This post may include affiliate links; for details, see our disclosure policy.
There’s an easy sangria recipe for every occasion! Here are the top variations for every season, from fruity and bold to bubbly and light.
What’s better than a big cold pitcher of sangria on a summer afternoon? (Answer: Not much.) And here’s the thing: there’s an easy sangria recipe for every occasion! You mix up a batch of classic red sangria, bold and fruity. But there’s also white sangria made with white white, and even pale pink rosé sangria. There’s sangria especially for fall, and frozen sangria for those unbearably hot days. Yes, there’s something for everyone in this list…and trust us: you’re going to want to make each one.
And now…our top easy sangria recipes!
There’s not much better than a fruity glass of classic red sangria! Sangria is easily done wrong here in the US, loading it with sugar or ginger ale. But the classic Spanish way to make it is all about nuanced flavor. It’s bold, it’s fruity, and the perfect balance of dry and sweet. So here’s an easy red wine sangria recipe like it’s made in Spain, featuring wine-soaked fruit, brandy, and a hint of orange liqueur. It’s a symphony of flavor…and pretty hands-off to make.
We’ve got a secret for you. There’s something even more refreshing than the classic red wine punch: a white sangria recipe! White sangria is made with white wine instead of red wine. It makes for a flavor that’s crisp, sweet tart, and herbaceous. Some sangria recipes load it with sugar or ginger ale, but we prefer the traditional Spanish method. Fill it with peaches, green apples, and fresh mint, and prepare to be amazed.
There’s red sangria and white sangria…so why not rose sangria? This sangria made with rosé wine is so light and refreshing, so filled with fruity, delicate flavor, that it’s jumped to the top of our favorites list. It’s perfect for summer entertaining, be it a lazy afternoon, pool party, lake house or dinner party drink.
If you love berries and you love sangria…then you must drop everything and make this now. Presenting…the perfect strawberry sangria! This one is Spanish style, full of nuance and character. The berries sing and the dry rosé notes peak through just enough. Serve it with a splash of sparkling water and a skewer of fruit, and it’s pretty darn perfect…we think.
Here’s a perfect fruity sangria recipe for summer: watermelon sangria! While this flavor is not a traditional Spanish spin, it’s a deliciously sweet way to enjoy this summer fruit. This recipe made in the style of a traditional sangria: just sweet enough, with white wine, brandy, and of course: lots of watermelon!
Here's a spin on white sangria, using summer's favorite fruit: peaches! This easy peach sangria recipe is lightly sweet, refreshing, and full of beautiful peaches, raspberries, and fresh mint. The result is lightly sweet and highly drinkable, with a hint of fruitiness. If you are looking for a strong peach flavor, use peach liqueur instead of brandy.
Why not drink your sangria frozen? This easy frozen sangria is icy and refreshing, citrusy and red-wine forward. Really, it's the ideal summer drink! Now mind you: it's not a traditional Spanish spin and most likely an American invention. But the method makes for a frozen alcoholic drink that tastes like sangria and is incredibly tasty!
Here’s an easy apple cider sangria recipe that's perfect for fall and winter. It’s robust and dark, featuring apples, pears, and orange soaked in Spanish red wine. There’s a little cinnamon thrown in for a kick. Serve it up two-toned, with apple cider on the bottom and red wine on top.
Also try: Apple Sangria
How to make sangria (basic steps)
Here’s the Spanish way to make sangria! The basic steps for how to make each of our easy sangria recipes follow this basic outline:
- Macerate fruit for 20 minutes: Mix the sangria fruit with sugar and let it macerate or stand at room temperature and break down. This helps the fruit flavors permeate the wine even more.
- Add liquids: Add the wine and brandy. Throw in some lemon slices.
- Refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and develop.
Best wine for sangria
If you’re making our easy sangria recipe, you’ll need a bottle of dry red wine. Any dry red will do, of course! Some of the best varietals for red wine sangria are:
- Rioja Tempranillo
- Garnacha (Grenache grown in Spain)
- Malbec
- Pinot Noir
If you choose a white sangria instead, consider bringing in a Spanish vibe with a Spanish white wine, if you can find it. But you can use your favorite variety. Some of the best wines for white sangria are:
- Albariño (Spanish white wine)
- Dry Reisling
- Pino grigio
- Sauvignon Blanc
- Chardonnay
Easy Sangria Recipe
- Prep Time: 90 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
Here’s how to make the best red wine sangria…the Spanish way! Just a handful of ingredients and fruit make a bold and refreshing drink.
Ingredients
- 1 orange
- 1 green apple
- 3 tablespoons sugar
- 1 bottle dry red wine, chilled
- ¼ cup brandy
- ¼ cup orange liqueur, such as Cointreau
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- Sparkling water, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Chop the orange (leaving the peel on) and apple into bite-sized chunks, then add them to the bottom of a pitcher. Sprinkle them with sugar and stir. Let them stand for 20 minutes at room temperature.
- After 20 minutes, pour in the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and lemon rounds. Stir and refrigerate 1 to 4 hours. (Don’t go beyond 4 hours or the fruit texture starts to degrade.)
- Pour the sangria into ice filled glasses and top with a splash of sparkling water (if desired). Add fruit to each glass, preferable on long skewers for easy snacking.
- Category: Drink
- Method: Stirred
- Cuisine: Spanish
- Diet: Vegan
More summer drinks
This easy sangria recipe is perfect for summer…as are all of these tasty summer cocktails! Try some of these to beat the heat:
- Red Wine Spritzer Don’t have time for sangria? Make a red wine spritzer instead!
- Rosé Spritzer Add bubbles to your favorite rosé wine to make the perfect summer drink.
- Aperol Spritz The classic Aperol spritz is worth the hype! It’s light and bubbly, with hints of citrus and herbs.
- Classic Mojito Perfectly balanced with lime, rum and fresh mint! This iconic Cuban cocktail is just sweet enough.
- Best Frose (Frozen Rosé) Tastes just like rosé wine! It’s all natural, featuring wine and strawberries.
