What is Sangria?

This fruity wine cocktail has Spanish roots but has become a summer favorite in the US. Sangria is a traditional Spanish punch made by infusing wine with fresh fruit, juice, and sometimes a splash of liquor. The result is a light, flavorful drink perfect for warm days and social gatherings. But sangria is more than just a cocktail—it's a customizable canvas of seasonal fruit and wine. Whether you go for a white sangria recipe with peaches or a red sangria bursting with citrus, it’s always a hit.

How to Make Sangria: A Simple Formula

If you're wondering how to make sangria at home, here's a basic method to start with:

Ingredients to make sangria:

  • Sangria wine (red, white, or rosé)
  • Seasonal fruit (oranges, apples, berries)
  • Brandy or orange liqueur
  • Sugar or honey
  • Juice (orange or apple juice)
  • Sparkling water (optional, for topping)

Red Sangria Recipe

Red sangria is the classic version and often what people think of first when they hear "sangria."

Recommended wine: Spanish Tempranillo or Garnacha

Fruit pairing: Oranges, lemons, apples, and strawberries

Cava Sangria Recipe by Becky
We just enjoyed a wonderful vacation in Portugal, and as we usually do when we travel, we took the opportunity to go on some culinary excursions. We had this sangria at a beach bar, and it was a revelation—absolutely delicious!! I’m not a big fan of sangria, but both this and the white sangria (see …
CookpadBecky
Pro tip: Use a bold red wine that complements the fruit without being too dry. A hint of cinnamon or a splash of brandy takes it to the next level.
Cava Sangria With Gin Recipe by esther
This sangria is absolutely delicious, especially served with rotisserie chicken and plenty of black pepper. Enjoy it nice and cold—so, so tasty!
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White Sangria Recipe

Looking for something light and citrusy? White sangria is crisp, refreshing, and great for spring or brunch.

Cava Sangria Recipe by Iryna Burlutskaya
In the summer, we crave fresh, delicious, and colorful drinks. Let’s make cava sangria this summer—it’s absolutely delicious!
CookpadIryna Burlutskaya
Orange, Nectarine, Plum, And White Wine Sangria Recipe by Sandra_M
What makes this sangria delicious is the combination of fruits, white wine, and a touch of peach liqueur. Very refreshing for this summer🍹
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Peach Sangria Recipe

When summer rolls around, peach sangria is the ultimate crowd-pleaser.

Summer Sangria Recipe by FrutasyVerdurasTata
Sangria is a very refreshing drink to enjoy with any meal during the summer.
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Watermelon Sangria

Watermelon sangria is the ultimate backyard BBQ drink. It’s juicy, fun, and easy to batch for a crowd.

Spanish Sangria My Way Recipe by la cocina fácil de lara
In the summer, here in Spain, there’s nothing better to beat the heat than a refreshing sangria. It’s a great way to use seasonal fruit, and we’re participating in the #jugandoenlacocina challenge. It’s so easy! Here’s a step-by-step video if you want to take a look: https://bit.ly/2NRRNLt
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Apple Cider Sangria

As the leaves change, apple cider sangria brings cozy fall vibes into your glass.

Cider Sangria Recipe by tatina
Sangria with cider, orange juice, lemon juice, and apple juice, with chunks of fruit. Hey, if you’re hot, have this sangria and enjoy!
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Rosé Sangria

Rosé sangria is floral, pink, and oh-so-pretty. It bridges the gap between white and red sangria.

Summery Sangria Recipe by Felice
Great for summer patio parties! I don’t add any extra sugar and let the fruit naturally sweeten the wine. Try adding different kind of fruits in combination with different types of wine. There’s no need for the wine to be expensive, but you don’t want a horrible tasting one either. When serving, add…
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🍇 FAQs About Sangria

  • What is sangria usually made of? Sangria typically includes wine (red, white, or rosé), fresh fruit, fruit juice, and sometimes brandy or liqueur.
  • What are the ingredients of sangria? Common ingredients include wine, orange juice, chopped fruit (like oranges, apples, or berries), a sweetener, and sometimes soda or sparkling water.
  • Is sangria wine sweet or dry? Sangria can be either, depending on the wine used. Most sangrias are semi-sweet due to added fruit and juice.
  • Why was sangria illegal? Sangria was technically banned in some US states due to old alcohol laws prohibiting mixed wine drinks in restaurants. These laws have mostly been repealed.

Ready to Stir Things Up?

Now that you know how to prepare sangria in all its delicious forms, it’s time to start experimenting! Try your favorite variation or host a sangria tasting night with friends.

Want more recipe ideas? Try these next!