Spanish Sangria Recipe

Red wine: The base of the sangria, providing rich flavor and color.

Orange juice: Adds a citrusy sweetness to the drink.

Brandy: Enhances the depth of flavor with its rich, fruity notes.

Orange: Sliced for a fresh, zesty addition.

Lemon: Sliced to add a tangy twist.

Sugar: Sweetens the sangria to balance the acidity.

Club soda: Adds a refreshing fizz just before serving.

When preparing sangria, it's essential to allow the mixture to refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This resting period enables the flavors from the wine, orange juice, brandy, and citrus fruits to meld together, creating a more harmonious and balanced taste. For an even richer flavor, consider refrigerating the mixture overnight.

• red wine - Substitute with white wine: If you prefer a lighter flavor, white wine can be used, though it will alter the traditional taste of Spanish Sangria.

• 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 orange juice.

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

• lemon - Substitute with lime: Lime provides a more tart and zesty flavor compared to lemon.

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

• sugar - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a great alternative for a lower glycemic index sweetener.

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

• club soda - Substitute with ginger ale: Ginger ale adds a bit of spice and sweetness, changing the flavor profile slightly.

• To store your Spanish sangria, pour it into an airtight container or a tightly sealed pitcher. This will help preserve the flavors and prevent the sangria from absorbing any unwanted odors from the fridge.

• Keep the sangria refrigerated. Ideally, it should be consumed within 3-4 days for the best taste. The fruit flavors will continue to meld, making it even more delicious over time.

• 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. This is perfect for adding to future sangria batches or even to chill other drinks.

• When ready to enjoy your frozen sangria, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. Give it a good stir before serving to ensure the flavors are well mixed.

• If you prefer a more immediate option, you can blend the frozen sangria cubes with some fresh orange juice or club soda for a quick and refreshing slushy version.

• Always taste your sangria after thawing and adjust the sweetness or acidity if needed. Sometimes, a splash of fresh orange juice or a bit of sugar can revive the flavors beautifully.

• Pour the leftover sangria into a saucepan and gently heat over low heat. Stir occasionally to ensure even warming. Be careful not to boil, as this can alter the flavors of the wine and brandy.

• Alternatively, you can microwave the sangria in a microwave-safe container. Heat in short bursts of 20-30 seconds, stirring in between, until it reaches your desired temperature. Again, avoid overheating to preserve the delicate balance of flavors.

• For a more traditional approach, place the sangria in a heatproof bowl and set it over a pot of simmering water (double boiler method). Stir gently until warmed through.

• If you prefer a chilled sangria, simply let it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving, or place it in the refrigerator for a short period to take off the chill without losing its refreshing quality.

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

• Tablespoon: To measure the sugar.

• Stirring spoon: To stir the mixture and dissolve the sugar.

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

• Ice cubes: To serve the sangria over and keep it chilled.

• Serving glasses: To serve the sangria to your guests.

Pre-slice fruits: Slice the orange and lemon ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

Mix in advance: Combine the wine, orange juice, and brandy the night before to save time.

Dissolve sugar quickly: Use simple syrup instead of granulated sugar to speed up the process.

Chill faster: Place the pitcher in the freezer for 30 minutes before serving to quickly chill the sangria.

Batch preparation: Make a larger batch and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days, adding club soda just before serving.