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Refreshing Sangria Red Wine Recipe Easy Perfect Summer Drink for Gatherings

refreshing sangria red wine recipe - featured image

A quick and easy sangria recipe featuring medium-bodied red wine, fresh citrus, berries, and a splash of orange liqueur, perfect for summer gatherings and backyard parties.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 750 ml medium-bodied red wine (such as Tempranillo or Merlot)
  • 2 medium fresh oranges, thinly sliced
  • 1 large fresh lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 large fresh lime, thinly sliced (optional)
  • 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen; strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 1 medium apple, cored and diced
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Cointreau)
  • 1/4 cup simple syrup (homemade or store-bought)
  • 1 cup chilled sparkling water
  • A handful of fresh mint leaves (for garnish)
  • Ice cubes (as needed)

Instructions

  1. Rinse all fresh produce thoroughly. Thinly slice the oranges, lemons, and lime (if using). Core and dice the apple into small cubes. Halve or quarter strawberries if using.
  2. In a large pitcher, pour the entire bottle of red wine (750 ml). Add the orange liqueur (1/4 cup) and simple syrup (1/4 cup). Stir gently to combine and taste to adjust sweetness if needed.
  3. Add the sliced oranges, lemons, limes, mixed berries, and diced apple to the pitcher. Gently stir with a wooden spoon to coat the fruit in the wine mixture.
  4. Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Just before serving, add the chilled sparkling water (1 cup) and ice cubes to the pitcher. Stir gently.
  6. Serve into glasses, making sure to include some fruit in each glass. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and enjoy.

Notes

Use medium-bodied red wines like Tempranillo, Merlot, or Garnacha for best flavor. Thinly slice fruits for better infusion and appearance. Chill sangria at least 2 hours or overnight for optimal taste. Add sparkling water just before serving to keep fizz. Avoid over-stirring to prevent mushy fruit. For a lighter option, use flavored seltzers instead of sparkling water. Non-alcoholic version can be made by substituting red wine with grape juice and adding a splash of apple cider vinegar.

Nutrition

Keywords: sangria, red wine, summer drink, easy sangria recipe, refreshing cocktail, backyard party drink, fruit punch, orange liqueur, sparkling water