Bobby Flay Red Sangria: A Fruity Spanish-Inspired Favourite

Red sangria is made for sharing: a refreshing mix of wine, fruit and spirits that’s easy to prepare ahead and serve at a gathering. A Bobby Flay-inspired version brings together the bold character of red wine with citrus, sliced fruit and a splash of brandy or orange liqueur.

There are many ways to make sangria, and recipes vary. The guide below captures the lively, fruit-forward style associated with Bobby Flay’s cooking, rather than claiming to reproduce a specific official recipe.

What you’ll need

• 1 bottle (750ml) fruity Spanish red wine, such as Tempranillo
• 60ml brandy
• 30ml orange liqueur, such as triple sec
• 2 tablespoons caster sugar, or to taste
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, cored and sliced
• About 250ml soda water, to serve
• Ice, to serve

How to make it

1. Pour the red wine into a large jug. Stir in the brandy, orange liqueur and sugar until the sugar has dissolved.
2. Add the orange, lemon and apple. Cover and chill for at least two hours, giving the fruit time to infuse the wine.
3. Just before serving, taste the sangria and adjust the sweetness if needed. Add soda water for a lighter, gently sparkling finish.
4. Serve over ice, making sure each glass gets some of the sliced fruit.

Choosing the wine and fruit

Choose a young, fruit-forward red wine rather than an expensive bottle with delicate flavours. Spanish varieties such as Tempranillo work well, while other approachable reds can also be used. The fruit adds colour and freshness, so ripe oranges and crisp apples are a good choice.

Make it ahead

Sangria benefits from a little time in the fridge, but avoid leaving it for too long if the fruit is likely to become soft or bitter. For the freshest flavour, prepare the wine, spirits and fruit a few hours ahead, then add the soda water and ice just before serving.

This easy red sangria is a crowd-pleasing option for a barbecue, dinner party or summer lunch. Keep it well chilled, serve it in small glasses and enjoy responsibly.

9 Tips for Perfect Bobby Flay-Style Red Sangria

1. Choose a fruity, dry red wine.
2. Use ripe oranges, lemons and apples.
3. Slice the fruit thinly for more flavour.
4. Add brandy or orange liqueur gradually.
5. Stir in a little sugar, then taste.
6. Chill the sangria for at least two hours.
7. Let the fruit steep to deepen the flavour.
8. Add sparkling water just before serving.
9. Serve well chilled over plenty of ice.

Choose a fruity, dry red wine.

For a well-balanced Bobby Flay-inspired red sangria, choose a fruity, dry red wine. Its ripe berry or cherry flavours pair beautifully with the citrus and fresh fruit, while the dryness keeps the drink from becoming overly sweet once you add sugar, liqueur or juice. A Spanish red such as Tempranillo is a natural choice, but any affordable, fruit-forward wine will work well.

Use ripe oranges, lemons and apples.

Use ripe oranges, lemons and apples for a Bobby Flay-inspired red sangria with fresh, balanced flavour. Ripe fruit adds natural sweetness and releases its citrusy, fragrant juices as it chills in the wine, while crisp apple brings a refreshing bite. Slice the fruit thinly so it infuses the sangria evenly—and looks inviting in every glass.

Slice the fruit thinly for more flavour.

Slice the fruit thinly so more of its surface is exposed to the wine, brandy and orange liqueur. This helps the citrus and apple release their flavours more quickly, giving the sangria a fragrant, fruitier taste. For the best result, let the mixture chill for a couple of hours before serving.

Add brandy or orange liqueur gradually.

Add the brandy or orange liqueur gradually, tasting as you go. These spirits deepen the sangria’s flavour, but too much can overpower the fruit and wine. Start with a small amount, stir well and adjust until you find a balanced blend that suits your taste.

Stir in a little sugar, then taste.

Stir in a little sugar, then taste before adding more. The fruit and wine will bring their own sweetness, so start gently and adjust until the sangria tastes balanced—not too sweet.

Chill the sangria for at least two hours.

Chilling the sangria for at least two hours gives the fruit time to infuse the wine, brandy and liqueur, bringing the flavours together for a more rounded, refreshing drink. Keep the jug covered in the fridge, then add ice and any soda water just before serving so the sangria stays cool and lively without becoming diluted.

Let the fruit steep to deepen the flavour.

Letting the fruit steep in the wine gives the flavours time to mingle, making Bobby Flay-style red sangria taste richer and more balanced. Chill the mixture for a few hours before serving so the wine can take on the fruit’s citrusy sweetness, then add ice and soda water just before pouring for a refreshing finish.

Add sparkling water just before serving.

Add sparkling water just before serving to give Bobby Flay-inspired red sangria a light, refreshing fizz. Stir it in gently so the bubbles are preserved, then pour over ice for a bright, easy-drinking finish.

Serve well chilled over plenty of ice.

For the most refreshing Bobby Flay-inspired red sangria, chill it thoroughly before serving, then pour it over plenty of ice. The cold, crisp finish helps balance the wine and fruit, making every glass especially enjoyable on a warm day.