I’d seen on social media someone asking for ” sangria red recipes just like the locals make ” and I have to admit I did smile to myself.
I know many people say that the Spanish don’t drink sangria, as it’s more of a tourist drink. Granted I have yet to see a local actually order sangria in a bar, but then again I’m 99% sure they would never refuse a glass is offered. But this is the reason I smiled “sangria red recipes like the locals make”. What you’ll notice too is locals living here in summer tend to order Tinto De Verano, not Sangria.
Four Sangria Recipes to Sip, Savour, and Share
Nothing says Spanish sunshine quite like a chilled glass of Sangria. And the best part? Sangria comes in as many flavors as your imagination allows! From the traditional red to refreshing rosé, here are four sangria recipes that are practically summer in a pitcher. Grab a glass and prepare to be transported to Spain!
1. Classic Spanish Sangria ( AKA The Sangria Red Recipes )
This is the OG Sangria , a no-fuss classic that will have you envisioning yourself in a cozy Spanish café. It’s fruity, it’s boozy, and it’s oh-so-easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of red wine (choose a Spanish red like Tempranillo or Garnacha)
- 1 juicy orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- ¼ cup of sugar (because we like it sweet but not too sweet)
- ¼ cup of brandy (and yes, it’s non-negotiable and this tends to a large cup)
- 1-2 cups of soda water (or sparkling agua casera for that authentic touch)
- Optional: 1 apple (cored and sliced) or other firm fruits like green apple or peach
- Ice (for those scorching days)
Preparation:
- Pour the wine into a large pitcher and add the orange, lemon, and sugar. Stir it well until the sugar dissolves – think of it as your arm workout for the day.
- Add the brandy and any optional fruits for that extra flavor boost.
- Let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight if you can wait – patience is a virtue, they say).
- Just before serving, top it off with soda water and stir gently. Pour over ice and enjoy!
2. White Sangria
If red wine isn’t your thing, white sangria is the crisp and fruity alternative you never knew you needed. It’s light, refreshing, and perfect for afternoons in the sun.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Verdejo work beautifully)
- 1 lemon and 1 lime, sliced
- ¼ cup of sugar
- ¼ cup of peach liqueur or triple sec (optional but delightful)
- 1 cup of peach or orange juice
- Fruits like green apple, grapes, and sliced peaches
- Ice
Preparation:
- Mix the wine, lemon, lime, sugar, and liqueur in a large pitcher. Stir to dissolve the sugar (no clumps allowed here).
- Add the juice and fruits, and give it a good mix.
- Pop it in the fridge for at least 2 hours so the flavors can get cozy.
- Serve in glasses with ice, and watch your guests marvel at your Sangria skills.
3. Cava Sangria
Fancy a little fizz? Cava Sangria brings bubbles into the mix, making it the ideal choice for any celebration. It’s light, fruity, and goes down a bit too easily.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of cava or dry sparkling wine
- ¼ cup of orange liqueur (Cointreau or your favorite)
- ½ cup of fresh orange juice
- 1 orange and 1 lemon, sliced
- Extras like strawberries, raspberries, and peaches for color and flavor
- Ice
Preparation:
- In a pitcher, combine the cava, orange liqueur, and orange juice. Stir it up like you’re mixing magic.
- Add your fruit selections and let it chill for about an hour. Bubbles and patience are a winning combo here.
- Serve in a glass with ice, and enjoy the sparkle with each sip.
4. Rosé Sangria
Light, floral, and as beautiful as it is delicious, Rosé Sangria is the Instagram-worthy choice that tastes as good as it looks. You’ll be the toast of any gathering.
Ingredients:
- 1 bottle of rosé wine (because life’s too short for anything less pretty)
- ¼ cup of raspberry liqueur or triple sec
- ¼ cup of sugar
- 1 cup of raspberry juice or grenadine (for a little extra pink!)
- Fruits like raspberries, strawberries, and sliced peaches
- Ice
Preparation:
- Combine the rosé, liqueur, sugar, and juice in a large pitcher. Stir until well mixed (and take a moment to admire that color).
- Add in your fruits and give it a good stir.
- Let it chill in the fridge for 1-2 hours to let those flavors bloom.
- Serve over ice ( add garnish for presentation, if that’s your thing ) and enjoy the compliments that are sure to follow.
There are some great classes available too to learn how to make up these popular drinks.
Each recipe has its own unique charm, so don’t be afraid to mix things up with different fruits or liqueurs based on what you have on hand (or what’s in season). Cheers to many sunny afternoons filled with laughter, good friends, and endless sangria!
