- What wine should I use?
- You don't need expensive wine, but cheap plonk won't do either. A medium-bodied, fruity red wine (like Merlot or young Tempranillo) is the best base.
Classic Spanish Sangria
Spain's answer to the heat. Named 'sangre' (blood) for the red wine's color. The technology relies on maceration: alcohol extracts aromas from the soaking fruit, while fruit absorbs the wine. A well-made Sangria isn't just wine-spiked juice, but a new, complex beverage.
Ingredients
1
bottle
Red Wine (dry, 750ml)
1/2
cup
Brandy or Rum
3
tbsp
Sugar
2
whole
Oranges (one juiced, one sliced)
1
whole
Lemon (sliced)
1
whole
Apple (diced)
1
cup
Club Soda
1
stick
Cinnamon
Shopping List (0)
Equipment Needed
- Large pitcher
- Wooden spoon
Allergen Information
Sulfites (in wine)
Instructions
1
✓
In the bottom of the pitcher, dissolve the sugar in the orange juice and brandy.
Tip: Essential oils from fruit extract easier into alcohol.
2
✓
Add the cut fruits (orange, lemon, apple) and cinnamon. Press lightly with a spoon.
Tip: The more surface area of fruit flesh touching liquid, the better the flavor transfer.
3
✓
Pour in the red wine and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight).
Tip: This rest is key. Without it, you just have 'wine with fruit', not Sangria.
4
✓
Before serving, top up with cold club soda and add ice.
Tip: Soda lightens the drink, making it go down easier in the heat.
Recipe FAQ
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Red Wine (dry, 750ml)
- 1/2 cup Brandy or Rum
- 3 tbsp Sugar
- 2 whole Oranges (one juiced, one sliced)
- 1 whole Lemon (sliced)
- 1 whole Apple (diced)
- 1 cup Club Soda
- 1 stick Cinnamon