Discover a Delicious Red Wine Sangria Recipe Today
Folks, I don’t know about you, but there’s nothing quite like a pitcher of sangria to brighten my day. It’s like sunshine in a glass – fruity, refreshing, and invigorating. But not all sangrias are created equal; some can be cloying or bland, leaving you feeling disappointed and parched.
That’s why I’m excited to share with you my recipe for the best red wine sangria that I have ever tasted. It’s easy to make, filled with fresh fruits and juices, and has just the right amount of sweetness to satisfy your taste buds without overwhelming them. Whether you’re throwing a summer barbecue, hosting a party, or just want to indulge on a lazy afternoon, this drink is the perfect accompaniment.
So get ready to sip on the most delicious red wine sangria that has ever graced your lips. With just a few simple ingredients and some creativity thrown in, you can make a pitcher that will be the shining star of your social events. Let’s get started!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re like me, having a cold glass of sangria on a hot summer day is one of life’s simple pleasures. And let me tell you, this easy red wine sangria recipe will become your new go-to drink for any party or gathering. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also deliciously fruity and refreshing.
This recipe uses a bottle of dry red wine, combined with fresh orange juice, brandy, and triple sec to create a boozy cocktail that’s perfect for serving a crowd. The addition of sliced lemons, limes, and oranges add a burst of citrus flavor while balancing out the sweetness of the sugar.
But what really sets this recipe apart from others is its versatility. You can easily swap out ingredients or add other fruits to create your own signature version. Don’t have brandy on hand? Use rum instead! Want to add a little extra punch? Spike it with some pomegranate juice or cranberry juice.
And let’s not forget about presentation. This vibrant red sangria looks stunning in a large pitcher, garnished with fruit slices and served over ice. It’s sure to impress your guests and make them feel like they’re sipping cocktails at a fancy resort.
Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll understand why it’s the best sangria around. So go ahead and make a batch (or two) for your next party – your taste buds will thank you!
Ingredient List
To make the best red sangria, we need only a few ingredients. Below is a complete list of ingredients for easy red wine sangria recipe that you can adjust to fit your preference.
- 2 bottles of red wine (750 milliliter bottle)
- 2 cup brandy
- 1 cup triple sec
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup pomegranate or cranberry juice
- â…“ cup granulated sugar
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
- 1 orange, cut into wedges
- 2 medium-sized apples, cored and sliced into thin pieces
- Club soda or sparkling water, as needed to taste
Note: For this sangria recipe crowd pleaser, plan on serving approximately one batch of red sangria recipe ingredients for every eight guests. So if you need to serve sangria at a party with 30 guests, you’ll need to make four batches of this recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Prepare the Fruits
Begin by thoroughly washing your fruits – 1 lemon, 1 orange, and 1 lime. Cut them into thin slices and then further cut the slices into halves or quarters. Remove any seeds you might have missed as they affect the recipe’s overall taste and presentation.
Step 2: Make the Simple Syrup
To create this drink’s signature sweetness, we need to make a simple syrup. Pour a ½ cup of water into a small saucepan and add ½ cup of granulated sugar to it. Heat the mixture over medium heat while constantly stirring until the sugar dissolves completely.
Step 3: Mix All the Ingredients Together
Take out a large pitcher and put all of the fruits in it along with one sliced apple. Then, add both bottles of red wine (750 ml each) of your choice; you can go for a Cabernet Sauvignon if you want something heavier or pick a Pinot Noir if you’d fancy something less sweet.
Pour in 2 cups of brandy – this will enhance your drink’s flavor profile even further- and 1 cup each of pomegranate juice and cranberry juice. Next, pour in the homemade simple syrup (above) to the mixture. Finally, add triple sec to give it that extra kick – use at least 3/4 cups but feel free to pour more if you want that fresh taste with every sip.
Stir everything together until well combined. To add some fizziness to your party sangria, top it off with either club soda or ginger ale before serving.
Step 4: Chill Before Serving
Once done mixing your sangria, let it sit in the refrigerator for at least two hours or better yet – overnight. This way, all ingredients will blend in perfectly, and only then can you experience its best flavors.
