I keep this red sangria on repeat because it turns a bottle of wine, Cointreau, and fresh fruit into the pitcher everyone reaches for first. One sip and it feels like the party just found its signature drink.
I’m obsessed with this simple red sangria because it tastes like the kind of drink I actually want in my hand when the sun is out and people are hovering around the snacks. The dry red wine keeps it bold, while Cointreau gives it that bright citrus kick that makes every sip way too easy.
And honestly, I love a cocktail that feels casual but still looks gorgeous in a pitcher. Juicy fruit, chilled glasses, a little clink of ice.
That’s the vibe. But the best part?
It’s made for sharing, which means I get to stop playing bartender and enjoy myself.
Ingredients
- Dry red wine gives the sangria its bold, cozy backbone.
- Cointreau adds bright orange sweetness without making it taste like candy.
- Brandy brings extra warmth, if you’re in that kind of mood.
- Simple syrup or honey syrup smooths out any sharp edges.
- Orange slices make it juicy, sunny, and super classic.
- Lemon slices keep things fresh, tart, and not too heavy.
- Apple adds a crisp little bite after soaking up the wine.
- Mixed berries bring color, sweetness, and that snackable fruit bonus.
- Plus, club soda makes it lighter, bubbly, and party-ready.
- Ice keeps every glass cold, because warm sangria just isn’t it.
Ingredient Quantities
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine, such as Rioja or Garnacha
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) Cointreau
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) brandy (optional)
- 2 tablespoons simple syrup or honey syrup, more to taste
- 1 medium orange, thinly sliced
- 1 medium lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 medium apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries or raspberries), optional
- 1 cup club soda or sparkling water, chilled and optional
- Ice for serving, optional
How to Make this
1. Pour 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine into a large pitcher.
2. Add 1/2 cup (120 ml) Cointreau and 1/4 cup (60 ml) brandy if using.
3. Stir in 2 tablespoons simple syrup or honey syrup, tasting and adding more if desired.
4. Thinly slice 1 medium orange and 1 medium lemon and add to the pitcher.
5. Core and thinly slice 1 medium apple and add the slices to the mixture.
6. Add 1 cup mixed berries if using.
7. Stir gently to combine, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to let flavors meld.
8. Just before serving, add 1 cup chilled club soda or sparkling water if desired and stir gently.
9. Serve over ice if you like, making sure each glass gets some fruit.
Equipment Needed
1. Large pitcher or carafe
2. Liquid measuring cup (for 120 ml and 60 ml)
3. Tablespoon measure or small measuring spoons
4. Sharp chef knife
5. Cutting board
6. Long-handled spoon for stirring
7. Serving glasses or wine glasses
8. Ice scoop or tongs
FAQ
Simple Red Sangria Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Dry red wine: substitute with a medium bodied Tempranillo, Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon for structure and fruity notes
- Cointreau: substitute with triple sec, Curaçao or equal parts orange juice plus a splash of vodka for orange flavor
- Brandy (optional): substitute with aged rum, cognac or an additional 1/4 cup of red wine for warmth without extra spirits
- Club soda or sparkling water: substitute with lemon lime soda, ginger ale or chilled tonic water for fizz and a touch of sweetness
Pro Tips
1. Choose a fruit-forward, medium-bodied red so the citrus and berries can shine through. If your wine tastes too tannic, pop in a splash of orange liqueur or a teaspoon of honey to soften it.
2. Let it rest in the fridge at least a few hours, preferably overnight. The longer it sits, the more the fruit infuses the wine, and the flavors marry into something much more rounded.
3. Prevent watery dilution by chilling the sangria thoroughly before adding sparkling water or ice. For best presentation and no weak drinks, freeze some of the sliced fruit and use those as decorative ice cubes.
4. Keep the fruit texture pretty by slicing thicker for apples and citrus so they hold up, and add delicate berries only near serving time to avoid them turning to mush. If you want a brighter, clearer beverage, strain out some of the fruit before pouring.
Simple Red Sangria Recipe
I keep this red sangria on repeat because it turns a bottle of wine, Cointreau, and fresh fruit into the pitcher everyone reaches for first. One sip and it feels like the party just found its signature drink.
6
servings
261
kcal
Equipment: 1. Large pitcher or carafe
2. Liquid measuring cup (for 120 ml and 60 ml)
3. Tablespoon measure or small measuring spoons
4. Sharp chef knife
5. Cutting board
6. Long-handled spoon for stirring
7. Serving glasses or wine glasses
8. Ice scoop or tongs
Ingredients
-
1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine, such as Rioja or Garnacha
-
1/2 cup (120 ml) Cointreau
-
1/4 cup (60 ml) brandy (optional)
-
2 tablespoons simple syrup or honey syrup, more to taste
-
1 medium orange, thinly sliced
-
1 medium lemon, thinly sliced
-
1 medium apple, cored and thinly sliced
-
1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries or raspberries), optional
-
1 cup club soda or sparkling water, chilled and optional
-
Ice for serving, optional
Directions
- Pour 1 bottle (750 ml) dry red wine into a large pitcher.
- Add 1/2 cup (120 ml) Cointreau and 1/4 cup (60 ml) brandy if using.
- Stir in 2 tablespoons simple syrup or honey syrup, tasting and adding more if desired.
- Thinly slice 1 medium orange and 1 medium lemon and add to the pitcher.
- Core and thinly slice 1 medium apple and add the slices to the mixture.
- Add 1 cup mixed berries if using.
- Stir gently to combine, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to overnight to let flavors meld.
- Just before serving, add 1 cup chilled club soda or sparkling water if desired and stir gently.
- Serve over ice if you like, making sure each glass gets some fruit.
Notes
- Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 289g
- Total number of serves: 6
- Calories: 261kcal
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0.05g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Polyunsaturated: 0.05g
- Monounsaturated: 0.1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 10mg
- Potassium: 127mg
- Carbohydrates: 29.7g
- Fiber: 2.3g
- Sugar: 28g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Vitamin A: 58IU
- Vitamin C: 23mg
- Calcium: 13mg
- Iron: 0.17mg
