Make Your Taste Buds Dance with Red Wine Sangria Recipe
If you’re looking for the perfect summer cocktail, you cannot go wrong with a refreshing and delicious pitcher of red wine sangria. This easy-to-make cocktail is perfect for hosting parties or enjoying with friends and family. The beauty of sangria lies in its versatility – you can add or substitute ingredients to create your own unique blend to suit your taste preferences.
In this recipe, we’re going for a traditional red wine sangria with Spanish influence. We will use oranges, triple sec, brandy, and red wine to create a delicious cocktail that is perfect for sipping in the sun. The combination of fruity flavors from the oranges and apples and the depth of the Spanish red wine makes for a vibrant and flavorful experience.
Whether you’re an experienced bartender or have never made a cocktail before, our recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal effort. So grab your wooden spoon and muddler, let’s get started on making this classic cocktail!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Sangria is a drink that has always been associated with parties, get-togethers, and fun occasions. It’s a refreshing drink that can be customized to suit anyone’s taste preferences. However, not all sangria recipes are created equal. If you’re looking for the best red wine sangria recipe, look no further. This recipe is the perfect balance of fruit, alcohol, and sweetness.
What makes this recipe so special? Well, first of all, it uses a Spanish red wine or Rioja, which is known for its full-bodied and rich flavor. Secondly, using both triple sec and brandy gives it an extra kick of flavor, making it perfect for those who enjoy strong cocktails. Finally, the addition of oranges and apples makes it taste incredibly refreshing.
Here’s another reason why you’ll love this recipe – it’s incredibly easy to make! All you need is a few simple ingredients that you can find at your local grocery store, and within minutes you can enjoy a delicious red wine sangria.
Whether you’re hosting a party or just looking for an easy cocktail to make on a lazy Sunday afternoon, this red wine sangria recipe is the perfect choice. So go ahead and give it a try – we guarantee that once you taste it, you’ll never go back to any other sangria recipe!
Ingredient List
Here is a list of the sangria recipe ingredients you will need to make red wine sangria:
- 1 bottle (750 milliliter) dry red wine (I recommend using a bold Spanish red wine, such as Rioja)
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/2 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 apple, sliced
For a larger batch, double the ingredients (or use the 1x, 2x, 3x feature in the recipe card). Optional ingredients that work well in this recipe include sliced lemons and pomegranate seeds.
The Recipe How-To
Step 1: Muddle the Fruits
In a large pitcher, muddle 2 sliced oranges, 1 sliced apple, and 1 sliced lemon. To do this, take a wooden spoon or muddler and press the fruits gently against the bottom of the pitcher for about 45 seconds. This will release their juices and aroma into the sangria.
Step 2: Add Liquids
Add 1 cup of orange juice, 1/2 cup brandy, and 1/3 cup brown sugar to the pitcher. Stir well until sugar dissolves.
Step 3: Pour in the Wine
Pour in a 750ml bottle of dry red wine such as Spanish Rioja, or another best red wine of your choice. Stir until everything is well combined.
Step 4: Chill and Let it Marinate
Chill the red sangria recipe in the fridge for at least an hour, then take it out and give it another gentle stir.
Step 5: Add Finishing Touches
Before serving your wine sangria, add some ice cubes along with wedges of remaining oranges and apples to the pitcher. This step is optional but encouraged as it enhances presentation and adds extra flavor to your drink.
Enjoy your refreshing red wine sangria!
Substitutions and Variations
Making substitutions and variations to a classic red wine sangria recipe can be a fun way to experiment with different flavors and cater to personal tastes. Here are some ideas for creative substitutions and variations:
– Wine: While the recipe calls for a dry red wine, there is room for experimentation with different types of red wines such as pinot noir, Rioja, or even a Spanish red. A sweeter red wine can also be used to balance out the citrus notes in the sangria.
– Brand: The recipe calls for brandy, but you can substitute it with Cointreau or triple sec for a more intense orange flavor.
– Fruit juices: Instead of orange juice, try using pomegranate juice or cranberry juice for a tangier and fruitier sangria. For a sweeter taste, substitute apple juice or pineapple juice.
– Fruits: Apples and oranges are traditional fruits used in red wine sangria recipes, but berries like strawberries and raspberries can add a fresh and tart pop of flavor. Feel free to experiment with other fruits such as peaches, plums, or even grapes.
– Sweeteners: In place of sugar, try using brown sugar or honey to add depth of flavor to the sangria.
– Spices: For a warm and spicy touch, add cinnamon sticks or cloves to the pitcher while making the sangria.
Remember that these suggestions are just that – suggestions. Mixing and matching different ingredients is not only allowed but encouraged when it comes to crafting your own version of the best red wine sangria recipe.
Serving and Pairing
This red wine sangria recipe is a refreshing and fruity cocktail that can be served year-round. It’s perfect for sipping during warm spring and summer afternoons or served at holiday parties and celebrations.
When it comes to pairing this Spanish-inspired drink, I recommend serving it alongside light and flavorful dishes that complement its citrusy undertones. Some of my favorite food pairings include fresh fruit, such as berries and peaches, as well as aged cheeses and cured meats like prosciutto.
For a complete meal pairing, consider serving the red wine sangria with grilled seafood or meat dishes, including shrimp skewers or juicy ribeye steaks. Additionally, the addition of sparkling water or club soda can make it the perfect accompaniment to rich and heavy dishes.