That’s it! Your cheap fruity homemade sangria is now ready to serve. Gather around – especially in events like parties, and let the good times roll.
Substitutions and Variations
Now, let’s talk about some substitutions and variations you can make on this red wine sangria recipe to suit your preferences and needs.
Firstly, if you prefer a sweeter sangria, you may add more sugar or even honey to the recipe. Additionally, instead of using brandy, you can opt for rum or vodka to give a different spin on the taste profile.
For those who are looking for a non-alcoholic alternative, you can replace the wine in this recipe with grape juice or pomegranate juice for the base, and add carbonated water for the fizz effect. It’s just as delicious and refreshing!
If you’re hosting a party with a larger crowd or just simply want more servings, you can double or triple up the ingredients easily. Just make sure to use a large pitcher or container that holds enough volume to accommodate it all.
Lastly, feel free to experiment with the fruit combinations according to the season or occasion. For instance, during Christmas time, adding orange slices studded with cloves would complement the holiday mood perfectly.
In summary, there are many possible variations and substitutions you can incorporate into your own red wine sangria recipe. Don’t be afraid to experiment and tailor it to your liking! You’ll be surprised at how versatile this recipe can be.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving this red wine sangria recipe, you’re in for a treat. This drink is perfect for a party where you want to impress your guests with a delicious cocktail that’s easy to make. Everyone is going to love the sweet and refreshing flavors of this classic drink.
To serve this drink, I recommend using a large pitcher or a punch bowl. This allows everyone to help themselves and makes it easy for you to refill the pitcher as needed. You can also put out some festive glasses or cups for your guests to use.
When it comes to pairing this drink with food, there are so many options to choose from. The fruity nature of the sangria pairs well with just about anything, but there are a few standout options.
If you’re serving tapas, try pairing this drink with some cheese and cured meats. The salty flavors will complement the sweet and tangy flavors of the sangria perfectly. Another great option is grilled seafood or chicken. The light flavors of these dishes will allow the flavors of the sangria to shine through.
For dessert, consider pairing this drink with something light and citrusy like lemon sorbet or orange cake. The bright flavors will pair well with the citrus notes in the sangria.
Overall, this red wine sangria recipe is perfect for any occasion where you need an easy and impressive cocktail. Serve it up with your favorite foods, and your guests are sure to be impressed by both the drink and the spread.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
You might be wondering if it is possible to make this red wine sangria recipe ahead of time. The answer is a resounding yes! This recipe can be made up to 24 hours beforehand and stored in the fridge to allow the flavors to meld together.
Storing sangria is an easy task, just pour it into an airtight container, such as a pitcher or mason jar, and place it in the refrigerator. It will last in the fridge for up to three days, but it is best to consume it within 24 hours.
When it comes time to serve the sangria, make sure you give it a good stir before pouring to ensure that all of the ingredients are evenly distributed. You can serve it over ice or straight out of the pitcher if serving a crowd.
Reheating sangria is not recommended as heating the alcohol will cause it to evaporate and change the flavor of the drink. But if you have leftovers, simply store them in an airtight container and enjoy them chilled.
With these tips for making ahead, storing and reheating your red wine sangria recipe, your party planning just got a whole lot easier. Don’t forget to sit back, relax and enjoy your delicious homemade sangria with family and friends!
Tips for Perfect Results
To make the perfect red wine sangria, there are a few tips that I can share. These tips are culmination of my trial-and-error experiences and also from some experts. The following guidance would certainly help you create an amazing red wine sangria for your next party or event.
Firstly, choose your wine carefully. Always try to select a cheap fruity bottle of red wine as it reacts well to the other fruits and flavors in the sangria. A dry red such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noir also works well with this recipe.
Secondly, incorporate seasonal fruits such as apples and oranges to not only elevate the visual appeal but also add some extra flavors to your drink. When you slice your fruits for the sangria, make them slightly bigger than bite-size pieces so that they don’t disintegrate over time.
Thirdly, think creatively when it comes to alcohol. Rather than sticking solely to wine and brandy, consider using triple sec for a tangy citrus note. If you want to try something different, add pomegranate juice or cranberry juice for a deeper flavor profile.
