Name: Easy Red Wine Sangria
Prep time: 12 min
Total time: 1 h 12 min
Yield: 12
Cuisine: spanish
Ingredients: 2 bottles 750 ml red wine (pinot noir is ideal or a blend); 2/3 cup brandy; 1 1/2 cups orange juice; 2 peaches sliced; 6-8 tbsp brown sugar; 1 orange; seltzer to serve (optional)

Jump to Recipe

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

Enjoy The Video Version

Traveling To Spain

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.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love to make this Easy Red Wine Sangria for get-togethers and even for the holidays. To be more specific it is never missing from my 4th of July table! It is so simple to make, fun to serve and everyone seems to love it. Did I mention it looks beautiful just sitting on the table?

It is really great to be able to prep this the night before a party or event and then place it right on the table for everyone to enjoy. No fuss. The only thing I have to do is place a bowl of ice and seltzer for serving alongside it. Cocktails are served.

What You Will Need To Make It

1 large orange

2 peaches

2- 750 ml bottles of red wine (I like using Pinot Noir or a red blend)

1 1/2 cups of orange juice

6-8 tbsp of brown sugar

2/3 cup brandy

seltzer (optional)

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 fruit make for a beautiful presentation.

Add the fruit to a 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.

brown sugar and fruit in a mason jar making easy red wine sangria

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 stopping about halfway. Top with seltzer for an authentic summer sangria.

a mason jar full of easy red wine 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

Sangrias are a nice cocktail for many reasons. You can make them ahead, they have a beautiful presentation and well they are crowd-pleasers. However, 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.

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 sub out for. You can use apples, blueberries, plums, and even strawberries in your sangria. I have used them all and find them all to work well. I just happen to love oranges and peaches best.

Shop This Post

64 oz Ball Jar

Wooden Kitchen Spoons Set of 12

Acacia Cutting Board

Wooden Measuring Spoons

Simple Wine Bottle Opener

Pin For Later

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

Yield: 12 servings