Easy Red Wine Sangria

This easy red wine sangria is a delicious authentic-tasting simple sangria made with red wine and fresh fruit for the perfect summer drink.

A few years back I took a trip with my daughter and some friends to Barcelona. A busy city filled with a rich history. We walked the gothic quarters several times over. The old churches and stone buildings had a unique look to them and as we walked the faint sound of a Spanish guitar only added to the beauty of that city.

The first evening we were there. We all decided to take a stroll to experience the city at night and came upon several street performers. One was an opera singer, the other a Spanish guitar player singing love songs. It was enchanting and exciting to be so far from home.

Even in my jet-lagged haze, it was memorable. That warm summer night walking the cobblestone streets of Barcelona. The dimly lit alleys filled with people and street merchants.

Holding my daughter’s hand and taking the city in.

On everyone’s list to try was the Spanish sangria. We ordered several on that trip and each time they were slightly different in taste. But something not to forget was the bubbly sweet seltzer they added to it when served. Always in a large glass, lots of ice, chilled sangria, and topped off with the bubbly seltzer water. Sipping it on a patio-style dining area. Listening to the faint sound of the guitar and watching the people stroll passed us.

Although I am far from Spain as most of us are. I do feel like we can create that beautiful atmosphere in our own homes. Just taking a few small extra steps. Like playing Spanish guitar music lightly in the background. Placing a pretty tablecloth on an outdoor table. Inviting a few friends to sit and enjoy the taste of sangria on a warm summer day just because.

To enjoy every bit of summer and create experiences like these no matter where we are in the world; is a worthwhile effort.

Make Sangria with Me

Easy Red Wine Sangria Is…

• The perfect way to make a wine cocktail or traditional sangrias that are self-serve.
• Made with simple ingredients including flavorful fruit and a bottle of wine.
• ​A popular choice for a go-to cocktail.
• The perfect cocktail to have on a hot summer day or when it’s party time.
• One of my favorite things to make for a dinner party or when hanging out poolside.

Ingredients

Orange- use a large ripe orange. 

Peaches- you can use white or yellow peaches. Peaches should be free of bruises and never under ripe. 

Red Wine- I use Pinot Noir or a red blend but you can use your favorite red wine for this.

Brandy- adding in a little more flavor, use a good brandy you enjoy. 

Sugar- light brown sugar gives this sangria a delicious flavor. You can also use dark brown sugar or white sugar if you don’t have brown sugar on hand. 

Seltzer- I like to top my sangria off with some bubbly seltzer when serving but this is completely optional. 

Tools

Large Pitcher

Wooden Spoon or Muddler

Directions

Be sure to wash the fruit well as it will be soaking in the sangria. Slice the oranges into wedges and the peaches into long slices. The large chunks of colorful fruit make for a beautiful presentation.

Add the fruit to a large pitcher and sprinkle the sugar over them. I start with 6 tbsps. (and then add more if needed later.) But if you like a sweet sangria you can add the full amount and even a bit more if you desire. With a wooden spoon, mix the sugar and fruit around for about a minute. Allowing the juices from the fruit to release.

Pour in the brandy and the orange juice. Mix well. Stir in the red wine to incorporate. Taste and add any additional sugar or brandy if needed. Chill before serving.

Serving Suggestion

Pour chilled sangria into a glass with ice cubes stopping about halfway. Top with seltzer for an authentic Spanish sangria.

Recommendations

I recommend using pinot noir for the low tannins as that is a less acidic wine and one that is sweeter. Which is perfect for a sangria or a red blend works great for this recipe too. I would not recommend using a cabernet as that is a higher-tannin wine with a more bitter flavor.

Substitutions

A good sangria is a nice cocktail for many reasons, especially a homemade sangria version. Essentially a wine punch that you can make ahead, they have a beautiful presentation and they are crowd-pleasers with their fresh flavor.

Also, they are super forgiving and that is maybe one of the best parts of making them. The following are suggestions to work as possible substitutions if you happen to be out of something on the ingredient list or you want to make them according to your personal preference. 

Brown Sugar– White sugar can be used for this recipe. Keep in mind that brown sugar is slightly sweeter due to the molasses. You may need to add a little more to get the right amount of sweetness for your sangria.

Brandy– Whiskey is a good substitute for brandy as it has a similar taste and alcohol content. You can also opt to use a Rum which will sweeten the overall flavor of your sangria.

Fruit- The fruit in sangria is completely fine to substitute. You can different fruits like apples, blueberries, plums, and even strawberries in more modern versions of sangria. I have used them all and find they all work well. I just happen to love orange slices and peaches best for their classic combinations of flavor.

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Other Recipes To Try…

• Fresh Peach Tart
• Simple Tomato Confit
• Easy Peach Iced Tea

If you try this recipe and love it, I would love it if you would come back to give it 5 stars!