Ingredients
Scale
- 1 bottle (750ml) fruity red wine (Spanish Tempranillo, Garnacha, or Merlot)
- ¼ cup brandy
- ¼ cup fresh orange juice (from 1 large orange)
- 2-3 tablespoons simple syrup or granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- 1 lime, sliced into rounds
- 1 large apple (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), cored and sliced
- 1 cup club soda or sparkling water (optional, added just before serving)
- Ice cubes for serving
- Optional garnishes: fresh berries, cinnamon sticks, fresh mint
Instructions
- Prepare Your Fruit: Wash all citrus fruits and the apple thoroughly. Slice the orange, lemon, and lime into thin rounds (about ¼-inch thick), removing any seeds as you go. Core the apple and slice it into thin wedges or bite-sized pieces. Set aside.
- Juice the Orange: Before slicing your oranges, juice one of them to get about ¼ cup of fresh orange juice. This will add extra citrus flavor beyond what the sliced fruit provides.
- Combine in Pitcher: In a large pitcher (at least 2-quart capacity), combine the bottle of red wine, brandy, fresh orange juice, and simple syrup or sugar. Stir well until the sugar is completely dissolved if using granulated sugar. If using simple syrup, it will incorporate immediately.
- Add All the Fruit: Add all your sliced oranges, lemon, lime, and apple pieces to the pitcher. Use a wooden spoon or muddler to very gently press on the fruit pieces 2-3 times. You’re not trying to mash them, just lightly bruise them to help release their juices into the wine. Don’t over-muddle or you’ll release bitter oils from the citrus peels.
- Stir Everything Together: Give everything a good stir to ensure all the fruit is submerged and the ingredients are well combined. The sangria will look beautiful already, with colorful fruit floating in the deep red wine.
- Refrigerate and Let It Marinate: Cover the pitcher (or transfer to a container with a lid) and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or ideally overnight. This resting time is crucial – it allows the fruit to infuse the wine with incredible flavor and creates a more harmonious, well-rounded drink. The longer it sits (up to 24 hours), the better it tastes.
- Taste and Adjust: After chilling, taste your sangria. Does it need more sweetness? Add another tablespoon of simple syrup or sugar and stir well. Too sweet? Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a splash more wine to balance it out. Everyone’s taste preferences differ, so adjust until it’s perfect for you.
- Add Sparkle (Optional): Just before serving, add 1 cup of chilled club soda or sparkling water to the pitcher if you want a lighter, more effervescent sangria. Stir gently to incorporate. Don’t add the bubbles ahead of time or they’ll go flat.
- Serve Over Ice: Fill glasses with ice cubes. Using a ladle or large spoon, pour the sangria into glasses, making sure each person gets a generous helping of the wine-soaked fruit – that’s the best part! The fruit is not just garnish; it’s delicious and meant to be eaten.
- Garnish and Enjoy: If desired, garnish glasses with additional fresh fruit, a cinnamon stick, or a sprig of fresh mint. Serve immediately and enjoy responsibly!
Notes
- Wine Selection: Use a wine you’d enjoy drinking on its own, but nothing too expensive. Medium-bodied, fruity wines work best. Avoid very tannic or oak-heavy wines.
- Sweetness Level: Start with less sugar than you think you need. You can always add more after tasting, but you can’t remove it. Sangria should be balanced, not syrupy sweet.
- Fruit Flexibility: Feel free to add or substitute fruits based on what’s in season – strawberries, peaches, pears, or berries all work beautifully.
- Make It Stronger: For a boozier sangria, increase brandy to ½ cup or add a splash of orange liqueur.
- Club Soda Timing: Always add sparkling water/club soda just before serving, never ahead of time, or it will go flat.
- Fruit Consumption: The wine-soaked fruit is delicious! Make sure to eat it – it’s one of the best parts of sangria.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes (plus 2-4 hours chilling time)
- Category: Cocktail/Beverage
- Method: Mixing/Chilling
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Gluten Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (8 oz) without club soda
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 8mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg