Organic Sangria: A Fresh, Fruit-Filled Spanish Classic
Sangria is made for sharing: a colourful jug of wine, fruit and refreshing flavours served chilled. Choosing organic ingredients gives this familiar Spanish-style drink a thoughtful twist, while keeping its easy-going character intact. Whether served at a summer lunch or an evening gathering, organic sangria is simple to make and easy to adapt.
What makes sangria organic?
Organic sangria is prepared with ingredients grown or produced to recognised organic standards. That usually means choosing organic wine and, where available, organic fruit, juice and spirits. Organic certification relates to how ingredients are produced; it does not necessarily mean a drink is healthier or free from alcohol.
Look for an organic certification mark on the wine and other packaged ingredients. The word “natural” on its own is not the same as “organic”, so check the label if certification matters to you.
Choosing the ingredients
A good sangria starts with a wine you enjoy drinking. A fruity, medium-bodied red is a traditional choice, though organic rosé or white wine can make a lighter variation. Add ripe fruit for fragrance and colour: oranges, lemons, apples, peaches and berries all work well.
A splash of brandy is optional, as are a little orange juice and a touch of sweetener. Finish with sparkling water or lemonade just before serving for a refreshing lift. Organic versions of these ingredients can be used where available.
An easy organic red sangria recipe
- 1 bottle (750 ml) organic red wine
- 1 organic orange, thinly sliced
- 1 organic lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 organic apple, cored and chopped
- 100 ml orange juice
- 30 ml brandy, optional
- 1–2 teaspoons sugar or honey, to taste
- 250 ml sparkling water, added just before serving
- Ice, to serve
- Add the sliced fruit to a large jug.
- Pour in the wine, orange juice and brandy, if using. Stir in the sweetener until dissolved.
- Cover and chill for at least two hours so the flavours can mingle.
- Just before serving, add the sparkling water and plenty of ice. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
Tips for a better jug
Give the sangria time to chill, but add sparkling water only at the end so it stays lively. Taste the mixture before serving: ripe fruit and wine vary in sweetness, so you may not need much added sugar. For a gentler version, leave out the brandy and top up each glass with extra sparkling water.
You can also make a white or rosé version by swapping the red wine for organic white wine or rosé. Try peaches, strawberries, grapes or melon, and add a few sprigs of mint for a fresh finish.
Made for sharing
Organic sangria is less about a complicated recipe and more about balancing good wine, seasonal fruit and a little time to chill. Serve it in a jug with plenty of fruit in each glass, alongside tapas, grilled vegetables or a relaxed summer meal. As with any alcoholic drink, enjoy it in moderation and offer non-alcoholic refreshments too.
8 Tips for Making Delicious Organic Sangria
- Choose certified-organic wine and fruit.
- Use ripe seasonal fruit for sweetness.
- Wash fruit gently before slicing.
- Add citrus, berries and stone fruit.
- Chill the mixture for a few hours.
- Sweeten lightly with organic honey or syrup.
- Top up with sparkling water just before serving.
- Keep leftovers chilled and enjoy within two days.
Choose certified-organic wine and fruit.
Choose certified-organic wine and fruit for your sangria, checking labels for a recognised organic certification mark. This helps you select ingredients produced to organic standards, while ripe seasonal fruit brings natural colour and flavour to every jug.
Use ripe seasonal fruit for sweetness.
Choose ripe, seasonal fruit to bring natural sweetness and plenty of flavour to your organic sangria. Juicy peaches, berries, apples or oranges can balance the wine beautifully, so you may need less added sugar. Use fruit that’s in season for the freshest taste, and give it time to infuse before serving.
Wash fruit gently before slicing.
Wash the fruit gently under cool running water before slicing, even if you plan to remove the peel. This helps rinse away dirt and surface residue; avoid using soap, as it can leave an unwanted taste. Dry the fruit with a clean cloth or kitchen paper before adding it to your organic sangria.
Add citrus, berries and stone fruit.
Add a mix of citrus, berries and stone fruit to your organic sangria for a jug full of colour and fresh, layered flavours. Orange and lemon bring a zesty lift, berries add a hint of sweetness, while peaches, nectarines or plums lend a soft, juicy richness. Slice the fruit and let it steep in the sangria before serving so its flavours have time to mingle with the wine.
Chill the mixture for a few hours.
Chilling the sangria for a few hours gives the fruit time to release its flavours and mingle with the wine, creating a more rounded, refreshing drink. Cover the jug and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to serve; add sparkling water and ice just before pouring to keep the sangria crisp and lively.
Sweeten lightly with organic honey or syrup.
Sweeten your organic sangria lightly with a little organic honey or syrup to bring the fruit and wine flavours together without overpowering them. Stir it in gradually, tasting as you go, as ripe fruit can add plenty of natural sweetness.
Top up with sparkling water just before serving.
Top up your organic sangria with sparkling water just before serving to keep it fresh and lively. Adding it too early can cause the bubbles to fade while the jug chills, so wait until the last moment, stir gently and serve straight away.
Keep leftovers chilled and enjoy within two days.
Keep any leftover organic sangria covered in the fridge and enjoy it within two days. The fruit will continue to infuse the drink, so the flavour may become stronger over time; add fresh sparkling water just before serving to bring back its fizz.
