We like to think of sangria as the punch for the big kids at the backyard party. Try out these 7 sangria recipes perfect for all your summertime activities!Sangria can be traced back for centuries. The first known sangria-like drink was called “hippocras”. It was a Greek and Roman drink made from wine, sugar, spices, and other ingredients. This drink soon made its way to Spain around 1100 B.C and in the 1700s it made its way to France and England. But what really is Sangria? And how can you start making it at home?
What is Sangria?
While forms of sangria were brought to Spain, the sangria you know and love today came from Spain. Because of this, Spain is the place where sangria was “born”. A traditional sangria is made with red wine, but there have been modern day revisions to traditional sangria. Sangria got its name from the Spanish word sangre, which means blood. This could be hinting at the hue of the sangria when red wine is used. The basic ingredients in sangria are wine, sweetener, a liqueur, soda or other non-alcoholic mixer, and fruit. But there some recipes are more spruced up. If you are looking for a very traditional Spanish sangria try making it with a Spanish Rioja or other Tempranillo-based wine. But you don’t have to have to always stick to tradition, sangria can be made with white wine, sparkling, or rosé.
1. Traditional Sangria Recipe
Looking to keep it traditional?What you’ll need: ½ medium apple, ½ orange, 3-4 tbsp of brown sugar, ¾ cup orange juice, ⅓ cup brandy, 750 ml of Spanish Rioja wine, ice to chillHow to do it: Muddle together apple, orange, and brown sugar in a pitcher for around 45 seconds – you can use a muddler or wooden spoon. Then, add in OJ and brandy – muddle for another 30 seconds. Add in wine and stir. Give it a taste test – good right? This is the perfect addition to a fun quarantine date night or just relaxing with a good book!Have leftovers? No problem – they can be stored in the fridge for up to 48 hours.
2. Summer Red Wine Sangria
Yes, we are firm believers in drinking reds during the summer! This recipe calls for Lambrusco, which is a summer red wine favorite. What you’ll need: 2 apples, cut into ½ inch cubes, 1 orange, peeled and cut, ½ cup of orange juice, ½ cup orange liqueur, ½ cup spiced syrup (recipe below), 1 750 ml bottle of Lambrusco, 2 cups club sodaWhat you’ll need for the spiced syrup: ½ cup sugar, 10 cardamom pods, crushed, 8 cloves, crushed, and 2 cinnamon sticks. How to do it: make the spiced syrup by adding all the ingredients into a sauce pan and bringing to a simmer at medium heat, cook for 2 minutes. Let it cool completely then strain. To make the sangria add all the ingredients (besides the wine) into a pitcher or punch bowl. Let sit for 15 minutes so the flavors come together. Then add in the Lambrusco and club soda and mix. Enjoy over ice. This is a perfect way to drink for a backyard grill-out with friends and family.
3. Cherry Peach Sangria
This yummy white wine sangria calls for a Portuguese wine called Albariño. What you’ll need: ¼ cup sugar, ¼ cup brandy, 2 ½ cups pitted cherries, 750 ml of Albariño (chilled), 1 cup club soda, 1 peach sliced thin, 3 thyme sprigs, and optional to add in 1 sprig of purple and sweet basil. How to do it: In a pitcher or punch bowl, combine sugar and brandy and stir until sugar has dissolved. Add in cherries and wine and left chill for 8 hours or overnight. Just before serving stir in club soda and remaining ingredients. We suggest you enjoy this sangria recipe while soaking up the sun.
4. Summertime Sangria
Take on the heat with this relaxing and refreshing summertime sangria with white wine. What you’ll need: 750 ml bottle of Sauvignon Blanc, ½ cup of fruit flavored rum or vodka, 2 kiwis peeled and sliced, 1 mango cut thin, 1 cup raspberries, ¼ sweet and sour mix or simple syrup, iceHow to do it: Add in all the ingredients besides the ice into a pitcher or punch bowl. Chill for 2 hours. Remove and then serve over ice. This sangria is best enjoyed during an at home-spa day.
5. Summer Citrus and Raspberry Rosé Sangria
Pretty and pink! This rosé sangria is screaming summer!What you’ll need: 750 ml of rosé, 1 cup grapefruit juice, ½ cup orange juice, 3 oz Cointreau, 3 oz brandy, 2 oz simple syrup, 1 lemon cup into half inch slices, 1 orange cup into half inch slices, 4 cups raspberries, ¾ cup soda waterHow to do it: In pitcher combine the rosé, grapefruit juice, OJ, Cointreau, brandy and simple syrup and stir until blended. Then stir in the fruit. Put into the refrigerator for 1-8 hours. Before serving pour in the soda water and the serve over ice. Try this sangria recipe as frosé! Whether you drink it over ice or as frosé we suggest you enjoy it relaxing in a lawn chair.
6. Carolina Peach Sangria
This rosé sangria seems to make everything peachy! What you’ll need: 750 ml bottle of rosé, ¾ cup vodka, ½ cup peach nectar, 6 tablespoons thawed frozen lemonade concentrate, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 pound of peaches, peeled and sliced, 6 oz (1 package) of raspberries, 2 cup club soda.How to do it: combine the first 5 ingredients into the punch bowl or pitcher. Stir the mixture until the sugar has dissolved. Add in the peaches and raspberries. Cover and chill for 8 hours. Before serving add in club soda and serve over ice. Note: You can use peach vodka as a substitute. You won’t need the peach nectar if you choose to do this instead.
7. Cava Sangria Recipe
Cava is the Spanish equivalent of sparkling wine! This sangria recipe is the perfect way to honor the origins of sangria and have a refreshing beverage. What you’ll need: 8 mint leaves, 750 ml of Cava wine (chilled), ¾ cup white wine grape juice, ½ cup sliced strawberries, ¼ cup orange liqueur.How to do it: Press mint leaves on the side of the pitcher or bowl with a spoon to help release the flavors. Stir in the sparkling wine, grape juice, strawberries, and orange liquor. Serve right away over ice. Drink this one during sobremesa – a Spanish word that describes the time spend after the meal where you enjoy the company around you.