Red Sangria

With origins in Spain and Portugal, red sangria is a versatile alcoholic party punch with a pretty presentation that belies how easily it comes together. The most common types of sangria are red and white, with wine, liqueur, fruit juice, and fruit as the main ingredients—but the specific variations are just about endless. 

This classic red sangria recipe calls for dry red Spanish wine and brandy, as well as citrus and apples. You'll need just 10 minutes to put it together and (at least) another hour to chill as the flavors commingle. 

Sangria Ingredients

For this sangria recipe, start with a bottle of dry red Spanish wine, as well as a cup of brandy and light brown sugar. From the produce section, you’ll also need satsumas or navel orange, lemons, and Pink Lady or Honeycrisp apples.

How To Make Sangria

To make sangria, put orange slices, apple slices, lemon slices, and sugar in a large pitcher. Use a wooden spoon to gently muddle the fruit until it releases juice.

Stir in the orange juice, brandy, and wine. Chill the sangria until cold, and serve in glasses with ice.

What Does Sangria Taste Like?

This classic red sangria is nicely balanced between the red wine and fruit juice. Poured over ice, it’s highly refreshing and drinkable—so much so that the effects of the alcohol can creep up on you as it goes down easily!

It has an easy, breezy quality, perfect for a summertime gathering, for brunch with friends, or as a special occasion batch drink.

Will Ice Dilute Sangria?

While dilution from ice is often considered an undesirable result in an alcoholic beverage, sangria actually benefits from dilution.

Since there’s no ice in the pitcher, it is important to fill the serving glasses up with lots of ice when serving for the best flavor.

Can I Substitute Fruits in Sangria?

Let the ingredients in this recipe (and any sangria recipe) be your guideline, but feel free to make substitutes based on your taste preferences and ingredient availability. 

If you can’t find the satsumas for this recipe in a specialty store, substitute for any other variety of oranges. (Navel oranges work well).

Can You Make Sangria Ahead?

Make this sangria up to two days in advance; just store it in the fridge. Not only does this free you up for other tasks (and just plain enjoying yourself) on the day you plan to serve, but it also improves the drink: The fruit will continue to soak up and flavor the alcohol as it sits.

Editorial contributions by Alesandra Dubin.