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Classic Red Sangria Recipe Perfect for Easy Entertaining

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This classic red sangria recipe combines fresh fruit, bold red wine, and a sweet citrusy zing for a refreshing and crowd-pleasing drink perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 bottle (750 ml) medium-bodied, fruity red wine (e.g., Spanish Rioja, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) brandy
  • 1 cup (240 ml) freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 24 tablespoons sugar, agave syrup, or honey (adjust to taste)
  • 12 cups (240480 ml) club soda
  • 1 orange, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 lime, sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 apple, cored and diced into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 cup fresh berries (e.g., strawberries or raspberries)
  • Optional: 1 cinnamon stick
  • Optional: Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Wash all fresh fruits thoroughly. Slice the oranges, lemons, and limes into thin rounds. Core and dice the apple into bite-sized pieces. Rinse and pat dry the berries if using.
  2. In a large pitcher, pour the bottle of red wine and 1/2 cup (120 ml) of brandy. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Add 1 cup (240 ml) of freshly squeezed orange juice. If desired, add 2-4 tablespoons of sugar, agave syrup, or honey. Stir until dissolved.
  4. Add the sliced fruits and berries into the pitcher. Press down gently with a spoon to release some of the juices for added flavor.
  5. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.
  6. Just before serving, add 1-2 cups (240-480 ml) of club soda to the pitcher for a fizzy finish. Adjust the amount based on your preference.
  7. Fill glasses with ice, pour the sangria over, and ensure each glass gets a mix of fruit pieces. Garnish with a sprig of mint or a slice of orange on the rim, if desired.

Notes

[‘Choose a fruity, medium-bodied red wine like Rioja or Merlot for the best flavor.’, ‘Allow the sangria to chill for at least 2 hours or overnight for optimal flavor infusion.’, ‘Add club soda or sparkling water just before serving to maintain fizz.’, ‘Adjust sweetness to taste by adding sweetener gradually.’, ‘Use a clear pitcher and glassware to showcase the vibrant colors of the sangria and fruits.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: sangria, red wine, summer drink, party drink, easy recipe, refreshing, fruit drink, cocktail, entertaining