Classic Red Sangria

Classic Red Sangria is a refreshing Spanish-inspired drink that blends red wine with brandy, fresh citrus, and crisp apple for a fruity, balanced sip. It’s perfect for summer gatherings, backyard parties, or casual evenings with friends. The combination of chilled wine, citrus brightness, and a touch of sweetness makes it both approachable and flavorful. Preparing sangria ahead of time allows the fruit to infuse the liquid, creating a deeper, more rounded taste. Topped with sparkling club soda just before serving, it offers a lightly fizzy finish that keeps each glass crisp and satisfying from the first sip to the last.

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Tasting Notes

Classic Red Sangria is fruity, refreshing, and lightly spiced from the brandy. The red wine provides a rich, full-bodied base with berry and dark fruit notes, while the brandy adds warmth and depth. Fresh orange, lemon, and apple slices infuse the drink with bright citrus and crisp apple flavors. Simple syrup balances the acidity with gentle sweetness. Club soda adds a lively fizz that makes the drink light and easy to sip. Served chilled over ice, every glass combines wine’s richness with the freshness of fruit, making it both flavorful and refreshing without being overly sweet or heavy.

Equipment and Glassware

Making sangria is straightforward and requires minimal tools. A large pitcher or jug is essential for mixing and chilling the ingredients. A sharp knife and cutting board are needed for slicing the fruit evenly. A long-handled spoon will help stir and blend the flavors without damaging the fruit. A jigger ensures accurate measurement of the brandy and simple syrup. For serving, use stemless wine glasses, goblets, or highball glasses to allow room for both liquid and fruit pieces. Optional extras include a citrus juicer for fresh orange or lemon juice and a muddler for lightly pressing fruit to enhance flavor.

Ingredients

• 750 ml red wine
• 1/4 cup brandy
• 1/4 cup simple syrup
• 1 orange, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 1 cup club soda

Instructions

• Wash and slice the orange, lemon, and apple into thin rounds or wedges.
• Place the fruit slices into a large pitcher.
• Add the brandy and simple syrup, stirring to mix the flavors.
• Pour in the red wine and stir again to evenly combine.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the fruit to infuse.
• Just before serving, add the club soda and ice to the pitcher.
• Stir gently, then pour into glasses and enjoy.

Pro Tips

• Choose a dry or semi-dry red wine for balance.
• Chill for several hours to let flavors meld.
• Add club soda just before serving to keep fizz.
• Use seasonal fruit for variety and freshness.
• Adjust sweetness by changing the amount of simple syrup.
• Serve with a spoon or skewer for easy fruit eating.
• Avoid over-icing to prevent excessive dilution.

When to Serve

Classic Red Sangria is perfect for warm-weather gatherings, outdoor barbecues, and casual get-togethers. Its light, fruity nature makes it ideal for summer picnics, brunches, or holiday celebrations. Because it can be made in large batches ahead of time, it’s a convenient option for entertaining a crowd. Serve it alongside tapas, grilled meats, fresh salads, or seafood dishes for a complementary pairing. Its vibrant color and visible fruit pieces make it as visually appealing as it is refreshing, ensuring it remains a favorite choice for festive, relaxed occasions where both flavor and presentation matter.

Which Liquor Brands to Choose

Red Wine

• Campo Viejo Tempranillo
• Torres Sangre de Toro Garnacha
• Bogle Merlot
• Penfolds Koonunga Hill Shiraz Cabernet
• Apothic Red

Brandy

• Torres 10
• Cardenal Mendoza Solera Gran Reserva
• E&J VSOP
• Fundador Brandy
• Paul Masson Grande Amber

Similar Cocktails

• Peach Strawberry Cherry Summer Sangria
• Moscato Summer Sangria
• Watermelon Peach White Wine Summer Sangria
• Summer Rosé Sangria
• Tropical Summer Sangria