Need a really refreshing and delicious summer party beverage? Well sangria is just that.
Text And Photo By Kristina Wiley
It’s practically summer here and it’s getting HOT. Need a really refreshing and delicious party beverage? Well sangria is just that! Nothing gets a party started and keeps said party going like a refreshing pitcher of sangria. It’s one of those fabulous make-ahead things that you can have ready long before your guests arrive.
Sangria, is a wine punch with origins from Spain and Portugal. In its simplest form, it is comprised of a few fundamental ingredients: 
- Young, Inexpensive Dry Red Wine (Tempranillo preferred – but any decent dry red wine will do)
- Sliced Fruit
- Sweetener (Juices, Simple Syrup, or Fruit Nectars)
- Spirits (Liquor and / or Liqueurs)
Some sangria recipes out there are incredibly complex with their laundry list of ingredients. A lot of them add a fizzy element (ie: club soda) and other additions. Think of Sangria as the ‘casserole’ of mixed drinks. We make ours based on what’s stocked in our cabinet and refrigerator. If you like specific flavors or ingredients – mix them in!
I hope you enjoy this real crow pleaser (I know your guests will!).
Summer Sangria
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
This refreshing sangria is a citrus-infused wine punch perfect for summer parties. Made with red wine, citrus juices, and fresh fruit, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be prepared in advance.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750 ml) inexpensive Spanish red wine (e.g., Tempranillo or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 3/4 cup orange juice (blood orange juice preferred)
- 1/2 cup triple sec
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1-2 oranges, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- Optional: 1/4 cup simple syrup or fruit nectar for added sweetness
- Optional: Club soda for a fizzy element
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, orange juice, triple sec, and lemon juice. Stir well to mix.
- Add the sliced oranges, lemon, and lime to the pitcher, reserving a few slices for garnishing individual glasses.
- For added sweetness, stir in simple syrup or fruit nectar, if desired.
- Refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the drink to chill thoroughly.
- Before serving, stir the sangria again. If you prefer a fizzy sangria, add club soda just before serving.
- Pour the sangria into glasses over ice, garnishing with reserved fruit slices.
Notes
Sangria can be customized with your favorite fruits and spirits. For a sweeter sangria, add simple syrup or fruit nectar. If you prefer a fizzy drink, add club soda just before serving. This drink is best served chilled, so make it ahead of time and let it sit in the refrigerator for a few hours. Garnish with fresh fruit slices for a festive touch.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktail
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 glass
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 5
- Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 20
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 0
- Cholesterol: 0
Great post Kristina, trust me, being Spanish I’m a true connoisseur LOL
I forgot one thing: you’re only missing a pinch of cinnamon (or more pinches for that matter). That used to be a great hit among youngsters and an urban legend as it was supposed to give sangría some aphrodisiac power… A very popular addition in student parties.
I am a huge fan of Sangria and have been looking for a recipe since visiting Spain last year, can’t wait to try yours! Thanks
I like sangria and yours looks perfect!