Red Wine Sangria is a delicious batch cocktail that isn’t overly sweet and is made with a mix of red wine, brandy, lemon-lime soda, and loaded with oranges, apples, strawberries, and blackberries, plus a touch of cinnamon!
This sangria recipe is perfect for large gatherings and girls nights or it keeps in the fridge for several days for smaller occasions!
Pretty much everyone I know loves sangria! I don’t even really like wine but this is one of my favorite summer drinks! I’m all about this fruity blend of wine, soda, and brandy!
This punch is bound to be an instant summer favorite at gatherings! You’ll love how easy it is to mix up and that you can make it in advance!
And this might just be the Best Sangria Recipe you’ll ever have!
What Is It?
Sangria is a punch that originated in Spain and was first served in the US at the 1964 World Fair in New York. A basic sangria recipe is made with wine and fruit. But it also often includes additional liqueurs or fruit juice in it.
Is Sangria Red Or White?
It can be either, this recipe is to be used with red wine but you can also try my delicious White Wine Sangria too!
I love sangria because it’s so versatile and there are a million delicious ways to make it!
Is It Sweet?
Some recipes can be, but this one isn’t overly sweet at all. You have the option to add a couple of ounces of Simple Syrup to sweeten it up, but you can leave it out if you prefer!
What’s In It?
I have a soft spot for brandy in my cocktails and blackberry brandy paired with a Cabernet that had some spice notes is what really drives the flavor of this recipe!
One of my favorites to use is Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Aged in Bourbon Barrels, it has notes of vanilla, brown sugar, and cherries.
Josh Cellars Cabernet Sauvignon is another great choice!
Ultimately, you’ll want to look for a wine that’s barrel-aged and check the bottle label for flavor notes if they’re listed.
This recipe has also been tested with Shiraz and Merlot as well, but I didn’t find it quite as delicious as when it’s made with Cabernet.
I add lemon-lime soda and loaded it up with oranges, apples, strawberries, and blackberries. Add cinnamon sticks and simple syrup if you’d like.
Feel free to use club soda or sparkling water instead of soda if you want to cut back on the sugar and calories. Ginger ale could also be used.
How To Make It:
- Combine: In a large pitcher, combine all of the ingredients except for the soda and ice.
- Steep: Let the sangria steep in the refrigerator for at least several hours but best when left for 1 to 2 days.
- Serve: When you’re ready to serve, add the soda to the mix, then serve over ice.
Scroll to the bottom to get the full printable recipe!
Frequently Asked Questions
From the time you first mix the fruit and wine together, this wine punch has a 3-day shelf life.
Even though you can begin to enjoy a glass a few hours after mixing, the best flavor comes after steeping for 1 to 2 days.
This can leave you a narrow window to drink up if you’re not serving a crowd.
Funny you should ask? I actually have a Sangria Slushies recipe that’s perfect for beating the heat! It’s one of the most popular recipes on this site – everyone loves it!
White wine has a different flavor profile and tastes better with a different combination of fruits and liqueurs than this recipe requires! Check out my White Wine Sangria if white is your preference – you won’t be sorry!
Seriously, I had a couple of glasses of it two days after steeping and I have never had a better sangria. The berries and the spice flavors were heightened and it was super smooth.
This is such a great recipe that I guarantee everyone you serve it to will ask you for it!
More Delicious Large Batch Drinks!
Best Red Wine Sangria
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If you’ve tried this recipe please let me know how you liked it in the comments below and leave a review, I love hearing from you! And don’t forget to tag me – @sugarandsoulco – on Instagram and Pinterest with your photos!
Red Wine Sangria
Ingredients
- 750 ml Cabernet look for one with spice notes for best results
- 1 cup blackberry brandy
- 2 ounces simple syrup optional
- 1 cara cara orange
- 2 gala apples chopped
- 2 cups blackberries
- 2 cups strawberries hulled
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 liter lemon-lime soda
- ice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients EXCEPT lemon-lime soda and ice in a large pitcher.
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least a couple hours. Overnight or one to two days for best flavor.
- Pour the soda in just before serving over ice.
Video
Notes
- For Best Flavor: This sangria is best after two days of steeping.
- Shelf Life: Once the fruit and wine have been mixed together, sangria should be stored in the refrigerator and consumed within 3 days.
- If you can’t find Cara Cara oranges, a navel orange will work as well.
- If you feel like play around with this recipe a bit, try adding orange juice or lemon juice.
- Want to keep this low calorie? Try replacing the lemon-lime soda with club soda.
Rebecca Hubbell says
Yes, I think cherry brandy would be delicious in this recipe.
Charlotte Petrie says
Could you use cherry brandy?
Rebecca Hubbell says
My personal preference for this recipe is Robert Mondavi Private Selection Cabernet Sauvignon Aged in Bourbon Barrels. However, I think with any Sangria it’s important to start with a wine you know you like but not a really expensive bottle.
Lexi santell says
What is the best Cabernet red wine to use?
Bernita says
One of my favs!
Rebecca Hubbell says
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!