Easy Spanish Sangria

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Sangria was always the drink at family get-togethers. It’s one of those things that just showed up whenever we had something to celebrate, whether it was a Sunday lunch that turned into a dance party or a full-blown holiday spread. Ours is a little mix of Spanish and Cuban vibes: red wine, fresh oranges and apples, a splash of citrus, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s fruity, bold, and super easy to sip (maybe a little too easy). This is our go-to recipe, and now I’m passing it on so you can enjoy a pitcher at your next gathering too.

Ingredients for Spanish Sangria

Spanish sangria is really easy to make and it uses simple ingredients. They key too good sangria is using a good Spanish red wine.

• dry red Spanish wine (like Tempranillo or Garnacha)
• brandy
• orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Cointreau)
• white sugar
• citrus fruits like orange, lemon, and lime
• apple
• cinnamon stick
• soda water
• ice cubes

How to Make Spanish Sangria

1. Muddle the Citrus:

In a large pitcher or bowl, add the peeled and sliced orange, lemon, and lime. Gently muddle the citrus slices with a wooden spoon to release their juices and flavors. This step infuses the sangria with a bright, citrusy base.

2. Add Apples and Sugar:

Next, toss in the apple wedges. Sprinkle the sugar over the fruit mixture and stir gently. The sugar will dissolve as you stir, coating the fruit and enhancing its natural sweetness.

3. Add Brandy and Orange Liqueur:

Pour the brandy and orange liqueur over the fruit and sugar mixture. Stir well to combine, then let it sit for about 10 minutes. This gives the fruit time to soak up the flavors of the alcohol, adding depth to the sangria.

4. Add Wine and Cinnamon:

After marinating, pour in the red wine. Drop in the cinnamon stick and stir gently to mix everything together. The cinnamon adds a subtle warmth and spice that complements the fruity flavors.

5. Chill and Marinate:

Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For the most flavorful sangria, let it marinate for 4 to 8 hours or even overnight. The longer it chills, the more the flavors meld and develop.

6. Serve the Sangria:

Just before serving, add soda water to the sangria to give it a refreshing fizz. Adjust the amount of soda water based on how light or strong you’d like your sangria. Fill glasses with ice cubes, pour the sangria over the ice, and include some of the marinated fruit in each glass.

Tips for the Perfect Sangria:

• Choose the Right Wine: Go for a dry, medium-bodied Spanish red wine like Rioja or Tempranillo for authentic flavor.
• Customize the Fruits: While this recipe uses citrus and apples, you can also add berries, peaches, or pineapple for a unique twist.
• Sweeten to Taste: Adjust the sugar based on your preference or substitute with honey for a natural sweetness.

Why You’ll Love This Sangria Recipe:

This sangria is super simple to throw together but somehow always feels a little fancy. It’s perfect for everything from chill backyard hangouts to more dressed-up dinners, and let’s be real, it always disappears fast. You can stick to the classic combo or have fun with it and mix in whatever fruit you’ve got on hand. It’s one of those recipes that’s hard to mess up and easy to make your own.

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Yield: 6-8

Easy Spanish Sangria Recipe

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Refresh your senses with classic Spanish sangria, a vibrant blend of wine, fresh fruits, and a splash of citrusy sweetness—perfect for any gathering!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Additional Time 2 hours

Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750 ml) of dry red wine (preferably Spanish, like Tempranillo or Garnacha)
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Cointreau)
• 1/4 cup white sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 large orange, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 large lemon, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 large lime, peeled and thinly sliced
• 1 medium apple, cored and cut into thin wedges
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1-2 cups of soda water (or more, depending on preference)
• Ice cubes

Instructions

1. Muddle the Citrus: In a large pitcher or bowl, add the peeled and sliced orange, lemon, and lime. Gently muddle the citrus slices with a wooden spoon to release their juices and flavors.
2. Add Apples and Sugar: Add the apple wedges to the pitcher with the muddled citrus. Sprinkle the white sugar over the fruit mixture and stir gently to help dissolve the sugar and coat the fruit.
3. Add Brandy and Orange Liqueur: Pour the brandy and orange liqueur over the fruit and sugar mixture. Stir well to combine and let it marinate for about 10 minutes. This helps the fruit soak up the flavors of the alcohol.
4. Add Wine and Cinnamon: After 10 minutes, add the red wine to the pitcher. Drop in the cinnamon stick and stir gently to mix all the ingredients together.
5. Chill and Marinate: Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor, let the sangria marinate in the fridge for 4 to 8 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve the Sangria: Just before serving, add soda water to the sangria to give it a slight fizz. Adjust the amount of soda water based on your preference for a lighter or stronger sangria.
7. Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the sangria over the ice, ensuring each glass includes some of the marinated fruit.
8. Enjoy! Serve immediately and enjoy this refreshing and authentic Spanish sangria.

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

8

Serving Size:

1 glass
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 190

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