The Best Red Sangria Recipe
I can’t stress how much I adore a big glass of sangria on a warm day. I mean, who doesn’t? You can use any fruit you like, any juices, and grab your favorite bottle of light, fruity wine. Use this recipe as a guide to create your perfect pitcher of sangria! The best part about sangria, of course, is getting to snack on those fruits at the end of your glass. They soak up all the wonderful flavors of the sangria, and possibly a little extra alcohol as well! I think here I have to tell you to enjoy responsibly.
Red wine – You’ll need to use a whole bottle. Orange juice – Pulp-free works best for your sangria aesthetically, but you can really use any type. Brandy – A smooth bourbon light in flavor or rum can be used if needed. Simple syrup – OPTIONAL: this is only if you prefer an extra sweet sangria. Citrus – I used lemons and oranges. Berries – Strawberries, cherries, blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, blackberries. Whatever you happen to have in your fridge works!
Assembling this delightful sangria couldn’t be simpler. Start by gathering all your ingredients and pouring them into a generously-sized pitcher. Give everything a good stir to ensure the flavors meld together beautifully. Now, to keep your sangria chilled without diluting the flavor, you have a couple of options. You could add ice directly to the pitcher if you’re serving immediately, or better yet, fill individual glasses with ice and pour the sangria over it. This way, you maintain the robust flavor of the sangria while keeping it refreshingly cold.
Best Red Wine To Use
Choosing the right wine is key for a delectable red sangria. Spanish Garnacha is a top choice for its fruity, rich flavors that complement the sangria’s fruit mix. For a lighter option, Pinot Noir is an excellent choice with its versatile, berry-driven flavor profile. Merlot offers a more full-bodied taste with notes of plums and black cherries, while Tempranillo brings a bold and slightly spicy character. For a fruit-forward punch, try Zinfandel. But remember, the best wine for your sangria is one you enjoy, so feel free to experiment!
What Is Simple Syrup
Simple syrup is a basic sugar-and-water syrup used in many cocktails and other drink recipes. It’s made by stirring granulated sugar into hot water until the sugar is dissolved and then cooling the solution. A basic simple syrup is a 1:1 ratio of sugar dissolved in water, meaning you’ll want to heat equal parts of sugar and water. The syrup provides a sweet flavor and smooth consistency to cocktails and other beverages.
Storage
This is one of the only times you can make a cocktail and save the leftovers. It’s a dream come true in a pitcher! You can cover the top of your pitcher with plastic wrap or transfer the sangria to a sealable bottle. It will last up to 3 days refrigerated.
Other Delicious Cocktails
White Sangria Tequila Sunrise Cosmopolitan Cocktail Pomegranate Cider Mimosas Aperol Spritz Pomegranate Elderflower Spritz Mint Julep Mojito Recipe