Sangria
authentic Spanish sangria recipe is the best and easiest sangria recipe that exists.
Ingredients
- 1 Bottle Red Wine Use a decent young and fruity table wine — something you would definitely drink on its own, but one that isn’t too complex (or expensive!). It’s important that it’s good quality (otherwise your hangover will be awful), and also important that it isn’t overly oaky in flavor. That’s why a fruity young red wine works best. You can, of course, sub other wines — but then it becomes a different sangria. See below for options!
- Fruit The most common fruit you see in red sangria in Spain is by far citrus fruit. Lemon and orange are key ingredients in the majority of Spanish sangrias. Other fruits you may see (and are optional) are peach or apricot and green apple.
- Spices Usually traditional sangria recipes keep it simple and stick to a flavorful stick of cinnamon. But you can add star anise, nutmeg, ginger, cloves… the options for experimentation are endless!
- Sugar Again — totally optional. Taste it without sugar and if you need it to be a bit sweeter, add it little by little. I prefer adding it in the form of simple syrup, as it incorporates better.
- Soda You guessed it, it’s optional! The truly traditional Spanish sangria recipe is actually lacking any carbonation. That’s because carbonated drinks weren’t even invented when sangria got its start! But if you like the extra fizz, add a bit of soda water or lemon soda to your sangria, right before drinking.
- Extra Alcohol If you want your sangria to pack more of a punch, add a couple of ounces of Spanish brandy or vermouth. My favorite sangria bars in Spain add vermouth to their sangria jugs.
Instructions
- Make a simple syrup. I like to use a 1:1 ratio for mine. Let it cool while you prepare the rest of the sangria.
- Take your citrus fruit (I use lemon and orange) and peel the rind. Then juice the fruits.
- Now you just combine everything! Put your wine into a big pitcher (or pot) and add all of the citrus juice, peeled rinds, and simple syrup (if using).
- Now give it a stir and add your spices (I use a cinnamon stick), any additional fruit, and brandy or alcohol (if using). Add the soda (if using) right before drinking.
- Voila! A traditional Spanish sangria to enjoy with your favorite tapas.
