Classic Spanish Sangria
Few drinks bring to mind long, sociable meals quite like sangria. Fruity, refreshing and easy to share, this Spanish favourite is made with red wine, fresh fruit and a splash of something sparkling. It is simple to prepare at home, and tastes best when given time to chill before serving.
A little about sangria
Sangria takes its name from sangre, the Spanish word for blood, a reference to its deep red colour. There is no single recipe used throughout Spain: ingredients vary between households and regions. The familiar red-wine version is often made with citrus, stone fruit, a little brandy and soda or lemonade. The key is balance: the fruit should complement the wine, rather than overwhelm it with sweetness.
Ingredients
Makes about 6 glasses:
- 1 bottle (750ml) dry Spanish red wine
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, cored and cut into small pieces
- 2 tablespoons brandy
- 1–2 tablespoons sugar, to taste
- 150–250ml chilled soda water or lemonade
- Ice, to serve
How to make it
- Put the orange, lemon and apple into a large jug.
- Add the brandy, sugar and a small splash of wine. Stir gently until the sugar starts to dissolve.
- Pour in the remaining wine and stir again. Cover and chill for at least two hours, so the flavours have time to mingle.
- Just before serving, add chilled soda water for a drier, lighter sangria, or lemonade for a sweeter drink. Taste and adjust if needed.
- Serve over ice, making sure each glass gets a little fruit.
Tips for a well-balanced sangria
Choose a young, dry red wine that you enjoy drinking on its own; there is no need to use an expensive bottle. Avoid adding too much sugar at the start, as the fruit and lemonade can make the drink sweeter as it sits. For a less sweet version, use soda water and leave out the sugar, or add a little more citrus.
Chilling the mixture helps the flavours develop, but add the sparkling mixer just before serving to keep it lively. Sangria is best enjoyed fresh, while the fruit is still bright and the drink is well chilled.
Serving suggestions
Serve sangria alongside tapas, grilled vegetables, seafood or a relaxed summer lunch. It is a sociable drink made for sharing, so prepare a jug, set out some small plates and let everyone help themselves.
Please enjoy responsibly. Sangria contains alcohol, and its fruity flavour can make it easy to drink more quickly than intended.
7 Essential Tips for Crafting Authentic Spanish Sangria
- Use a young, fruity Spanish red wine.
- Add sliced oranges, lemons and seasonal fruit.
- Stir in a little brandy for depth.
- Sweeten lightly with sugar or orange juice.
- Let it chill for at least two hours.
- Add sparkling water just before serving.
- Serve over ice and enjoy responsibly.
Use a young, fruity Spanish red wine.
Choose a young, fruity Spanish red wine for your sangria, such as Tempranillo or Garnacha. Its fresh berry and cherry flavours pair beautifully with citrus and other fruit, while a softer, lighter style lets the ingredients shine. There’s no need to use an expensive bottle: pick a wine you enjoy drinking, but avoid anything too heavily oaked or tannic, which can taste harsh once mixed.
Add sliced oranges, lemons and seasonal fruit.
Add sliced oranges and lemons for a bright citrus flavour, then include seasonal fruit such as peaches, berries or apples for extra colour and natural sweetness. Cut the fruit into bite-sized pieces so it’s easy to serve, and leave it to steep in the wine for a few hours before adding the sparkling mixer.
Stir in a little brandy for depth.
Stirring a little brandy into classic Spanish sangria adds warmth and depth, complementing the fruit and red wine without overpowering them. Start with a small splash, taste, and add more if needed.
Sweeten lightly with sugar or orange juice.
Sweeten your sangria gently with a little sugar or a splash of orange juice, then taste before adding more. A light touch lets the fruit and wine shine, while keeping the drink refreshing rather than overly sweet.
Let it chill for at least two hours.
Let your sangria chill for at least two hours before serving. This gives the wine, fruit and brandy time to mingle, creating a fuller, more balanced flavour. Keep it covered in the fridge, then add soda water or lemonade just before serving to preserve its fizz.
Add sparkling water just before serving.
Add sparkling water just before serving to keep your sangria light, refreshing and gently fizzy. Stir it in at the last moment so the bubbles don’t fade while the jug is chilling.
Serve over ice and enjoy responsibly.
Serve your classic Spanish sangria over plenty of ice to keep it cool and refreshing, especially on a warm day. Enjoy it slowly alongside good food and company, and remember to drink responsibly.
