Sangria Recipe

Red wine: The base of the sangria, providing rich and robust flavors.

Orange juice: Adds sweetness and a citrusy note to the drink.

Brandy: Enhances the depth of flavor with its warm, fruity undertones.

Orange: Sliced for a fresh, zesty addition.

Lemon: Sliced to add a tangy brightness.

Sugar: Sweetens the mixture, balancing the acidity of the citrus.

Club soda: Adds a refreshing fizz just before serving.

To enhance the flavors of your sangria, consider macerating the fruit with the sugar before adding it to the wine. This process allows the fruit to release its natural juices and absorb the sugar, resulting in a more flavorful and well-balanced drink. Simply combine the sliced orange and lemon with the sugar in a bowl, let it sit for about 15-20 minutes, and then add it to the pitcher.

• red wine - Substitute with white wine: If you prefer a lighter and fruitier sangria, white wine can be a refreshing alternative.

• red wine - Substitute with rosé wine: Rosé offers a middle ground between red and white wine, providing a balanced flavor profile.

• orange juice - Substitute with pineapple juice: Pineapple juice adds a tropical twist and a bit more sweetness to the sangria.

• orange juice - Substitute with apple juice: Apple juice can provide a milder, less acidic flavor while still adding sweetness.

• brandy - Substitute with rum: Rum can add a different depth of flavor and a bit of a tropical note to the sangria.

• brandy - Substitute with triple sec: Triple sec will add a citrusy flavor and additional sweetness.

• sliced orange - Substitute with sliced grapefruit: Grapefruit offers a slightly more bitter and tangy flavor, which can be a nice contrast.

• sliced orange - Substitute with sliced tangerine: Tangerines are sweeter and can add a different citrus note.

• sliced lemon - Substitute with sliced lime: Lime provides a more tart and tangy flavor, which can be refreshing.

• sliced lemon - Substitute with sliced green apple: Green apples add a crisp and slightly tart flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds a natural sweetness and a bit of floral flavor.

• sugar - Substitute with agave syrup: Agave syrup is a natural sweetener that dissolves easily and adds a mild flavor.

• club soda - Substitute with sparkling water: Sparkling water provides the same effervescence without altering the flavor.

• club soda - Substitute with ginger ale: Ginger ale adds a bit of spice and sweetness, enhancing the overall flavor.

• To store your sangria, pour it into an airtight container or a large pitcher with a lid. This will help maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.
• Keep the sangria in the refrigerator. It should be stored at a consistent, cool temperature to preserve the flavors of the wine and fruits.
• If you plan to enjoy your sangria over a few days, it's best to add the club soda just before serving each time. This ensures that the sangria remains fizzy and refreshing.
• For longer storage, you can freeze sangria. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for easy portioning.
• When you're ready to enjoy your frozen sangria, let it thaw in the refrigerator. This slow thawing process helps retain the integrity of the wine and fruits.
• If you notice any separation or sediment after thawing, give the sangria a gentle stir to reincorporate the ingredients.
• Always taste your sangria before serving to ensure it has retained its delightful flavor. If needed, you can adjust the sweetness or add a splash of fresh orange juice or brandy to enhance the taste.

• Pour the leftover sangria into a saucepan.
• Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
• Avoid bringing it to a boil, as this can alter the flavors of the wine and brandy.
• Once warmed, transfer the sangria back into a pitcher.
• Add a splash of fresh orange juice or club soda to refresh the flavors.
• Serve immediately in glasses, garnished with fresh slices of orange and lemon.

Alternatively:

• Pour the leftover sangria into a microwave-safe container.
• Heat in the microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Check the temperature and heat in 30-second intervals if needed.
• Once warmed, pour into glasses and add a bit of fresh club soda for a fizzy touch.
• Garnish with fresh fruit slices before serving.

• Large pitcher: To combine and mix all the ingredients together.

• Measuring cups: To measure the orange juice and brandy accurately.

• Knife: To slice the orange and lemon.

• Cutting board: To provide a safe surface for slicing the fruits.

• Wooden spoon: To stir the mixture and dissolve the sugar.

• Refrigerator: To chill the sangria for at least 2 hours.

• Serving glasses: To serve the sangria to your guests.

• Citrus juicer: Optional, to extract fresh orange juice if not using store-bought.

Prepare ingredients ahead: Slice the orange and lemon in advance and store them in the refrigerator.

Use pre-chilled wine: Start with a bottle of red wine that is already chilled to reduce the overall chilling time.

Dissolve sugar quickly: Use superfine sugar which dissolves faster than regular granulated sugar.

Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of sangria and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, adding club soda just before serving.