Homemade Sangria
A refreshing and fruity sangria with citrus and wine flavors, perfect for gatherings and warm weather, offering a balance of sweetness and tang with optional spices.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cut the outer peel from the orange into a long spiral strip without the membrane.
- Place the orange peel in a 2-quart container.
- Squeeze the orange and one lemon to extract the juice.
- Add the orange peel and juice to the container.
- Slice the other unpeeled lemon into thin wheels and add to the juice.
- Add two 2-quart bottles of wine to the container.
- Add sugar and brandy to the mixture.
- Stir until the sugar dissolves.
- Chill the sangria.
- Pour into a punch bowl or two pitchers.
- Add one quart of chilled sparkling water.
- Optional: add cinnamon sticks, limes, cloves, etc.
- Enjoy your homemade sangria!
Tips & Substitutions
For a sweeter sangria, consider using a fruity red wine like a Zinfandel or Merlot instead of Burgundy. You can substitute brandy with orange liqueur for added citrus flavor. Feel free to add seasonal fruits such as berries or peaches, which complement the sangria beautifully. Always taste and adjust the sweetness based on your preference, especially if using fresh fruit.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your homemade sangria over ice in large wine glasses, garnished with fresh fruit slices. It pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes, especially a light appetizer like Tomato-Cucumber Cocktail or even savory dishes like Stuffed Bell Peppers With Collard Greens. This refreshing drink is perfect for summer gatherings or casual get-togethers.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover sangria in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep it fresh, avoid adding the sparkling water until serving. If you're planning to enjoy it later, simply pour a glass and add the sparkling water just before drinking to keep the fizz intact.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Homemade Sangria contains roughly 132 calories, with 2g protein, 32g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and potassium.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use white wine instead of red for sangria?
Absolutely! White sangria is a refreshing alternative and is often made with crisp wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. Just follow the same process and feel free to add light fruits such as peaches, apples, or berries for a vibrant mix.
How long should I let sangria sit before serving?
For the best flavor, allow the sangria to chill for at least 2 hours after preparation. This allows the fruit flavors to meld with the wine and brandy. If you can, let it sit overnight for an even more pronounced taste.
Can I make sangria in advance for a party?
Yes, sangria is perfect for making ahead! Prepare the mixture without the sparkling water and store it in the refrigerator. Just add the sparkling water right before serving to keep it bubbly and fresh for your guests.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).