The Best Summer Sangria: A Refreshing Recipe for Sunny Days
Few drinks feel quite as summery as a jug of sangria. Fruity, chilled and easy to share, it is a lovely choice for a garden lunch, barbecue or relaxed evening with friends. The secret to a great sangria is balance: ripe fruit, a wine that is pleasant but not overly expensive, a little sweetness and plenty of time to chill.
Classic summer sangria recipe
This easy recipe serves six. Make it a few hours ahead so the fruit has time to flavour the wine.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry Spanish red wine
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 peach or nectarine, stoned and sliced
- 150 g strawberries, hulled and halved
- 2 tablespoons caster sugar, or to taste
- 50 ml brandy or orange liqueur (optional)
- 250 ml sparkling water or lemonade, chilled
- Ice, to serve
Method
- Pour the wine into a large jug. Add the orange, lemon, peach and strawberries.
- Stir in the sugar and, if using, the brandy or orange liqueur. Taste and adjust the sweetness to suit you.
- Cover and chill for at least two hours, or ideally overnight. This gives the fruit time to infuse the wine.
- Just before serving, add the sparkling water or lemonade. Pour into glasses over ice, making sure each glass gets some fruit.
How to make your sangria even better
Choose a wine you enjoy
A young, fruity Spanish red is a classic choice. It does not need to be expensive, but avoid anything too tannic or oaky, as those flavours can become more pronounced when chilled with fruit. For a lighter jug, use dry rosé or white wine instead.
Use ripe seasonal fruit
Oranges and lemons bring freshness, while peaches, nectarines and berries add sweetness and colour. Cherries, melon or sliced apricots also work well. Use fruit that is ripe but still firm enough to hold its shape.
Keep the fizz for last
Add sparkling water or lemonade just before serving to keep the sangria lively. Sparkling water gives a drier finish, while lemonade makes a sweeter, softer drink.
Chill it properly
Allow at least two hours in the fridge, but avoid leaving sliced citrus in the jug for too long if you find it makes the drink bitter. For a longer infusion, add the citrus closer to serving time.
Easy sangria variations
- White sangria: Swap the red wine for a dry white wine and use peaches, green grapes and lemon.
- Rosé sangria: Use dry rosé with strawberries, raspberries and a few slices of orange.
- Alcohol-free sangria: Combine alcohol-free red wine or chilled grape juice with orange juice, sliced fruit and sparkling water. Taste before adding any extra sugar.
Serve sangria well chilled and enjoy it as part of a leisurely summer meal. For the freshest flavour, prepare the wine and fruit ahead, then add the fizz and ice at the last moment. Please enjoy responsibly.
9 Reasons Sangria Is the Perfect Summer Drink
- Refreshing on warm days
- Easy to make ahead
- Simple to share
- Full of fruity flavours
- Customisable with seasonal fruit
- Works with red, white or rosé wine
- Easy to adjust sweetness
- Lovely with summer food
- Simple to make alcohol-free
7 Drawbacks of Summer Sangria to Consider Before Pouring
- Can be deceptively strong.
- Often contains added sugar.
- Needs time to chill.
- Fresh fruit can be costly.
- Too much citrus may taste bitter.
- Ice can dilute the flavour.
- Not suitable for everyone.
Refreshing on warm days
One of the best things about summer sangria is how refreshing it is on warm days. Served chilled over ice, its juicy fruit and bright citrus bring a cooling, thirst-quenching lift, while a splash of sparkling water adds a light, lively finish. It’s an easy drink to enjoy in the garden or share at a summer gathering.
Easy to make ahead
One of the best things about summer sangria is how easy it is to make ahead. Simply combine the wine, fruit and any chosen liqueur a few hours before serving, then leave the jug to chill in the fridge. This gives the flavours time to mingle, while freeing you up to enjoy your guests. Add sparkling water or lemonade just before serving to keep it fresh and lively.
Simple to share
Sangria is made for sharing: mix a generous jug ahead of time, then let everyone help themselves when the sun is shining. With its colourful slices of fruit and refreshing, chilled fizz, it feels right at home on a summer table and saves you from making drinks one glass at a time.
