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Easy Sangria: simple sangria with brandy — Drinks recipe | AfoodrinkDrinks

Easy Sangria

This easy sangria is a relaxed pitcher drink made with red wine, citrus, apples, berries, and a splash of brandy. Mix it ahead, let the fruit soak, then add bubbles right before serving.

Total time
15 min
Yield
8 drinks
Difficulty
Easy

Prep 15mCook 0mSpanishDrinks

Sangria is a simple wine punch with fruit, a little spirit, and time. The resting time matters because it lets the orange, apple, and berries flavor the wine without any extra work from you.

This version keeps the ingredient list short and flexible. Use a dry red wine you enjoy drinking, but do not use an expensive bottle; the fruit and brandy will soften the edges.

Serve this sangria to adults of legal drinking age at cookouts, holiday gatherings, or casual dinners. Add sparkling water at the end so each glass tastes fresh and lightly bubbly.

01What you'll need

Ingredients

10 items · 8 drinks

  • 1 (750 ml) bottle dry red wine, chilled
  • 1/2 cup brandy
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur, such as triple sec or Cointreau
  • 1/2 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 medium orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 medium apple, cored and diced
  • 1 cup sliced fresh strawberries
  • 1 cup chilled sparkling water
  • Ice, for serving

02How to make it

Step-by-step

  1. 1. Prep the fruit

    Thinly slice the orange. Core and dice the apple into bite-size pieces. Slice the strawberries. Add all the fruit to a large pitcher that holds at least 2 quarts.

  2. 2. Dissolve the sugar

    In a small bowl or measuring cup, stir the orange juice and sugar together until the sugar mostly dissolves. This keeps the sangria from tasting gritty.

  3. 3. Add the wine and spirits

    Pour the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and sweetened orange juice into the pitcher with the fruit. Stir gently with a long spoon.

  4. 4. Chill the sangria

    Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For a deeper fruit flavor, chill it for 4 to 8 hours.

  5. 5. Add the bubbles

    Just before serving, pour in the chilled sparkling water. Stir gently so you do not knock out all the bubbles.

  6. 6. Serve over ice

    Fill glasses with ice. Pour in the sangria and spoon some fruit into each glass. Serve right away while cold.

03From our kitchen

Cook's tips

  • Make-ahead: Mix the wine, brandy, orange liqueur, orange juice, sugar, and fruit up to 24 hours ahead. Add sparkling water only right before serving.
  • Storage: Leftover sangria keeps in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The fruit will get softer over time, so strain it out if you prefer a cleaner drink on day two.
  • Wine swap: Use a dry, fruity red wine such as Garnacha, Tempranillo, Pinot Noir, or Merlot. Avoid very oaky or very tannic wines, which can taste harsh when chilled.
  • Fruit swaps: Peaches, nectarines, pears, grapes, raspberries, or blackberries all work. Skip bananas because they turn mushy and cloudy in the pitcher.
  • Sweetness adjustment: For a less sweet sangria, start with 1 tablespoon sugar. For a sweeter pitcher, add another tablespoon after chilling and stir until dissolved.
  • If it tastes too strong: Add more sparkling water or orange juice by the splash. If it tastes flat, add a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange.

Cook's note

This recipe contains alcohol and is intended for adults of legal drinking age. Nutrition is an estimate per drink and includes the wine, spirits, sugar, juice, and fruit divided across 8 servings.

04Frequently asked

Questions & answers

How long should sangria sit before serving?

At least 2 hours is helpful, but 4 to 8 hours gives the fruit more time to flavor the wine. Do not add sparkling water until just before serving.

What kind of red wine is best for easy sangria?

Choose a dry, medium-bodied red wine that tastes good chilled. Spanish Garnacha or Tempranillo are classic, but Pinot Noir, Merlot, or a simple red blend also work.

Can I make sangria without brandy?

Yes. Replace the brandy with more orange juice, cranberry juice, or pomegranate juice for a lighter pitcher. The flavor will be less boozy but still fruity.

Can I make this sangria white or rosé?

Yes. Use a dry white wine or dry rosé in place of the red wine. Lighter fruits like peaches, berries, oranges, grapes, and apples are especially good with white or rosé sangria.

Can I make a nonalcoholic version?

For a no-alcohol sangria-style punch, use alcohol-free red wine or a mix of grape juice, pomegranate juice, and sparkling water. Skip the brandy and orange liqueur, then add extra citrus slices for brightness.

05Per serving

Nutrition facts

Nutrition Facts

8 drinks

Amount per serving

Calories182

% Daily Value*

Total Fat0 g
0%
Saturated Fat0 g
0%
Cholesterol0 mg
0%
Sodium4 mg
0%
Total Carbohydrate16 g
6%
Dietary Fiber1 g
4%
Total Sugars12 g
Protein1 g
2%
Vitamin D0 mcg
0%
Calcium21 mg
2%
Iron0.6 mg
3%
Potassium235 mg
5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.

05Keep cooking

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