Spanish Sangria Recipe

Red wine: The base of the sangria, providing rich and robust flavors.

Orange juice: Adds a sweet and tangy citrus note.

Brandy: Enhances the depth and complexity of the drink.

Orange: Fresh slices infuse the sangria with a bright citrus aroma.

Lemon: Adds a zesty and refreshing touch.

Sugar: Sweetens the mixture and balances the flavors.

Club soda: Provides a fizzy and refreshing finish.

Mixed berries: Optional, but adds a burst of fruity flavor and color.

When preparing sangria, it's essential to allow the mixture to refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This resting period lets the flavors meld together, creating a more harmonious and balanced drink. For an extra burst of flavor, consider muddling the sliced fruits slightly before adding them to the pitcher. This will release their juices and enhance the overall taste of the sangria.

• red wine - Substitute with white wine: If you prefer a lighter and fruitier sangria, white wine can be a great alternative.

• red wine - Substitute with grape juice: For a non-alcoholic version, grape juice provides a similar base flavor.

• orange juice - Substitute with pineapple juice: Pineapple juice adds a tropical twist and a bit more sweetness.

• brandy - Substitute with rum: Rum can add a different depth of flavor and is often used in tropical drinks.

• brandy - Substitute with triple sec: Triple sec adds a citrusy flavor that complements the fruit in the sangria.

• sliced orange - Substitute with sliced tangerine: Tangerines are sweeter and can add a slightly different citrus note.

• sliced lemon - Substitute with sliced lime: Limes provide a more tart and zesty flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a bit of floral flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that dissolves easily in liquids.

• club soda - Substitute with ginger ale: Ginger ale adds a bit of spice and sweetness.

• club soda - Substitute with sparkling water: Sparkling water provides the same effervescence without additional flavors.

• mixed berries - Substitute with sliced apples: Apples add a crisp texture and a mild sweetness.

• mixed berries - Substitute with pomegranate seeds: Pomegranate seeds add a burst of tartness and a beautiful color.

• To store your Spanish Sangria, transfer it to an airtight container or keep it in the original pitcher, tightly covered with plastic wrap or a lid. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.

• Place the container in the refrigerator. The sangria can be stored for up to 3-4 days. The longer it sits, the more the fruits will infuse their flavors into the wine, enhancing the overall taste.

• If you plan to store the sangria for more than a day, consider removing the sliced fruits after the initial 24 hours. This prevents the fruits from becoming too mushy and altering the texture of your drink.

• For freezing, pour the sangria into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. You can also use ice cube trays to freeze individual portions, which can be handy for quick servings later.

• When ready to enjoy, thaw the sangria in the refrigerator overnight. If you’ve frozen it in ice cube trays, you can add the cubes directly to your glass for a chilled, refreshing drink.

• Before serving, give the sangria a good stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients. Add fresh club soda and mixed berries if desired, to revive its vibrant flavors and effervescence.

• Always serve your sangria over ice to keep it cool and refreshing. Enjoy the burst of flavors from the wine, citrus fruits, and berries with every sip.

• Pour the sangria into a saucepan and gently heat over low heat. Be careful not to let it boil, as this can alter the flavors of the wine and brandy.
• Alternatively, you can microwave the sangria in a microwave-safe container. Heat it in short intervals of 20-30 seconds, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
• If you prefer a chilled sangria, simply pour it over ice and let it sit for a few minutes to cool down. The ice will dilute it slightly, so you may want to add a splash of red wine or orange juice to maintain the flavor balance.
• For a quick refresh, add a few slices of fresh orange and lemon before serving. This will revive the citrus notes and make the sangria taste freshly made.
• If the sangria has lost some of its fizz, you can add a splash of club soda just before serving to bring back the effervescence.

• Large pitcher: To combine and mix all the ingredients together.

• Knife: To slice the orange and lemon.

• Cutting board: To provide a surface for slicing the fruits.

• Measuring cups: To accurately measure the orange juice, brandy, and club soda.

• Tablespoon: To measure the sugar.

• Stirring spoon: To mix the ingredients and dissolve the sugar.

• Refrigerator: To chill the sangria and allow the flavors to meld.

• Ice cube tray: To make ice cubes for serving.

• Serving glasses: To serve the sangria over ice.

• Citrus juicer: Optional, to extract fresh orange juice if not using pre-packaged juice.

Pre-chill ingredients: Keep the red wine, orange juice, and brandy in the fridge before starting. This reduces the time needed for the sangria to chill.

Use pre-sliced fruits: Buy pre-sliced orange and lemon to save on prep time.

Dissolve sugar quickly: Use superfine sugar or make a simple syrup by dissolving sugar in a small amount of warm water before adding it to the mixture.

Batch preparation: Make a larger batch and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, adding club soda and mixed berries just before serving.