Fourthly, let the sangria sit and meld together in the refrigerator covered for a few hours (or overnight), allowing all the flavors to blend in nicely with each other. However, avoid keeping sliced citrus fruit for too long in it as they can become sour over time and spoil the whole taste of your drink.
Fifthly, serve your sangria over ice and top with sparkling water or soda right before presenting it. This gives your drink a carbonated finish that will awaken everybody’s senses.
In following these tips, you will have the best homemade red wine sangria enjoyed by all of your guests at your next event or party!
FAQ
As with any recipe, there may be some questions and concerns as you prepare this delicious red wine sangria for your party-goers. In this section, I have compiled a list of frequently asked questions to help address any questions or issues that may arise during the preparation and serving of this tasty cocktail. So let’s dive right in and explore some common queries!
How many gallons of sangria do I need for a party?
To cater a party comprising 20 individuals, it is recommended to prepare 2 and a half gallons of sangria, which would suffice around 8 people per gallon. Additionally, it is advisable to have mugs available for serving.
How do you serve sangria for a party?
When it comes to serving sangria, using a punch bowl is ideal, although a regular pitcher can work as well. If you anticipate consuming the sangria over a longer period or storing it for the weekend, you may want to consider utilizing a punch dispenser.
How much sangria per person?
It’s important to estimate the number of glasses of sangria needed for each person when hosting a party, with a standard recommendation of three cocktails per guest. Nonetheless, if your guests tend to consume more, it’s recommended to provide additional servings per person to ensure everyone is satisfied.
How many bottles of wine do I need for sangria for 30 guests?
It’s always better to have more sangria on hand than to run out during a party. A recommended amount to plan for is one and a half bottles of wine per person. So if you’re hosting a gathering for 30 people, anticipate having at least 45 bottles of wine ready to go. This way, you can ensure everyone has a full cup of sangria in hand, without worrying about running out. Plus, with a bit extra, you won’t feel guilty sneaking a glass for yourself!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this red wine sangria recipe is perfect for your next party or gathering. With its refreshing blend of fruits and the warmth of burgundy wine and brandy, your guests are sure to have a great time drinking it.
If you choose to add variations like apples or pomegranate juice, it makes it an even more flexible recipe to suit all tastes.
Remember, when serving sangria, use fresh ingredients to highlight the natural sweetness and acidity in the fruit. Make sure to serve it cold and let it sit for at least an hour before serving.
I guarantee that once you try this recipe, you will keep making it again and again as you discover new interpretations of your own.
So the next time you want to impress your guests with a delicious and easy sangria recipe, don’t hesitate. Try this red wine sangria one that’s good enough for all occasions.
Cheers!
Red Wine Sangria for a Party Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 liters of carlo rossi Burgundy wine (or other hearty red wine)
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 cup fresh lime juice (around 8-10 fresh limes, squeezed)
- 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 1/2 cups sugar
- 3/4 cup triple sec (or orange flavored liqueur)
- 2 -4 sliced oranges
- 3 -4 sliced limes
- 2 sliced lemons
Instructions
- first of all, this will not all fit in a big tupperware pitcher. to make this work, pour about 2/3 of the jug of wine into the pitcher. add all the other ingredients except for the sliced fruit.
- (alternative: mix up all ingredients except the burgundy. pour half into each of two large pitchers. then pour half the burgundy into each pitcher. stir well before pouring. yes, we actually drink this all fairly quickly with a party here or lots of neighbors!).
- i make a simple syrup using the 1 1/2 cups sugar and 1 1/2 cups of water and follow a recipe zaar recipe, of course. this only takes about 5 minutes. let the syrup cool before adding it to the pitcher.
- if you can manage to wait a whole day, make this the night before. it's good after it sits and chills. we can't wait that long and start icing our glasses and enjoying it right away!
- to use up the rest of your burgundy, pour the glasses 1/3 full of burgundy before you add the sangria when you are pouring the first bunch of glasses. when you think the remaining wine will fit in the pitcher, pour it in to the pitcher. don't forget to stir it all up.
- i arrange the sliced fruit on a pretty plate when i am serving this sangria.
- your friends and neighbors will love you if you share this with them!