Classic Red Sangria

Bright, fruity and made for sharing, classic red sangria is a Spanish-inspired drink that brings wine, fresh fruit and a splash of something stronger together in one jug. It is easy to prepare ahead, making it a popular choice for relaxed lunches, summer gatherings and long evenings with friends.

There is no single recipe for sangria: ingredients and proportions vary from one household to another. This version keeps things simple, with red wine, citrus, a little brandy and sparkling water added just before serving.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750 ml) dry Spanish red wine
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, cored and cut into small pieces
• 50 ml brandy
• 1–2 tablespoons caster sugar, to taste
• 150 ml sparkling water or lemonade, chilled
• Ice, to serve

Method

1. Put the orange, lemon and apple into a large jug.
2. Add the brandy and sugar, then stir gently until the sugar begins to dissolve.
3. Pour in the red wine and stir again. Cover the jug and chill for at least two hours, so the fruit has time to flavour the drink.
4. Taste before serving and adjust the sweetness if needed. Add the chilled sparkling water or lemonade and stir gently.
5. Serve over ice, spooning some of the fruit into each glass.

Tips for a great sangria

Choose a young, dry red wine with plenty of fruit, rather than an expensive bottle or one with lots of oak. Spanish varieties such as Tempranillo or Garnacha work well, but any approachable, fruity red will do.

Give the sangria time to chill, but add the sparkling water or lemonade just before serving to keep it lively. For a less sweet drink, use sparkling water; for a sweeter, more refreshing version, choose lemonade. You can also adjust the fruit to suit the season, adding peaches or berries alongside the citrus.

Serve sangria cold with tapas, grilled food or a table full of snacks. As it contains alcohol, enjoy it in moderation and offer a non-alcoholic alternative for anyone who would prefer one.

8 Tips for Perfect Classic Red Sangria

1. Use a young, fruity Spanish red wine.
2. Add brandy for classic depth.
3. Slice oranges and lemons thinly.
4. Stir in a little sugar to taste.
5. Chill for a few hours so the flavours mingle.
6. Add soda water just before serving.
7. Serve well chilled over plenty of ice.
8. Keep extra fruit slices for garnish.

Use a young, fruity Spanish red wine.

Choose a young, fruity Spanish red wine for a classic red sangria. Varieties such as Tempranillo or Garnacha bring bright fruit flavours that complement the citrus and fresh fruit without overpowering them. There’s no need to use an expensive bottle: a good-value, easy-drinking red makes an excellent base for this refreshing drink.

Add brandy for classic depth.

A splash of brandy gives classic red sangria extra warmth and depth, complementing the fruit and bringing out the wine’s richer flavours. Stir it in with the sliced fruit and leave the mixture to chill, allowing the flavours to mingle before serving. Start with a modest amount, then adjust to taste.

Slice oranges and lemons thinly.

Slice the oranges and lemons thinly so they release their bright citrus flavour into the sangria and are easy to serve in each glass. Thin slices also look attractive in the jug, adding a colourful, refreshing touch.

Stir in a little sugar to taste.

Stir in a little sugar to taste, mixing well so it dissolves into the sangria. Start with a small amount, then taste and add more if needed—the fruit and wine bring their own sweetness, so it’s easy to overdo it.

Chill for a few hours so the flavours mingle.

Chilling classic red sangria for a few hours gives the wine, fruit and brandy time to mingle, creating a more balanced, rounded flavour. Keep the jug covered in the fridge, then add sparkling water or lemonade just before serving to keep the drink fresh and lively.

Add soda water just before serving.

Add the soda water just before serving to keep your classic red sangria light, fresh and gently sparkling. Stir it in carefully so you don’t lose the bubbles, then pour over ice and serve straight away.

Serve well chilled over plenty of ice.

For the best classic red sangria, chill it thoroughly before serving, then pour it over plenty of ice. This keeps the drink refreshingly cold, especially on a warm day, while making each glass feel crisp and inviting.

Keep extra fruit slices for garnish.

Set aside a few fresh fruit slices before adding the rest to the jug. Use them to garnish each glass just before serving, adding a colourful finishing touch and a fresh citrus aroma.