Delicious Red Wine Cherry Sangria Recipe
Greetings, fellow wine enthusiasts! Today, I am excited to share with you my recipe for red wine cherry sangria.
As the weather warms up, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing glass of fruity sangria to enjoy on a sunny afternoon. This is a perfect drink to serve when you have guests over or when you want to unwind after a long day.
This cherry sangria is one of my favorite summer drinks because it’s light, fruity, and bursting with flavor. You’ll find that this recipe truly hits the spot with its sweet and tangy taste that can awaken anyone’s taste buds.
The beauty of making homemade sangria is how customizable it is! Whether you’re serving it up at a brunch or party or sipping it after dinner with friends, this recipe can be adjusted to suit your preferences in terms of sweetness and alcohol content.
So what are you waiting for? Grab your 750 ml bottle of red wine and let’s get started on making some tasty cherry sangria!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Are you in search of a refreshing beverage that will awaken your senses and taste buds? Look no further than this red wine cherry sangria recipe! This fruity sangria cocktail is a perfect blend of sweet cherries, juicy oranges, citrusy lemons and limes, and a dash of brandy.
The wide range of flavors makes this recipe an instant hit among wine enthusiasts, particularly those who appreciate red wines. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t want a perfectly balanced drink that refreshes your soul and pleases your palate?
This red wine cherry sangria recipe is perfect for any gathering, whether it’s a backyard barbecue or intimate dinner party. The bright colors and mouth-watering aroma of fresh cherries and red wine bursting with fruity flavors create an inviting atmosphere that is impossible to resist.
Another reason to love this recipe is its versatility. You can easily substitute the ingredients or vary its proportions to suit your particular preferences. Experiment with different types of wines or fruit combinations to create your perfect signature mix.
Overall, this red wine cherry sangria recipe offers an irresistible combination of sweetness and tanginess that is perfect for summer days or a cozy evening by the fireplace. So grab the necessary ingredients, invite some friends or family members over and indulge in this fruity, refreshing cocktail – you won’t regret it!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you will need to make this delicious red wine cherry sangria recipe:
For the Sangria:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine
- 2 cups cold water
- 1 cup frozen cranberry juice concentrate, thawed
- 1/2 cup orange juice
- 1/2 cup cherry juice
- Juice of 1 squeezed orange
- 3/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup triple sec (orange liqueur)
- Optionals: dash of kirsch cherry or cherry liqueur
To Add Into The Pitcher:
- 1 sliced orange
- 1 sliced lemon
- 1 sliced lime
- 10 maraschino cherries, halved
To Garnish:
- Fresh cherries, pitted and halved
Note that you can change up some of the ingredients or add more fruit into the recipe, depending on your preference.
The Recipe How-To
Now that you have gathered all the necessary ingredients for this red wine cherry sangria recipe, it’s time to put them into action.
Step 1: Combine Wine and Cherry Juice
In a large pitcher, add 1 bottle of red wine (750 ml) and 1/2 cup sweet cherry juice. Stir the mixture.
Step 2: Add Brandy and Liqueur
Next, pour in 1 cup of brandy and 1/4 cup of orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec).
Step 3: Squeeze in Some Citrus
Fresh citrus is an essential part of every sangria recipe. Squeeze in the juice from one squeezed orange, one squeezed lemon, and one squeezed lime.
Step 4: Mix in Concentrates and Cold Water
Add 1 can of frozen cranberry juice concentrate plus one can of frozen limeade concentrate (thawed). Then mix in 3 cups cold water.
Step 5: Add Fruit & Chill
Garnish with sliced oranges, cherries, lemons, or limes, whichever you prefer. Cover the mixture with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours up to overnight before serving.
Now you can enjoy a refreshing glass of red wine cherry sangria that’s perfect paired with your favorite summer dishes.
Substitutions and Variations
There are a variety of substitutions and variations you can make to this Red Wine Cherry Sangria recipe to customize it to your taste preferences. Here are some ideas we suggest:
1. Swap the red wine with white wine for a lighter, fruitier sangria.
2. For a more berry-focused drink, use cherry juice instead of cranberry juice concentrate.
3. Add fresh cherries for a burst of flavor and color.
4. Use kirsch or cherry brandy instead of regular brandy for an extra cherry kick.
5. Make a fruity sangria by adding sliced oranges, lemons, and lime to the pitcher.
6. Swap out the maraschino cherries for fresh or frozen berries, such as raspberries or blackberries.
7. For a sweeter sangria, add a splash of orange liqueur or triple sec.
8. Use rosé wine instead of red wine for a lighter, blush-colored drink.
9. Mix up the fruit juices by using grapefruit or pineapple instead of orange juice.
With all these fun modifications, you’ll definitely have a unique and flavorful drink to serve at your next party!
Serving and Pairing
This Red Wine Cherry Sangria recipe is a versatile and refreshing drink that can be enjoyed on its own or paired with various dishes. The fruity, sweet, and tangy flavors of this sangria make it a perfect companion for light to moderately spicy meals, such as grilled chicken, shrimp tacos, or vegetable skewers.
To serve, pour the chilled sangria into glasses filled with ice cubes and garnish with sliced citrus fruits or fresh cherries. For a fancy touch, rim the glasses with sugar or salt before pouring in the sangria.
The Red Wine Cherry Sangria pairs excellently with red meat dishes like grilled steaks or roasted lamb. This sangria’s full-bodied taste matches well with any barbecue and smoked meats, from ribs to pulled pork. For a vegetarian option, try pairing it with roasted root vegetables like carrots or parsnips.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try serving this cherry sangria as dessert! It can be served with some chocolate truffles or spiced cookies. With its combination of lush fruitiness and deep flavor notes, this wine cherry sangria is an unforgettable way to finish a meal.
