Classic Spanish Sangria

By Ann Fulton

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Authentic Spanish sangria is simple to make and delivers nuanced flavor with eye-catching appeal. Perfect for entertaining and easy to customize with your favorite fruits and wine. 

 

My first taste of sangria came years ago while living in Madrid. It has been a summertime favorite ever since.  

Fruity and refreshing, it is popular with guests and can be (in fact, is best) prepared ahead. Classic sangria consists of wine, chopped fruit, a small amount of sweetener, and brandy.

Citrus fruit is traditional, but apples, peaches, melon, grapes, berries, and mango are all good options. I like a lot of fruit and always include an apple for its crisp, sweet bite.  

Adding seltzer water or club soda is the norm, however, you may experiment with Sprite or 7-Up if you prefer a sweeter drink. Rioja or Beaujolais are good wine choices, or use your favorite white wine for a sangria blanca.

Classic Spanish Sangria
Ingredients
  • 1 small lemon or lime, halved and sliced (I like to use half of each)*
  • 1 orange, quartered and sliced
  • 1 small apple, cored and chopped into bite-size pieces
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 3/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1 bottle fruity red wine (such as Rioja or Beaujolais)
  • 1/3 cup brandy (Cognac)
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Grand Marnier)
  • 1 cup seltzer or club soda, chilled**
  • Ice cubes
Instructions
  1. In a large pitcher or bowl, mix the sugar with the lemon and/or lime slices and muddle a bit with the back of a wooden spoon.
  2. Add the remaining ingredients except the seltzer or club soda and ice.
  3. Chill several hours or overnight. Just before serving, stir in seltzer or club soda and ice.
Notes
  • *If you prefer all of the fruit in the sangria to be edible, you may omit the lemon or lime. This will also remove a hint of tartness for those who prefer a sweeter cocktail. In this case, muddle the sugar with a few of the orange slices.
  • **For added sweetness, replace the seltzer or club soda with a citrusy soda like Sprite or Fresca.
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Comments

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  3. Wendy Maloney

    Thank you for this, it looks delicious. We were in Tenerife recently and had Sangria there which reminded me of chilled mulled wine.

    Reply
    1. Ann

      You are welcome, Wendy! I love the flavor and all the fruit chunks…which seem to taste even better the next day. Enjoy!

      Reply
  4. Bam's Kitchen

    thanks for dropping by on facebook so that I could find your delicious website. It is very ironic as we are contemplating a trip to Spain and there is was a traditional Sangria. So perfect for these hot steamy days. One of my friend from Spain adds faygo orange pop but that is a bit too sweet for me. I like the club soda idea instead. Take Care, BAM

    Reply
    1. Ann

      Thanks for the comment, BAM, and a trip to Spain would be fabulous! I hope it happens! I enjoyed finding your website, too…that Italian pasta dome was a work of art and looked absolutely delicious!

      Reply