If you’re looking for a delicious drink to serve on a warm summer evening or alongside a Spanish or Italian inspired meal, then this best red wine sangria recipe is perfect for you. This fruity cocktail is made with red wine, a little brandy, orange liquor, simple syrup, flavorful fruit and sprite. Serve this refreshing party drink in a pitcher or by the glass. If you love red wine cocktails you’ll love this. This is the absolute best sangria recipe and perfect for summer, winter, parties, brunches, date night or any time of year!

You can make a non-alcoholic version of sangria as well! We have substitution recommendations for you below.

What is Sangria?

Sangria is a mixed alcoholic drink originally from Spain. It usually contains fruit juice, wine, liqueur, sweeteners, sparkling water and fruit, such as oranges, apples, lemons, pears, limes or pineapple. There are red or white wine sangrias. The color depends on the wine. Red sangria is made with red wine, and white sangria with white wine. Use different fruits and flavors to make a fall sangria, holiday sangria, summer sangria or sangria for any occasion.

Typical Sangria ingredients are:

• Fruit juice, such as orange juice, apple juice, or pomegranate juice.
• Sweeteners such as simple syrup, agave nectar, maple syrup or sugar.
• Sparkling water, club soda or flavored soda.
• Sliced fruit including oranges, apples, lemons, pears, limes, pineapple and more.
• Flavored liqueurs, brandy, or cognac.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you loved this red wine sangria recipe, then try our Holiday Cranberry Sangria. This fruity and boozy holiday sangria is a blend of easy cranberry simple syrup, cranberry juice, red wine, spiced rum and sparkling apple cider.

Instructions

This section shows how to make the best red wine sangria, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique. For full step-by-step instructions, photos and nutritional information see the recipe in the recipe card below.

PREPARE FRUIT: Firstly, slice the fruit how large or small you like it to be. Then add sliced fruit to a pitcher or punch bowl. Keep in mind you’ll need to refrigerate once you mix it all together so your container will need to fit into your refrigerator.

ADD ALCOHOL: Afterwards pour wine into the pitcher. Then add Grand Marnier (orange liqueur), brandy, and simply syrup and stir to combine. You can use a wooden spoon or a swizzle stick.

CHILL: Cover and refrigerate sangria for at least 30 minutes. We recommend refrigerating for at least 2+ hours for best results. Definitely refrigerate before adding ice.

FINISH AND SERVE: Finally, add Sprite and ice just before serving. Then serve the red sangria over ice cubes in a wine glass, or any type of glass you prefer.

WHAT TO MAKE NEXT: If you love Italian food then you’ll love our Easy Dump and Bake Meatball Casserole. This delicious and saucy meatball pasta casserole comes together in only 10 minutes and bakes to al dente perfection in the oven. And goes perfectly with a pitcher of sangria.

How to Make Sangria Non-Alcoholic

You can make this a virgin sangria by substituting all the alcohol. Here are substitutions we recommend.

• Red Wine: Use pomegranate juice, cranberry juice, grape juice or a sparkling grape juice, for example.
• Grand Marnier (orange liquor): Use ¼ cup of orange juice concentrate.
• Brandy: Use a sweet fruit juice such as apple juice.

How To Store

Refrigerate: Sangria leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 or 4 days. Afterwards it will begin to sour. Additionally we recommend separating the fruit from the liquid for longer storage. Add fresh fruit before serving leftovers to avoid soggy and unappetizing fruit.

Freeze: Leftover sangria can be frozen. Firstly, separate the fruit from the liquid. Then you can freeze sangria in an airtight freezer safe container for up to 3 months.

Defrosting: A great way to thaw frozen sangria is in the refrigerator for a couple of hours or overnight.

Common Questions