Full of fruity flavours
One of the best things about summer sangria is how full of fruity flavours it is. Juicy oranges, ripe peaches and sweet berries infuse the wine as it chills, creating a refreshing, fragrant drink with a lovely balance of sweetness and zest. Each glass can be tailored to the season, so you can use your favourite summer fruits for a colourful, delicious sip.
Customisable with seasonal fruit
One of the best things about summer sangria is how easily it can be customised with seasonal fruit. Add ripe peaches, strawberries and cherries for a sweet, summery flavour, or try melon, raspberries or citrus for a refreshing twist. Using fruit that is in season brings plenty of colour and natural sweetness, so you can tailor each jug to your taste and make the most of what’s fresh.
Works with red, white or rosé wine
One of the best things about summer sangria is how easily it adapts to your taste. Red wine makes a rich, fruity classic, while white wine creates a lighter, crisper drink; rosé offers a bright, summery middle ground. Choose whichever you prefer, then pair it with seasonal fruit and a splash of sparkling water or lemonade for a refreshing jug to share.
Easy to adjust sweetness
One of the best things about summer sangria is how easy it is to adjust the sweetness to suit your taste. Start with a dry wine and add a little sugar, juice or lemonade, tasting as you go. For a less sweet, more refreshing drink, use sparkling water and ripe fruit; for a sweeter jug, add extra lemonade or a splash of fruit juice.
Lovely with summer food
Lovely with summer food
Summer sangria is a natural match for relaxed, seasonal meals. Its bright fruit and refreshing finish pair beautifully with grilled vegetables, seafood, salads and tapas, while a chilled jug is easy to share at a barbecue or garden gathering. Choose red, white or rosé sangria to complement the flavours on the table, and add the sparkling water just before serving for a lively, thirst-quenching drink.
Simple to make alcohol-free
Sangria is simple to make alcohol-free, so everyone can enjoy a refreshing glass on a warm summer’s day. Swap the wine and spirits for grape juice, alcohol-free wine or a mix of fruit juices, then add sliced seasonal fruit and sparkling water for a light, colourful drink. Taste before adding sugar, as juices can already be quite sweet.
Can be deceptively strong.
Sangria can be deceptively strong, as its fruity flavour and refreshing sweetness may mask the alcohol. It is easy to drink more than intended, particularly on a warm day, so serve it in sensible portions, sip slowly and alternate with water.
Often contains added sugar.
One drawback of summer sangria is that it can contain a surprising amount of added sugar. Recipes often include sugar, lemonade or sweet liqueurs, while ripe fruit adds natural sweetness too. If you are watching your sugar intake, check what goes into the jug and choose dry wine, sparkling water and less added sugar.
Needs time to chill.
One drawback of summer sangria is that it needs time to chill before serving. Letting it rest in the fridge helps the fruit infuse the wine, giving the drink a fuller, more balanced flavour, but it means you’ll need to plan ahead rather than mix up a jug at the last minute. For the best results, prepare it a few hours in advance and add the sparkling water just before serving.
Fresh fruit can be costly.
One drawback of making the best summer sangria is that fresh fruit can be costly, particularly when you’re preparing a large jug or buying out-of-season produce. Berries, peaches and other ripe fruit can quickly add to the cost, so choose what’s in season, use a few affordable staples such as oranges and apples, or buy frozen berries for a more budget-friendly option.
Too much citrus may taste bitter.
Too much citrus can make summer sangria taste bitter, especially if the slices are left to steep for too long. The pith and peel release bitter flavours into the wine, which can overpower the sweetness of the fruit. To keep the drink balanced, use citrus sparingly and add it closer to serving time.
Ice can dilute the flavour.
One downside of serving summer sangria over ice is that it can water down the drink as the cubes melt, softening its fruity flavours and making it taste less vibrant. To keep each glass refreshing without losing its character, chill the sangria thoroughly before serving and use large ice cubes, which melt more slowly.
Not suitable for everyone.
Sangria is not suitable for everyone, as traditional recipes contain alcohol and may not be appropriate for people who avoid alcohol, are pregnant, or need to limit their intake for health or personal reasons. It can also be quite sweet, depending on the wine, fruit and mixers used. An alcohol-free version can be a refreshing alternative, but it is worth checking the ingredients and choosing a recipe that suits everyone’s needs.
