How to Make Sangria: A Comprehensive Guide with Recipes

Introduction

Sangria is a refreshing, fruity wine cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. It’s a great way to use up leftover wine and fruit, and it can be customized to suit your tastes. If you’re new to making sangria, don’t worry – it’s easy to do and requires just a few simple ingredients. In this article, we’ll be covering the classic recipe for traditional Spanish sangria, as well as unique recipes to try, low-calorie options, seasonal adaptations, perfect pairings with food, and using what you have on hand. By the end of this guide, you’ll be a sangria pro and will have countless recipes to try out!

The Classic Recipe: How to Make Sangria the Traditional Way

Sangria originated in Spain and is a popular drink in many parts of the world. The traditional recipe includes red wine, brandy, orange juice, and chopped fruit. Here’s how to make it:

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup orange juice
• 1 sliced orange
• 1 sliced lemon
• 1 sliced apple
• 1 cup club soda
• 1/4 cup sugar (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher or bowl, combine the wine, brandy, and orange juice.
2. Add the sliced fruit and sugar (if using) and stir to combine. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Before serving, add the club soda and stir gently.
4. Serve over ice and garnish with additional fruit, if desired.

Tips for serving and storing sangria:

• Sangria can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a sweeter sangria, add more sugar or use a sweeter wine.
• For a less sweet sangria, omit the sugar or use a dry wine.

5 Unique Sangria Recipes to Try This Summer

If you’re looking to switch up your sangria game this summer, try one of these unique recipes. All of them can be made with white or red wine, depending on your preference.

Peach Raspberry Sangria

• 1 bottle of white wine
• 1/2 cup peach schnapps
• 1/4 cup raspberry liqueur
• 1 sliced peach
• 1/2 cup raspberries
• 1 cup sparkling water

Watermelon Mint Sangria

• 1 bottle of white wine
• 1 cup watermelon juice
• 1/2 cup vodka
• 1/4 cup mint leaves
• 1 sliced lime
• 1 cup club soda

Spicy Sangria

• 1 bottle of red wine
• 1/2 cup tequila
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 sliced jalapeño pepper
• 1 sliced orange
• 1/4 cup honey (optional)

Lavender Honey Sangria

• 1 bottle of white wine
• 1/2 cup lavender-infused simple syrup
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 sliced lemon
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1 cup club soda

Cranberry Ginger Sangria

• 1 bottle of red wine
• 1 cup cranberry juice
• 1/2 cup ginger beer
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 sliced lemon
• 1/2 cup cranberries

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher or bowl, combine the wine, liquor, juice, and sweetener (if using).
2. Add the sliced fruit and stir to combine. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Before serving, add the sparkling water, club soda, or ginger beer and stir gently.

Tips for serving and storing each type of sangria:

• Sangria can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• For a non-alcoholic version, omit the liquor and increase the juice or sparkling water.

Sangria for Every Season: A Guide to Adapting Your Sangria Recipe

Sangria is an adaptable drink that can be adjusted based on the season. Here are a few examples:

Fall Sangria

• 1 bottle of red wine
• 1/2 cup apple cider
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 sliced apple
• 1 sliced pear
• 1 cinnamon stick

Winter Sangria

• 1 bottle of red wine
• 1/2 cup cranberry juice
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1 sliced orange
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup cranberries

Spring Sangria

• 1 bottle of white wine
• 1/2 cup elderflower liqueur
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 sliced lemon
• 1 sliced strawberries
• 1 cup club soda

Summer Sangria

• 1 bottle of rosé wine
• 1/2 cup peach schnapps
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 sliced peach
• 1/2 cup blueberries
• 1 cup sparkling water

Tips on adapting traditional sangria recipes for each season:

• Use seasonal fruits and flavors.
• Swap out the type of wine and/or liquor based on the season. For example, use rosé in the summer and brandy in the winter.
• Add seasonal spices like cinnamon or nutmeg to give your sangria a cozy feel.

Low-Calorie Sangria: A Healthier Twist on a Classic Drink

If you’re looking for a healthier version of sangria, try swapping out some of the sugary ingredients. Here’s a low-calorie sangria recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of red wine
• 1 cup unsweetened cranberry juice
• 1 sliced orange
• 1 sliced lime
• 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds
• 2 cups sparkling water or club soda

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher or bowl, combine the wine, cranberry juice, and fruit.
2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Before serving, add the sparkling water or club soda and stir gently.

Tips for making low-calorie sangria:

• Use unsweetened juice instead of sugary mixers.
• Include plenty of fresh fruit for flavor and nutrients.
• Limit the amount of added sweetener.

Perfect Pairings: Sangria Recipes to Accompany Your Favorite Foods

Pairing wine with food is a common practice, and the same goes for sangria. Here are a few types of food to pair with certain types of sangria:

Seafood Sangria

• 1 bottle of white wine
• 1/2 cup triple sec
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 1 sliced lime
• 1/2 sliced cucumber
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro

Spicy Food Sangria

• 1 bottle of red wine
• 1/2 cup brandy
• 1/2 cup orange juice
• 1 sliced jalapeño pepper
• 1 sliced orange
• 1/4 cup honey (optional)

Dessert Sangria

• 1 bottle of white wine
• 1/2 cup amaretto liqueur
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 sliced lemon
• 1/2 cup mixed berries
• 1/2 cup club soda

Tips for pairing sangria with food:

• Sangria pairs well with a variety of foods, but it’s best to match the sweetness and acidity of the drink with the dish.
• For example, seafood and spicy foods go well with tart white sangria, while dessert sangria should be sweeter to complement the sweetness of the desserts.

How to Make Sangria with What You Have on Hand

Don’t have all the ingredients for a traditional sangria recipe? No problem! Here’s a flexible recipe that can be adapted based on what you have on hand:

Ingredients:

• 1 bottle of wine
• 1/2 cup liquor (brandy, rum, triple sec, etc.)
• 1/2 cup juice (orange juice, pineapple juice, lemonade, etc.)
• 1-2 cups sliced fruit (whatever you have on hand)
• 1 cup sparkling water or club soda (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a large pitcher or bowl, combine the wine, liquor, juice, and fruit.
2. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
3. Before serving, add the sparkling water or club soda (if using) and stir gently.

Tips for making sangria with whatever ingredients you have on hand:

• Experiment with different fruit combinations.
• Use juice or sweetener to adjust the sweetness of the sangria.
• Get creative with your choice of liquor or wine.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to make traditional Spanish sangria or experiment with unique recipes, there are countless options to choose from. Sangria is a versatile drink that can be adjusted based on your tastes and the season.