Classic Red Sangria Summer
This summer, we're updating the timeless Classic Red Sangria with extra citrus and berries, creating a refreshing companion for those warm evening gatherings. Perfect for backyard barbecues and summer parties, this revitalized recipe maintains traditional roots while embracing seasonal freshness that will delight your guests and elevate your hosting reputation.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 0 minutes mins
Infusion Time 3 hours hrs
Total Time 3 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Drinks
Cuisine Spanish
Servings 6 servings
Calories 165 kcal
Sangria Base
- 1 bottle dry Spanish red wine 750ml, Tempranillo or Garnacha recommended
- 1/4 cup brandy can substitute with Grand Marnier for a citrus undertone
- 2 tablespoons honey or agave syrup adjust to taste
Fruits
- 1 orange thinly sliced
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
- 1 lime thinly sliced
- 1 cup mixed summer berries strawberries, blueberries, raspberries
- 1 green apple cored and thinly sliced
- 1 peach pitted and sliced
For Serving
- 2 cups chilled sparkling water added just before serving
- ice cubes
- fresh mint sprigs for garnish
Wash all fruits thoroughly. Slice oranges, lemons, and limes into thin rounds (about 1/4 inch thick). Quarter the strawberries, keeping smaller berries whole. Core and slice the apple into thin pieces.
In a large glass pitcher, pour the bottle of red wine and add brandy. Stir gently to combine.
Add honey or agave syrup and stir until completely dissolved. Gently fold in all prepared fruits except for a few pieces set aside for final garnishing.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 3-4 hours, ideally overnight, to allow fruit flavors to fully integrate with the wine.
Just before serving, gently stir the sangria and add chilled sparkling water to preserve the effervescence.
Fill glasses with ice, pour sangria ensuring fruit pieces make it into each glass. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs and any reserved fresh fruit.
For a lower alcohol version, replace brandy with orange juice. Wine alternatives include medium-bodied Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon. For a sweeter profile, add 1-2 tablespoons more sweetener or use a fruitier wine like Zinfandel.
The fruit-infused base (without sparkling water) keeps well refrigerated for up to 48 hours, with peak flavor typically occurring between 12-24 hours after preparation.
For maximum flavor extraction, use thin fruit slices and allow proper infusion time. Avoid over-mixing which can accelerate oxidation.
Calories: 165kcalCarbohydrates: 18gSugar: 14gVitamin C: 35mg
Keyword Sangria, Red Wine, Summer Drink, Spanish Cocktail, Fruit Wine