Red Sangria
There’s something undeniably festive about a pitcher of red sangria sitting on the table, its vibrant color catching the eye and inviting everyone to pour a glass. This Spanish classic is a delightful concoction, perfect for gatherings, warm evenings, or simply when you want to treat yourself to something refreshing and tasty. With its fruity notes and touch of sweetness, it’s easy to see why red sangria remains a favorite among wine lovers. The best part? It’s super easy to make and will impress your friends and family with minimal effort.

I remember the first time I crafted this delightful drink; it was during a summer BBQ, and I wanted to bring something special to the table. The laughter and compliments that flowed with each sip were priceless. This homemade red sangria is far superior to any store-bought versions, bursting with fresh flavors and customizable to your liking. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply enjoying a sunny day, this recipe is one you’ll return to time and again. So grab your favorite bottle of red wine and let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple & Quick: This recipe takes just 15 minutes to whip up, plus some chill time for the flavors to meld.
- Irresistible Flavor: A luscious mix of fruity notes and a hint of citrus that dances on the palate.
- Eye-Catching Appeal: Gorgeous colors and vibrant fruit slices make a stunning presentation.
- Flexible Serving: Perfect for any occasion—picnics, barbecues, or just a weekend treat.
- Diet-Friendly Options: Easily adaptable for vegan or gluten-free preferences!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 750 milliliters red wine: A dry or fruity option works best—choose a bottle you enjoy drinking! You can use a Merlot or Tempranillo for rich flavors.
- ½ cup brandy: Adds depth and warmth; if unavailable, you can substitute with cognac or another fruit brandy.
- ½ cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed adds a vibrant taste, but store-bought works too.
- ½ cup triple sec: This orange-flavored liqueur brings sweetness; if you prefer less sugar, you can skip it.
- 1 orange, sliced: Enhances the drink’s citrus profile; feel free to add other fruits like peaches or apples.
- 1 lemon, sliced: Zesty and bright, it balances the sweetness of the drinks.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional): Adjust based on your preference for sweetness; honey can also be a lovely alternative.
- 1 cup strawberries, hulled and sliced: These sweet berries add color and flavor; swap for raspberries or blueberries if you like.
- 2 cups lemon-lime soda: This adds a fizzy finish; if you prefer a less sweet drink, tonic water makes a great substitute.
How to Make Red Sangria
- Combine the Base: In a large pitcher, pour in the 750 milliliters of red wine, ½ cup brandy, ½ cup of orange juice, and ½ cup triple sec. If you’re using sugar, add it now and stir well until dissolved.
- Add the Fruits: Toss in the sliced orange and lemon, along with the 1 cup of strawberries. Gently stir to combine all the flavors.
- Chill for Flavor: For best results, refrigerate the pitcher for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours. This allows the ingredients to mingle and develop flavor.
- Finish and Serve: Just before serving, add in the 2 cups of lemon-lime soda. Gently stir and pour over ice in your favorite glasses.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftover red sangria, keep it in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The vibrant flavors will gradually fade, but it remains refreshing. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the fruit can become mushy. If you enjoy your sangria chilled, simply serve it straight from the fridge. If you find the fruits have lost some flavor, a splash of fresh juice or soda can rejuvenate it beautifully.
Chef’s Helpful Tips
- Ensure your red wine is chilled prior to mixing; this makes for a refreshing drink.
- If you prefer a less sweet sangria, skip the granulated sugar and allow the natural sweetness of the fruits to shine.
- Experiment with different fruit combinations; stone fruits like peaches or even berries can add delightful varieties.
- Remember, the longer you let it sit, the stronger the fruity flavors will become, but it also loses some effervescence.
- For an added depth of flavor, consider infusing your sangria with fresh herbs like mint, basil, or even rosemary.
There’s something so inviting about gathering around a pitcher of red sangria, enjoying each sip and chatting together. With its bright colors and full-bodied flavors, it sets the perfect backdrop for any occasion. I wholeheartedly encourage you to personalize the recipe, tossing in your favorite fruits or adjusting the sweetness to suit your palate.

Recipe FAQs
Can I make red sangria ahead of time?
What kind of wine should I use for sangria?
Can I use different fruits in my sangria?
Is there a non-alcoholic version of sangria?
⭐ If you make my Red Sangria recipe, Awesome! I would love to hear from you. Please give it a star rating and review below! 👇

Red Sangria
This Red Sangria is a delightful blend of red wine and fresh fruit that delivers an irresistible flavor. Perfect for social gatherings, it’s easy to prepare, combining simple ingredients like brandy, orange juice, and sparkling soda, making it the ideal drink for anyone looking to enjoy homemade beverages at their next gathering.
- Prep Time 15 minutes
- Cook Time 15 minutes
- Yield 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 750 milliliters red wine (1 bottle)
- ½ cup brandy
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup triple sec
- 1 orange sliced
- 1 lemon sliced
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar optional
- 1 cup strawberries hulled and sliced
- 2 cups lemon lime soda
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine red wine, brandy, orange juice, triple sec, and optional sugar. Stir until the mixture is well blended and the sugar dissolves.
- Add the sliced lemon and strawberries to the pitcher, stirring to incorporate them.
- Refrigerate the sangria for at least 30 minutes, or for up to 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, add the lemon-lime soda to the pitcher.
Notes
Feel free to adjust the sweetness by varying the amount of sugar based on your taste.
The longer the sangria sits, the better the flavors combine, so prepare it in advance if possible.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 20g
- Sodium: 15mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.



