If you’re craving a festive, fruity drink that’s as stunning to look at as it is delightful to sip, this Red Sangria Recipe is your new best friend. It’s an irresistible blend of crisp apples, zesty orange, warming cinnamon, and just the right splash of brandy and liqueur, all soaked in a luscious bottle of red wine. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or just want to treat yourself to a refreshing drink, this sangria will quickly become a favorite that brings vibrant flavors and a warm, inviting spirit to any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Red Sangria Recipe is incredibly simple to make thanks to a handful of fresh, essential ingredients. Each one adds its own unique flair, creating a perfectly balanced, colorful, and flavorful blend that sings with every sip.
- Orange (thinly sliced): Adds a bright citrus note and beautiful color contrast.
- Red apple (cored and thinly sliced into moons): Brings sweetness and crunch for texture.
- Green apple (cored and thinly sliced into moons): Offers a tart twist that balances the sweetness.
- Granulated sugar (3-4 tablespoons): Sweetens the sangria just enough — adjust to your taste.
- Cinnamon sticks (2): Introduces a comforting, warm spice that elevates the flavor.
- Red wine (750 mL, about 1 bottle; I use Pinot Noir): The rich red wine base that ties the whole drink together.
- Orange juice (1 cup): Boosts the citrus flavor and adds freshness.
- Brandy (â…“ cup): Adds depth and a subtle kick to the sangria.
- Orange liqueur (¼ cup, Cointreau recommended): Enhances the orange essence with a smooth, sweet finish.
- Seltzer water: For topping off and adding a light, fizzy sparkle.
- Fresh rosemary sprigs: A fragrant garnish that brings herbal complexity and an elegant touch.
How to Make Red Sangria Recipe
Step 1: Macerate the Fruit
Start by placing all your beautiful, freshly sliced oranges, red apples, and green apples into a large pitcher. Sprinkle the granulated sugar evenly over the fruit, then gently stir everything together. Allow the mixture to sit for about 20 minutes — this little rest lets the sugar draw out the fruit’s natural juices, creating a sweeter, more flavorful base that is absolutely essential for the perfect sangria.
Step 2: Add the Liquids and Spice
Next, toss in the cinnamon sticks followed by the red wine, orange juice, brandy, and orange liqueur. Give everything a good stir to combine all those gorgeous flavors. Pop the pitcher into the fridge for at least two hours, though I personally love letting it soak overnight. This chill time is where the magic happens — the red wine blends with the fruit and spices, creating a deeply infused, unforgettable taste that’s worth the wait.
Step 3: Serve with the Fruit
When you’re ready to impress your guests, pour the sangria into glasses filled with ice, making sure each glass gets a generous scoop of the macerated fruit. Serving with the fruit not only looks stunning but allows each sip to carry sweet and tangy notes from the soaked slices, making every mouthful a little celebration.
Step 4: Garnish and Sparkle
Give your Red Sangria Recipe a final flourish by garnishing with extra fruit slices or cinnamon sticks for that classic festive look. For a refreshing fizz, top off the glasses with a splash of seltzer water. Adding fresh rosemary sprigs provides a fragrant, herbal lift that makes every sip feel even more special and well-rounded.
How to Serve Red Sangria Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing makes all the difference. Beyond the traditional fruit slices and cinnamon sticks, don’t hesitate to add fresh rosemary sprigs for an elevated aroma and visual interest. These little touches turn your sangria from simply delicious to unmistakably elegant and inviting.
Side Dishes
Sangria pairs beautifully with foods that complement its fruit-forward and spiced profile. Think tapas-style finger foods, like crunchy toasted bread with manchego cheese, marinated olives, or spicy chorizo. Fresh salads with citrus vinaigrette also echo the sangria’s zest, making for a refreshing and light meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the sangria in rustic clear pitchers to showcase the vibrant color and abundant fruit. For parties, individual mason jars or large stemmed glasses with fun reusable straws create an approachable yet stylish vibe. You can also freeze some fruit ahead of time to use as sangria ice cubes, which keep drinks chilled without dilution.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover Red Sangria Recipe should be kept covered in the refrigerator and enjoyed within 2-3 days. The flavors will continue to deepen, but the fresh fruit might start to soften and lose some of its crispness, so it tastes best fresh.