Whether you’re serving this classic cocktail at a gathering of friends or sipping it alone on a sunny day, the red wine sangria recipe is guaranteed to please any palate. So grab a glass, enjoy the easy-to-make drink with its background notes of orange and brandy, and share it with those closest to you!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
If you want to make your red wine sangria recipe ahead of time, it’s a great idea to do so. The flavors actually get even better as they meld together in the fridge. You can muddle the fruit and mix the liquids a day or two before your party, then keep it covered in the fridge.
When it’s time for your guests to arrive, simply stir well before pouring over ice that’s been added to the pitcher or individual glasses. For best results, don’t add any carbonated water or sodas until it’s time to serve: if you add them too early, they go flat and lose their fizz. Just leave some space in the pitcher for those ingredients for later.
If you have leftovers once your party is done (which I doubt because this recipe is so delicious!), store the red wine sangria in an airtight pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it quickly into ice cubes using an ice cube tray and enjoy them later in another drink.
Finally, if you’re reheating leftover sangria, take care not to boil it since high heat will drive off alcohol and flatten its flavors. Rather, reheat gently over medium-low heat and stir frequently until warm.
Tips for Perfect Results
Creating the perfect red wine sangria is a little art of blending flavors, sweetness and acidity. There are many variations of making sangria, but certain tricks can help you achieve a smooth and delicious drink. Here are some tips for the perfect red wine sangria recipe.
1. Use the best red wine
Choose a dry red wine with mid-range body and tannins such as Spanish Rioja, Tempranillo or Pinot Noir. Avoid using an expensive bottle, but always select decent quality with clear notes and flavors.
2. Add sugar according to taste
Always sample after blending in the sugar as different wines vary, and so does your palate for sweetness. One cup of sugar per bottle of wine may be sufficient, enough to retain the fruity flavor.
3. Muddle fruits for maximum flavor
Using fresh fruits sliced into wedges is ideal but muddling them releases their natural juices fully for maximum flavor infusion. A wooden muddler or spoon is handy when muddling fresh cut fruit slices.
4. Blend in Brandy or Triple Sec
1/2 cup brandy or triple sec gives a subtle yet irresistible kick adding depth to the drink’s character.
5. Chill before serving
While Sangria can be served right away, chilling it in the refrigerator allows all the flavors to mingle which makes it more refreshing, smoother, richer and ultimately better over time.
With these tips, you’ll be sure to get great results every time you make this easy-to-make cocktail drink that will impress your guests at outdoor barbecues or intimate gatherings.
FAQ
Now that we have gone through the specifics of this delicious red wine sangria recipe, it’s normal to have some questions. Whether you are wondering about substitutions or the best kind of wine to use, don’t worry, because in this FAQ section, I will provide answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about this recipe. So, let’s dive in!
What are the basic ingredients for sangria?
Originating from Spain, Sangria is a fruity alcoholic beverage traditionally created with a combination of red wine, chopped fruits, and either brandy or orange juice. However, in recent times, white wine and sweeteners are also used to make modern versions of this cocktail with a bubbly touch added using sparkling water.
What red wine is good for sangria?
When it comes to making a refreshing pitcher of sangria, selecting the right wine is crucial. Garnacha, which is also referred to as Grenache, and Pinot Noir are ideal options for crafting this fruity and festive beverage. Garnacha hails from Spain, making it a prime choice for creating an authentic Spanish-inspired sangria. Look for a wallet-friendly bottle (priced around $20 or less) that you would enjoy sipping on its own, as this will contribute to a well-balanced and flavorful finished product.
What is red wine sangria made of?
To make a delightful and refreshing wine concoction, combine sliced apples, oranges, and sugar in a large pitcher, and proceed to bash them with a muddler or wooden spoon for around 45 seconds to release their flavors. Then, mix in some orange juice and brandy, and muddle it again for around 30 seconds to ensure everything is thoroughly combined. Once that is done, pour in some red wine and give it a gentle stir. To ensure that the taste hits the sweet spot, sample the mixture and tweak the flavoring to your liking. I opted to add a bit more brandy, orange juice, and brown sugar for added depth and complexity.
Should sangria soak overnight?
Allowing the sangria to rest overnight or for a few hours in the refrigerator is crucial to infusing the wine with the juices of the fruit and enhancing the overall sweetness of the drink.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, red wine sangria is an easy-to-make, refreshing and versatile cocktail that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you want to impress your guests at a dinner party or enjoy a lazy summer evening on your porch, this recipe is sure to satisfy. With its mix of triple sec, brandy, orange juice, and fresh fruit, it provides the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
It’s also an excellent way to showcase the best red wines, like Spanish red wine or a Pinot Noir. With the addition of sliced oranges, apples, and lemon wedges, it creates a beautiful visual display that will make your guests eager to try it. Plus, with easy substitutions like pomegranate juice or different types of fruit, you can customize it to your unique taste preferences.
Whether you’re new to making cocktails or are an experienced bartender looking for an easy-to-make recipe that tastes amazing, this red wine sangria recipe is the perfect choice. It’s the ultimate drink that offers both simplicity and extravagance in one sip.
So why wait? Gather all of these amazing ingredient-lists and head to the store to create the Best Sangria Recipe ever! Just remember to enjoy responsibly! Cheers!
Red Wine Sangria Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 (750 ml) bottles red spanish table wine
- 1 cup brandy
- 1/2 cup triple sec
- 1/2 cup simple syrup (to taste)
- 2 oranges, sliced
- 2 peaches, sliced
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pitcher.
- Refrigerate at least 24 hours before serving. Serve very cold.