Sangria with Sprite: A Refreshing, Easy Recipe

Sangria with Sprite is a bright, fizzy twist on the Spanish-inspired classic. A jug of fruit, wine and citrus is topped up with lemon-lime soda for a refreshing drink that is simple to prepare and easy to serve at a gathering. The Sprite adds sweetness and sparkle, so there’s no need for complicated ingredients.

What is sangria with Sprite?

Sangria is commonly made with wine, fruit and a little extra flavour from ingredients such as citrus juice or brandy. Adding Sprite gives it a lighter, sweeter taste and a lively fizz. It is a convenient option for summer lunches, barbecues and parties, although it is best mixed shortly before serving so the bubbles stay fresh.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of red wine (750 ml), preferably a fruity style
• 250–350 ml Sprite, chilled, or to taste
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, cored and cut into small pieces
• Ice, for serving
• Optional: a small measure of brandy or orange liqueur

How to make it

1. Add the sliced orange, lemon and apple to a large jug.
2. Pour in the red wine and, if using, the brandy or orange liqueur.
3. Cover and chill for at least an hour to let the fruit flavours mingle.
4. Just before serving, stir in the chilled Sprite.
5. Serve over ice, with some of the fruit in each glass.

Tips for a great jug

Choose a wine that is fruity and pleasant to drink on its own; an expensive bottle is not necessary. Since Sprite is sweet, start with a smaller amount and add more to suit your taste. For a less sweet drink, use soda water or a lower-sugar lemon-lime soft drink for some or all of the Sprite.

Keep the fruit and wine chilled before mixing, and add the fizzy drink at the last moment. This helps the sangria stay cool and sparkling. You can also experiment with seasonal fruit, such as peaches, berries or grapes, while keeping the citrus for a fresh, zesty base.

Can you make it with white wine?

Yes. White wine makes a lighter-tasting version that pairs well with green apple, lemon, peach and berries. The method is the same: chill the wine and fruit together, then add Sprite just before serving. Rosé is another colourful option.

Make a non-alcoholic version

For a alcohol-free alternative, replace the wine with chilled grape juice or a non-alcoholic wine. Add sliced fruit and a squeeze of citrus, then top with Sprite or soda water just before serving. Adjust the sweetness to taste.

Sangria with Sprite is quick to customise and makes an eye-catching centrepiece for a table. Keep it chilled, add the fizz at the end and serve responsibly. If serving alcohol, make sure guests have a non-alcoholic option too.

 

Sangria with Sprite: 5 Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do you make sangria with Sprite?
2. What type of wine is best for sangria with Sprite?
3. How much Sprite should you add to sangria?
4. Can you make sangria with Sprite ahead of time?
5. Can you make non-alcoholic sangria with Sprite?

How do you make sangria with Sprite?

To make sangria with Sprite, add sliced orange, lemon and apple to a jug, pour in a bottle of red wine and chill for at least an hour so the flavours can mingle. Just before serving, stir in chilled Sprite to taste, then pour over ice with some of the fruit in each glass. Add a splash of brandy if you like, or use less Sprite for a drier, less sweet drink.

What type of wine is best for sangria with Sprite?

A young, fruity, dry red wine is usually best for sangria with Sprite, as its fresh fruit flavours balance the soda’s sweetness without overpowering the citrus and other fruit. Spanish Tempranillo or Garnacha are good choices, but any easy-drinking red with soft tannins will work; there’s no need to use an expensive bottle. Avoid heavily oaked or very tannic wines, which can taste harsh when chilled and mixed.

How much Sprite should you add to sangria?

For a 750 ml bottle of wine, start with around 250 ml of chilled Sprite, then taste and add more if you prefer a sweeter, fizzier sangria. The amount depends on the wine, fruit and your personal preference, so add it gradually. Stir in the Sprite just before serving to keep the sangria sparkling.

Can you make sangria with Sprite ahead of time?

You can prepare the wine, fruit and any other still ingredients for sangria with Sprite a few hours ahead and keep the jug covered in the fridge, allowing the flavours to mingle. Add the chilled Sprite just before serving so it stays fizzy; if added too early, it will lose its sparkle. Serve over ice and enjoy responsibly.

Can you make non-alcoholic sangria with Sprite?

Yes, you can make non-alcoholic sangria with Sprite. Replace the wine with chilled red or white grape juice, or a non-alcoholic wine, then add sliced fruit such as oranges, lemons, apples and berries. Chill the mixture so the flavours can blend, and pour in Sprite just before serving to keep it fizzy. As Sprite is sweet, adjust the amount to taste or use soda water for a lighter finish.