The BEST Sangria Recipe

When I was a sommelier, we would close the restaurant every Monday and Tuesday. That meant that all of the wine we had open on Sunday would go to waste (read more about how long wine stays good). So every Sunday, the chef would make pizza, and I would mix all of the leftover wine. Eventually, I perfected the best Sangria recipe ever. You can mix leftover red, white, or rosé wines—I even liked to throw in the leftover Moscato for a sweet fizz. You can also buy some inexpensive, fruity wine for the Sangria.

Choosing the best sangria ingredients

You do not need expensive or fine wine to make great Sangria. However, you want to make sure that you have ripe, beautiful fruit and other fresh ingredients.

What is the best wine for Sangria?

Choose a fruitier wine, such as Spanish Garnatxa Negra, California Zinfandel, or Gamay from Beaujolais. For white wine, choose something fresh and fruity such as an Albariño or an unoaked Sauvignon Blanc. Most rosés work for Sangria.

Red to Try: DiT Garnatxa Negra, “Cabirol Tinto”, Montsant, Catalonia, Spain 2018

White to Try: Doelas, Albariño, Rias Baixas, Galicia, Spain 2018

Rosé to Try: Xavier Clua, “El Sola d’en Pol”, Terra Alta, Spain 2019

What fruit should I use for my Sangria recipe?

Citrus is essential. I love to use lemon, lime, and orange in my recipe. Otherwise, you can be creative and use what’s in season. For this sangria recipe, I’m using apple and kiwi, but you could also add peaches, blueberries, pear, or strawberries.

What type of herbs should I add to my Sangria?

Herbs are optional for Sangria but can be a fun addition for a more savory style Sangria. I like to add rosemary or thyme or a winter or fall concoction, but I tend to focus more on fruit for spring and summer.

Should I add liquor or juice to my Sangria?

Both liquor and juice can add depth and complexity to a Sangria recipe. Orange or apple juice will make it thicker and sweeter. Vodka or Gin adds a nice body, but be careful because it’s stronger than it tastes!

Best Sangria Recipe

Ingredients

• One apple, cut into small cubes
• One orange, cut into rounds
• Two kiwis, cut into rounds
• One lemon, cut into small wedges or rounds
• One lime, cut into small wedges or rounds
• One 750mL bottle of fruity red wine (you can also use white wine if you prefer)
• 2-4 oz of vodka
• Two tablespoon sugar or orange juice (optional)

How to make the best sangria recipe

1. Cut your fruit.
2. Layer your fruit into a large pitcher, bowl, or mason jar
3. Add your vodka
4. Add your juice or sugar
5. Top with red wine
6. Stir all the ingredients
7. Refrigerate for 2-4 hours
8. Serve cold into a stemless wine glass or a small mason jar with a straw
9. Enjoy!

*Note: If you don’t have time to refrigerate, you can serve over ice cubes. Add a little more vodka, as the ice will dilute the Sangria.