Freezing
Freezing sangria isn’t recommended because the texture of the fruit and the wine will change upon thawing. However, you can freeze the sliced fruit separately if you want to prep ahead for your next batch.
Reheating
Sangria is best served chilled or at room temperature and should not be reheated. Heat will diminish the wine’s bright flavors and the refreshing qualities that make this Red Sangria Recipe so delightful.
FAQs
Can I use any red wine for this sangria?
Absolutely! While Pinot Noir is a favorite for its light, fruity profile, you can use other medium-bodied red wines like Merlot or Tempranillo. Just avoid overly tannic or oaky wines that might overpower the delicate fruit flavors.
How long should I let the sangria sit before serving?
At least two hours in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld, but letting it sit overnight will deliver the richest, most harmonious taste.
Can I make this sangria without alcohol?
Yes, for a non-alcoholic version, substitute the red wine with grape juice and omit the brandy and liqueur. Add a little extra orange juice and seltzer for fizz, and you’ll still enjoy a fruity, refreshing drink.
What’s the best fruit to use besides apples and oranges?
Feel free to experiment with berries, peaches, or pears depending on the season. Just keep in mind that firmer fruits hold up better over time in the sangria.
Should I adjust the sugar if I want it less sweet?
Definitely! Start with less sugar and taste as you go. The fruit and orange juice add natural sweetness, so you might find you need less than you think.
Final Thoughts
I hope you feel inspired to make this Red Sangria Recipe your go-to drink for gatherings or relaxing evenings. It’s easy to prepare yet impressively flavorful, with a gorgeous balance of fruit, spice, and wine that feels like a little celebration in a glass. Cheers to many happy, sangria-filled moments ahead!
Print
Red Sangria Recipe
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes (including chilling time; best if chilled overnight)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Cocktail
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Spanish
Description
This classic Red Sangria recipe is a refreshing and fruity Spanish-inspired cocktail perfect for parties or a relaxing evening. Made with red wine, fresh fruit slices, a hint of cinnamon, and a splash of brandy and orange liqueur, this sangria is vibrant, flavorful, and easy to prepare. Chill it well and serve over ice, topped with seltzer and rosemary for a sparkling finish.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 red apple, cored and thinly sliced into moons
- 1 green apple, cored and thinly sliced into moons
Sweeteners and Spices
- 3–4 tablespoons granulated sugar (adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Liquids
- 750 mL red wine (1 bottle, Pinot Noir recommended)
- 1 cup orange juice
- â…“ cup brandy
- ¼ cup orange liqueur (Cointreau recommended)
- Seltzer water, for topping off
Garnish
- Fresh rosemary sprigs
- Extra fruit slices or cinnamon sticks (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit and Sugar: In a large pitcher, combine the thinly sliced orange, red apple, and green apple. Sprinkle 3-4 tablespoons of granulated sugar over the fruit. Stir gently to mix and then let it sit for 20 minutes. This allows the fruit to release its natural juices and helps the sugar to dissolve.
- Add Liquids and Cinnamon: To the fruit mixture, add the 2 cinnamon sticks, 750 mL of red wine, 1 cup of orange juice, ⅓ cup brandy, and ¼ cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau). Stir thoroughly to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Chill the Sangria: Place the pitcher in the refrigerator and chill for at least two hours to let the flavors meld beautifully. For best results, refrigerate overnight to maximize the fruity depth of flavor.
- Serve and Garnish: When ready to serve, pour the sangria into glasses filled with ice, making sure to include some of the soaked fruit in each glass. Garnish with additional fruit slices or a cinnamon stick if desired. Optionally, top off each glass with a splash of seltzer water and a sprig of fresh rosemary for a sparkling, aromatic touch.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar quantity based on the sweetness of your fruits and personal preference.
- Using Pinot Noir enhances the flavor with its fruity and light profile, but other red wines like Merlot or Tempranillo can also be used.
- Letting the sangria rest overnight intensifies the infusion of flavors.
- Seltzer water is added before serving to keep the sangria sparkling and refreshing — add according to taste.
- If desired, you can substitute brandy with a fruitier spirit like peach schnapps for a twist.
