, making the sangria even more delightful on a hot summer day.

See the recipe card for quantities

How to Make Sangria

Make the Simple Syrup

• Combine equal parts caster sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat over medium-low until the sugar dissolves. 
• Remove from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Prepare the Fruit

• Wash and slice the apple, orange, and lemon into thin slices. 
• These fresh fruits will infuse your sangria with natural sweetness and vibrant flavor.

Mix the Sangria

• In a large pitcher, add the sliced fruit, dry fruity red wine, brandy or Cointreau, and orange juice. Stir everything together well.

Sweeten to Taste

• Taste the mixture. If you prefer a sweeter sangria, stir in a tablespoon or two of the simple syrup prepared earlier.

Refrigerate

• Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or up to 48 hours. This allows the flavors to meld together, enhancing the overall taste.

Serve

• Pour the sangria into individual glasses over ice. For a fizzy twist, top with a splash of sparkling water before serving.

Chef’s Tips

• Simple Syrup: Prepare a batch in advance and store it in an airtight container. It’s a versatile sweetener for sangria and other cocktails.
• Super Fresh Fruit in Season: Always use seasonal fruit for the freshest flavor and the most vibrant sangria.
• Not Expensive Wine: Choose a fruity red wine that you enjoy drinking, but avoid spending too much. The wine’s flavors will blend with the other ingredients.
• Fun Large Glasses for Serving: Serve your sangria in large glasses to allow room for fruit pieces and ice, making for a delightful presentation.
• Never Leave at Room Temperature: Keep your sangria chilled at all times to maintain freshness and prevent ingredients from spoiling.
• Don’t Skimp on Chilling Time: For the best results, refrigerate your sangria for at least 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld perfectly.

Variations

• Fruit: Experiment with different seasonal fruits like berries, peaches, or tropical fruits to create your unique homemade sangria.
• White Wine: Swap the red wine for a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc for a lighter, white wine sangria option.
• Rosé Wine: Use a rosé wine for a refreshing and slightly sweeter version, perfect for a summer rosé sangria.
• Cider: For a fall-inspired twist, replace the wine with apple cider and add some apple chunks.
• Sake: Create a unique fusion by using sake as your base instead of wine for a distinct flavor profile.
• Liqueur: Experiment with different liqueurs like triple sec, cognac, brandy, rum, or vodka to enhance the depth of your sangria.
• Spice: Add a touch of warmth with fresh ginger or refreshing notes of mint to elevate your sangria.

What to Serve With Red Wine Sangria

• Tapas: Pair your red wine sangria with classic Spanish tapas like Patatas Bravas, Jamon Serrano, Gambas al Ajillo (shrimp in garlic sauce), Tortilla de Patatas, and Croquetas for an authentic experience.
• Veggie Burgers: Sangria complements the flavors of grilled veggie burgers, making it a great choice for summer BBQs.
• Salads: Serve sangria alongside fresh, crisp salads, enhancing the light and refreshing vibes of a hot summer day.
• Favorite Summer Dishes: From grilled vegetables to seafood, sangria is versatile enough to pair with all your favorite summer dishes.

Storage Instructions

Keep your sangria refrigerated at all times, even while serving, to maintain its freshness.

• Fridge: Store any leftover sangria in an airtight container in the fridge for no longer than 2 days, as the fruit will start to deteriorate.
• Freezer: Sangria can be frozen, but it's not recommended. If you freeze it, remove the fruit first to avoid sogginess. Store in an airtight container to prevent freezer burn. Defrost in the fridge and add fresh fruit before serving. Alternatively, freeze sangria into ice lollies or popsicles with fruit for a fun treat.

How Long Does Sangria Last In The Fridge?

• Shelf Life of Sangria: Keep your sangria refrigerated at all times, even while serving, to maintain its freshness. Sangria will remain fresh for 1-2 days, if properly stored.
• Leftovers: Store any leftover sangria in an airtight container in the fridge for no longer than 2 days, as the fruit will start to deteriorate.
• Oxidation Process: Once the wine is exposed to air, the oxidation process begins, eventually turning the wine into vinegar if left too long.
• Fruit Decay: Warmth accelerates fruit decay, so always store your sangria in the refrigerator.
• Tell-Tale Signs – Gone Bad: Look for changes in color—white wine sangria may turn yellow, while red wine sangria can become darker. If it smells funky or tastes sour, discard as it has likely gone bad.

FAQ's

This easy red wine sangria recipe is the perfect addition to your summer entertaining. With its blend of fresh fruit, Spanish red wine, and a touch of sweetness, it’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering. 

Don’t forget to experiment with different variations and storage tips to make this sangria your own. Try it today and bring a taste of Spain to your summer festivities!

Cheers!

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The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.