Easy Summer Sangria Recipe (Spanish Red Wine Sangria)

April 14, 2017

This refreshing Summer Sangria is a classic Spanish-inspired drink made with red wine, fresh citrus, apple, and a touch of brandy. Lightly sweetened and finished with bubbly club soda, it’s the perfect make-ahead pitcher cocktail for warm-weather gatherings.

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This refreshing Summer Sangria is made with red wine, citrus, apple, and a splash of bubbly club soda. It’s the perfect make-ahead cocktail for parties, BBQs, and warm-weather gatherings!

Summer is just around the corner—and that means long sunny days, warm evenings, and something cold in your glass. One of my absolute favorite warm-weather drinks is this refreshing Summer Sangria.

I first fell in love with this recipe years ago after a friend returned from a trip to Spain. She made a pitcher one sunny afternoon during a get-together, and after just one sip, I knew I needed the recipe. It was bright, fruity, slightly bubbly, and incredibly easy to drink.

Since then, this sangria has become a staple at my own summer gatherings. It’s simple to make, even easier to customize, and always the first pitcher to disappear. Cheers to summer 🍷

Glass of summer sangria with fruit garnish

What Is Sangria?

Sangria is a classic Spanish punch traditionally made with red wine, fresh fruit, and a touch of sweetness. Originating in Spain and Portugal, it’s designed to be refreshing, shareable, and endlessly adaptable.

While there are many variations today (including white and sparkling versions), classic red sangria like this one keeps things simple: wine, citrus, a bit of brandy, and time to let the flavors come together.

Why You’ll Love This Summer Sangria

🍊 Fresh & fruity – citrus and apple add natural brightness
🍷 Perfectly balanced – not too sweet, not too strong
🥂 Make-ahead friendly – tastes even better the next day
☀️ Ideal for entertaining – easy to scale for a crowd

Ingredient Notes

Red Wine
Use a dry, fruit-forward Spanish wine like Rioja or Tempranillo. No need to splurge—just pick something you enjoy drinking.

Brandy
Adds depth and warmth. You can also substitute with orange liqueur for a citrus-forward twist.

Fruit

Lemon and orange bring brightness
Apple adds subtle sweetness and texture
Optional: berries, peaches, or nectarines for a seasonal spin

Sugar
Helps draw out the fruit juices and balances acidity. Adjust to taste depending on your wine.

Club Soda
Adds a light, refreshing fizz right before serving—don’t skip it!

How To Make Summer Sangria

Ingredients

1/2 lemon, sliced
1/2 orange, sliced
1/2 apple, diced
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 (750 ml) bottle red wine (Rioja or Tempranillo preferred)
1/4 cup brandy
Club soda, for topping

Instructions

Add the lemon, orange, and apple to a large pitcher.
Sprinkle sugar over the fruit and gently stir to release the juices.
Pour in the red wine and brandy. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight.
To serve, pour sangria into glasses (over ice if desired) and top with a splash of club soda.
Stir gently and garnish with extra fruit. Serve immediately.

Tips for the Best Sangria

Let it rest: At least 1 hour is good—overnight is even better
Use cold ingredients: Start with chilled wine to keep it refreshing
Taste before serving: Adjust sweetness or citrus as needed
Add bubbles last: Club soda should go in right before serving to keep it fizzy
Serve over ice (optional): Especially on extra hot days

Traditional Spanish Food Pairings

Sangria pairs beautifully with classic Spanish dishes. If you’re building a full spread, try serving it alongside:

Paella – a flavorful rice dish with seafood or chicken
Patatas Bravas – crispy potatoes with spicy sauce
Jamón Ibérico – rich, savory cured ham
Tortilla Española – hearty potato and egg dish
Gambas al Ajillo – sizzling shrimp in garlic oil

These tapas-style dishes make sangria feel right at home and turn any gathering into a Spanish-inspired feast.

Glasses filled with summer sangria and garnished with fresh fruit

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best wine for sangria?

A dry, fruity red wine like Tempranillo or Rioja works best for traditional sangria.

How long should sangria sit before serving?

At least 1 hour, but overnight is ideal for the best flavor.

Can you make sangria ahead of time?

Yes! Sangria actually tastes better when made ahead and chilled for several hours.

Do you have to add brandy to sangria?

No, but it adds depth. You can substitute orange liqueur or skip it entirely.

How do you keep sangria from getting watered down?

Add ice to individual glasses instead of the pitcher, and add club soda right before serving.

“If you make this Summer Sangria, I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment below and don’t forget to pin this recipe for your next summer gathering 🍷”

Looking for more summer cocktails?

Summer Sangria

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Brunch, cocktails

Cuisine: Spanish inspired

Diet: Gluten Free

Keyword: easy sangria recipe,, fruity cocktails, make ahead drinks, pitcher cocktails,, red wine sangria,, summer drinks, summer sangria,

Prep Time: 10

Chill Time: 1

Total Time: 1 10

Servings:

Calories: 172kcal

Author: angela@mealstreetkitchen