Siesta Sangria: A Taste of Spanish Sunshine
Few drinks capture the easy-going spirit of a long Spanish afternoon quite like sangria. Fruity, refreshing and made for sharing, it brings together wine, fresh fruit and a gentle sparkle. A glass of Siesta Sangria is a lovely choice for a relaxed lunch, a summer gathering or simply a moment to slow down.
What is sangria?
Sangria is a Spanish-style wine punch, usually made with red wine, chopped fruit and a splash of something sparkling. Recipes vary from household to household: some include brandy or another spirit, while others keep things lighter with citrus juice and soda water. The best versions are balanced rather than overly sweet, letting the fruit and wine shine.
Make your own Siesta Sangria
This easy recipe serves four. Prepare it ahead of time so the fruit has a chance to infuse the wine, then add the fizz just before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of fruity red wine, chilled
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 apple, cored and cut into small pieces
- 50ml brandy, optional
- 150ml orange juice
- 200ml sparkling water or lemonade, chilled
- Ice, to serve
Method
- Add the orange, lemon and apple to a large jug.
- Pour in the wine, orange juice and brandy, if using. Stir gently.
- Cover and chill for at least two hours to let the flavours mingle.
- Just before serving, stir in the sparkling water or lemonade.
- Serve over plenty of ice, with a few pieces of fruit in each glass.
Make it your own
Swap the apple for ripe peaches or berries, or add a cinnamon stick for a warmer note. For a lighter version, leave out the brandy and use sparkling water instead of lemonade. You can also make a refreshing alcohol-free jug with red grape juice, citrus fruit, sliced apple and sparkling water.
However you mix it, Siesta Sangria is all about taking your time and enjoying good company. Pour a glass, share a jug and let the afternoon unfold.
Please drink responsibly. Alcohol should only be enjoyed by adults of legal drinking age.
Siesta Sangria: The Perfect Refreshing and Customisable Drink for Summer Gatherings
- Refreshing and fruity
- Easy to prepare
- Ideal for sharing
- Customisable with seasonal fruit
- Perfect for summer gatherings
- Pairs well with tapas
Considerations Before Enjoying Siesta Sangria: Sugar, Alcohol, Freshness, and Suitability
- Can be high in sugar.
- Alcohol content can be easy to underestimate.
- Fresh fruit means it does not keep well.
- Not suitable for everyone, including children and pregnant people.
Refreshing and fruity
Siesta Sangria is wonderfully refreshing, combining juicy fruit with a light, vibrant flavour that’s perfect for sunny afternoons and relaxed gatherings. Each sip offers a delicious balance of fruity sweetness and crisp refreshment, making it an easy drink to enjoy and share.
Easy to prepare
Siesta Sangria is wonderfully easy to prepare, making it ideal for relaxed gatherings and sunny afternoons. Simply add wine, chopped fruit and juice to a jug, then leave it to chill so the flavours can mingle. Just before serving, pour in a splash of sparkling water or lemonade and add ice. There’s no complicated equipment or lengthy preparation required—just a refreshing drink that’s ready to share.
Ideal for sharing
Siesta Sangria is made for sharing, bringing a bright, fruity touch to meals and get-togethers. Pour a jug for the table, let everyone enjoy a glass, and turn an ordinary catch-up into a more convivial occasion.
Customisable with seasonal fruit
One of the best things about Siesta Sangria is how easily it can be customised with seasonal fruit. Add juicy peaches and berries in summer, crisp apples and pears in autumn, or citrus fruit for a bright, zesty twist. Using fruit that’s in season brings fresh flavour and colour to every jug, so you can make the drink your own throughout the year.
Perfect for summer gatherings
Siesta Sangria is perfect for summer gatherings: its bright, fruity flavours and refreshing sparkle make it a crowd-pleasing drink for garden parties, barbecues and relaxed lunches in the sunshine. Prepare a jug ahead of time, add the fizz just before serving, and let guests help themselves while everyone enjoys the occasion.
Pairs well with tapas
Siesta Sangria pairs beautifully with tapas, making it an easy choice for a relaxed meal shared with friends. Its fruity, refreshing flavours complement favourites such as olives, patatas bravas, grilled vegetables and cured meats, while a chilled glass offers a lovely contrast to savoury, spicy or rich bites.
Can be high in sugar.
One drawback of Siesta Sangria is that it can be high in sugar, particularly when made with sweetened mixers, fruit juice or lemonade. The fruit adds natural sugars too, so it’s worth checking the ingredients and enjoying it in moderation. For a lighter option, use sparkling water and add less juice or other sweeteners.
Alcohol content can be easy to underestimate.
One drawback of Siesta Sangria is that its alcohol content can be easy to underestimate. The fruit, juice and fizzy mixer can make it taste light and refreshing, while the wine—and sometimes added spirits—still contribute alcohol. Because it is often served in generous jugs or glasses, it can also be difficult to judge how much you have had. Enjoy it slowly, keep track of your drinks and consider choosing a lower-alcohol or alcohol-free option.
Fresh fruit means it does not keep well.
One drawback of Siesta Sangria is that the fresh fruit means it does not keep well. As it sits in the drink, the fruit can become soft and lose its freshness, while the flavours may turn overly strong or muddled. For the best taste and texture, enjoy it soon after preparation and avoid keeping leftovers for too long.
Not suitable for everyone, including children and pregnant people.
Siesta Sangria contains alcohol, so it isn’t suitable for everyone. It should not be served to children, and pregnant people are advised to avoid alcohol. Consider offering an appealing alcohol-free alternative so everyone can enjoy the occasion.