In addition to its versatile pairing options, this Cherry Sangria Recipe also allows for plenty of substitutions and variations in case the original ingredient list is unavailable. Do not be afraid to experiment with different combinations until you find your perfect match.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
One of the best things about this Red Wine Cherry Sangria recipe is that you can easily make it ahead of time. To do this, simply combine all the sangria ingredients in a large pitcher and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This will allow the flavors to develop and blend together beautifully.
When it comes to storing any leftovers, you can store this red wine cherry sangria in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. However, keep in mind that the longer the sangria sits, the more the fruit will begin to break down and change texture. So, it’s best to consume it within the first 24 hours for optimal flavor and freshness.
If you have any leftover sangria that you’d like to reheat, simply pour it into a saucepan and heat it over low heat until it reaches your desired temperature. However, keep in mind that reheating the sangria may cause some of the alcohol to evaporate and could also affect the texture of any fruit in the mixture.
Overall, this red wine cherry sangria recipe is perfect for make-ahead entertaining or casual gatherings. With its fruity and deliciously refreshing flavor profile, it’s sure to be a hit among your guests any time of year!
Tips for Perfect Results
To ensure the best possible outcome for your red wine cherry sangria, there are some helpful tips that I recommend keeping in mind throughout the preparation process.
First and foremost, be sure to use a good quality red wine. The wine is the base of the sangria so it’s important that it’s something you would be happy to drink on its own. A dry red wine with raspberry or cherry notes works especially well in this recipe.
When it comes to the fruit, don’t skimp! Use fresh cherries whenever possible and make sure they’re pitted before adding them to the pitcher. Adding in other fruits such as oranges, lemons, and limes can give a great balance of flavors.
Another key component is the brandy. A good quality brandy will add some depth of flavor and a bit of warmth to your sangria. If you prefer your sangria to have a little more kick, consider adding a splash of triple sec or orange liqueur.
It’s also really important to chill your sangria for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator before serving if not longer. This will allow all the flavors to meld together and create a truly delicious and refreshing drink.
Lastly, consider adding an extra punch of cherry flavor by incorporating some cherry juice or even cherry brandy into the mix. These small tweaks can take your red wine cherry sangria to new heights and make for an impressive and fruity beverage that everyone is sure to enjoy.
FAQ
As with any recipe, there might be some questions that come up while making this delicious red wine cherry sangria. Here are some frequently asked questions, along with my suggestions and tips for making the best sangria possible.
What is the best red wine to make sangria?
Spain and Southern France are famous for producing some of the best wines in the world. Among the famous wine varieties, Garnacha or Grenache is a favorite of many. This red wine blends perfectly with the fruity aroma of sangria, which makes it an ideal drink for parties and social gatherings. Another popular wine type from Spain is Tempranillo, which has a mild fruity taste mixed with oak and vanilla.
Primitivo or Zinfandel originating from Italy and California respectively, Bonarda or Douce Noir from Argentina or France, and Nero d’Avola, a lesser-known wine from Sicily, Italy. These wines have a distinct and unique taste and have recently gained popularity worldwide.
Merlot, a soft and fruity wine, is also a crowd favorite. It is often used to mix with other wines for various blends. Malbec, a bold and fruit-forward wine, is another popular variety that originated from Argentina. Cabernet Sauvignon is a wine that blends perfectly with different types of food and has a distinct oak and tannin taste.
What are the basic ingredients for sangria?
Originating from Spain, Sangria is a popular alcoholic beverage made with chopped fruits, red wine, and brandy or orange juice. While traditional versions of the drink use red wine as a base, modern versions have evolved to include white wine, sparkling water, and sweeteners.
How long do you soak fruit in wine for sangria?
According to Martinez, leaving the fruit in the sangria for too long will result in a bitter taste and unpleasant texture. It is recommended to keep the fruit in the wine for at least 30 minutes and no longer than 2 hours, which is also stated in a Blood Orange Sangria recipe.
Can you use cheap red wine for sangria?
For sangria, it’s best to select a budget-friendly, fruit-forward red wine that can hold its own in flavor.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Red Wine Cherry Sangria recipe is the perfect addition to any summer gathering. The fruity and refreshing taste of cherries mixed with dry red wine and other ingredients is sure to please all your guests. This recipe provides the flexibility for substitutions and variations depending on personal preferences, making it a customizable and versatile choice for any event.
In addition to being delicious, this recipe is also easy to make, with clear instructions that can be followed by anyone. With make-ahead, storing, and reheating tips provided, this recipe can also be prepared in advance, saving you time and stress during your event.
Whether paired with a meal or enjoyed on its own, this Red Wine Cherry Sangria is a beverage that will leave your guests feeling satisfied and refreshed. So go ahead and give this recipe a try – you won’t be disappointed!
Red Wine Cherry Sangria Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 (6 ounce) container frozen limeade concentrate, thawed
- 1 (6 ounce) container frozen lemonade concentrate, thawed
- 1 (6 ounce) container frozen cranberry juice concentrate, thawed
- 4 cups dry red wine, i usually use chianti
- 2 cups cold water
- 18 maraschino cherries
- 1 lime, washed and thinly sliced do not remove peel
- 1 lemon, washed and thinly sliced do not remove peel
- 1 orange, washed and thinly sliced do not remove peel
- ice cube
Instructions
- In a large pitcher combine limeade, lemonade, and cranberry juice concentrates.
- If you double the recipe you can use a punch bowl or 2 large pitchers.
- Add the wine and water.
- Stir well until combined At this point if you are not serving, do not add ice cubes or fruit, refrigerate.
- Just before serving add fruit and ice cubes.