Sangria Bliss!

Looking for a cocktail that will win over any crowd? This sangria recipe is your answer. A pitcher of this cool, fruity sangria is the ideal beverage for relaxing at a summer barbecue or gathering. Allow us to share with you the ultimate sangria recipe that's both simple to make and absolutely delicious.

What Is Sangria All About?

Sangria is a vibrant, fruity alcoholic punch that hails from Spain and Portugal. The most popular types are red sangria and white sangria, typically crafted with wine, liqueur, sparkling water, fruit juice, and a generous amount of fresh sliced fruit.

What Goes Into Sangria?

There are countless variations when it comes to sangria, but this recipe for the ultimate sangria calls for the following ingredients:

• Red Wine: Opt for a dry, fruity Spanish red wine.
• Brandy: Brandy adds an extra sweet and fruity flavor to the sangria.
• Triple Sec: Choose a high-quality triple sec for an extra punch of orange flavor.
• Fruit Juice:This recipe calls for orange juice, lemon juice, and frozen lemonade concentrate.
• Sugar (Optional): If you like your sangria sweeter, add some white sugar.
• Carbonated Water (Optional): Add carbonated water for a little fizz, if you like.
• Fruit: This recipe calls for sliced lemon, orange, lime, and maraschino cherries.

What’s the Best Wine for Sangria?

Any dry red wine will do the trick, but we recommend using a fruity Spanish variety like Garnacha for the best flavor. It doesn’t need to be an expensive bottle, as the sweet ingredients you add will elevate the wine's taste beautifully.

What’s the Best Fruit to Use in Sangria?

While this recipe suggests lemon, orange, lime, and maraschino cherries, feel free to experiment with any in-season fruits you enjoy.

How to Make Perfect Sangria

Creating the ultimate sangria is simple: mix all the liquid ingredients (except the sparkling water) in a pitcher, then add in the sliced fruit. Let it chill in the fridge overnight to let the flavors meld together. If you’re using sparkling water, add it just before serving for a fizzy finish.

Nicole's Top Sangria Tips

Culinary expert Nicole McLaughlin (also known as NicoleMcMom) claims, "this might just be the best sangria recipe" she’s ever tasted—high praise, indeed! Here are Nicole’s top tips and tricks for crafting the perfect sangria every time:

• Good sangria starts with a good wine. You can use red or white, but try to stick to something on the drier side. Nicole opted for a chilled Spanish grenache.
• You can definitely make this sangria ahead of time. In fact, it'll taste best if you let it chill in the fridge for about eight hours to allow the flavors to meld. Just don't add the carbonated water until right before serving so it stays nice and bubbly.
• Get creative! You can easily make this recipe your own by mixing up the ingredients — just make sure the final product includes all the essential elements (wine, liqueur, fruit juice, sweetener, fruit, and effervescence).

How Long Can You Keep Sangria in the Fridge?

Sangria can stay fresh in the fridge for about three to five days if stored in an airtight container. If left in an open pitcher with plastic wrap, it will only last a day or two. For best results, transfer it to an airtight container if you plan on keeping it longer than two days.

Dinogo Community Tips and Praise

"This was amazing!!! Instead of buying triple sec, the liquor store had a pre-mixed brandy and orange combo, which was super tasty! Also, I skipped the sugar and went for a sweeter wine recommended by the shop assistant. Otherwise, I followed the recipe exactly, and everyone absolutely loved it," says NANNOUSE.

"This is a fantastic drink to have in the fridge during summer, whether guests pop in or you're just in the mood for something refreshing. It's perfect to prepare in the morning for a dinner cookout," raves LizzP. "Be careful, though! It packs a punch and goes down way too easily!!!"

"I made this last night for our neighborhood ladies' night out and it was a hit! I tripled the recipe and ran out! Next time I’ll definitely make more," says pjr0816. "I also added a whole bottle of champagne just before serving, and it was absolutely delicious!"

Editorial insights by Bailey Fink

Ingredients List

• 1 (750 milliliter) bottle dry red wine

• ½ cup brandy

• ½ cup triple sec

• ⅓ cup frozen lemonade concentrate

• ⅓ cup orange juice

• ¼ cup lemon juice

• ¼ cup white sugar (Optional)

• 1 medium orange, sliced into rounds

• 1 medium lemon, sliced into rounds

• 1 medium lime, sliced into rounds

• 8 maraschino cherries

• 2 cups carbonated water (Optional)

Instructions

Collect all the necessary ingredients.

In a bowl, combine red wine, brandy, triple sec, lemonade concentrate, orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar. Then, stir in orange, lemon, and lime slices, along with maraschino cherries.

Serve right away over ice, or let it chill in the fridge for 8 hours to overnight for the best flavor. For a sparkling twist, add club soda just before serving.

Pro Tip