When the warmer weather arrives and we feel like entertaining, a few good sangria recipes become our best allies to create a relaxed and festive atmosphere. This colorful and refreshing drink has everything going for it, as it's easy to prepare in advance, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests. Plus, you can let your imagination run wild and prepare a sangria according to your tastes and what you have on hand!

Our tips for making successful sangrias

The beauty of sangria lies in its simplicity and versatility. With a few seasonal and frozen fruits, a good wine, and a touch of creativity, you can create a drink that will impress your guests without any hassle.

  • The key to a good sangria lies in the balance of flavors and the quality of the ingredients. Choose wines that you would enjoy drinking on their own, without necessarily opting for the most expensive ones.
  • Prepare it in the morning so the flavors have time to blend well. Four hours of maceration is generally enough to achieve a perfect balance between the fruity aromas and the freshness of the wine.
  • When a recipe lists simple syrup as an ingredient, it's very easy to make and keeps for a very long time in the refrigerator. Simply mix equal parts sugar and hot water and stir until all the sugar is dissolved. And there you have it!

Great tip: Prepare flavored ice cubes the day before your BBQ. Use juices from your recipe, fruit pieces, and herbs. These ice cubes will melt, enhancing the flavors of your sangria instead of diluting them with water!

Classic Red Wine Sangria

Let's start with the basics: traditional sangria, which has been tried and tested for generations. This classic version remains a favorite of many, as its balanced taste appeals to both wine lovers and those who prefer sweeter drinks.

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle (750 ml) of light or medium dry red wine (Rioja for example)
  • 125 to 250 ml of brandy or rum, to taste
  • 60 ml orange juice, plus 2 large orange zests
  • 30 ml lemon juice, plus 3 large lemon zests
  • 1 medium orange, cut into pieces
  • 1 large apple, cored and diced
  • 1 can (340 ml) of sparkling water or soda, very cold
  • 60 ml simple syrup (more to taste)
  • Ice cubes for serving
  • Orange, lemon, or lime wedges for garnish

Combine the wine and brandy in a large pitcher. Add the orange and lemon juices. Stir in the orange and apple pieces. Twist the citrus zest over the pitcher to release its oils, then add it to the mixture. Stir and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours.

When ready to serve, gently stir in the sparkling water and simple syrup. Taste and adjust as needed. Serve with ice and citrus wedges.

2 glasses of classic sangria garnished with lime slices, lemon and the whole strawberries that are part of the recipe

Raspberry Rosé Sangria

For those who prefer something more delicate, this rosé sangria adds a touch of elegance to cocktail hour. The combination of rosé wine with red berries creates a refreshing drink that's always a hit.

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle (750 ml) of dry rosé wine
  • 60 ml of brandy
  • 30 ml raspberry liqueur
  • 30 ml of sugar
  • 375 ml of raspberries
  • 375 ml strawberries, quartered
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 375 ml (1 can) of carbonated water

Combine the wine, brandy, liqueur, and sugar in a pitcher, stirring to dissolve the sugar. Add all the fruit. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 4 hours. Stir in the soda water just before serving.

White Sangria with Mango

This tropical version transports us straight to the tropics! The mango brings a natural sweetness and a velvety texture that pairs perfectly with the freshness of the white wine. It's our favorite for summer evenings when we want something a little different.

For the mango juice

  • 400g frozen mango pieces
  • 800 ml of water
  • 15 ml of lemon juice
  • ½ tsp vanilla extract (optional)

For the sangria

  • 1 L of mango juice
  • 1 bottle of sweet white wine
  • 2 cups diced mangoes
  • 30 ml of sugar
  • orange
  • 1 lemon
  • 500 ml of ice cubes

First, prepare the mango juice by blending all the ingredients in a blender and then straining (if desired). Thinly slice the orange and lemon, removing the seeds. Dice the mangoes.

In a large pitcher, combine the mango juice, white wine, fruit, and sugar. Let it steep for 25 minutes. Add ice cubes just before serving.

A pitcher and 3 glasses of mango and orange sangria are placed on a bamboo tray for an original sangria recipe

Watermelon and Citrus Sangria

Nothing says "summer" like watermelon! This sangria offers unparalleled freshness and a beautiful presentation with its little melon balls. It's the perfect drink for those hot days when you need something truly thirst-quenching.

For the citrus syrup

  • 90 ml of sugar
  • 90 ml of water
  • 1 lemon zest (5 cm)
  • 1 orange zest, 5 cm

For the sangria

  • 900g seedless watermelon, cut into cubes
  • 225g watermelon cut into balls with a Parisienne scoop (or into simple cubes)
  • 1 bottle of dry white wine
  • 180 ml vodka
  • 120 ml orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau)
  • 120 ml citrus syrup
  • Ice cubes
  • Fresh mint or basil (optional)

Prepare the syrup by bringing the water and sugar to a boil. Remove from heat and stir in the zest, then let cool and refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Strain the syrup through a sieve before using. Puree the watermelon cubes and strain into a pitcher. Add the wine, vodka, Cointreau, and citrus syrup. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Serve over ice, garnished with melon balls and a few mint or basil leaves.

Sangria slushie

Let's finish with an ultra-refreshing version perfect for sweltering days: the sangria slushie . This frozen consistency offers a unique experience that makes a splash from the very first sip.

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle (750 ml) of fruity red wine
  • 60 ml of brandy
  • 60 ml orange liqueur (Triple Sec or Cointreau)
  • 60 ml of sugar
  • 300g frozen mixed berries

Preparation: Freeze the red wine in a large, rimmed container for at least 6 hours, ideally overnight. When ready to use, crush the frozen wine with the tip of a knife.

Combine the brandy, orange liqueur, and sugar in a container and refrigerate. When ready to serve, combine the frozen berries, red wine ice cubes, and brandy mix in a blender. Blend until thick and slushy. Pour into a pitcher and serve immediately.

A glass of watermelon sangria garnished with lemon and mint for a refreshing sangria recipe

Whether you opt for the classic red wine version or indulge in a more original twist, these recipes are guaranteed to make for a successful social gathering. Sangria is all about sharing, so have fun and adapt these recipes to suit your tastes and the fruits available. Cheers!

We have some other great refreshing drink ideas for you:

For even more inspiration for cooking this summer, check out our complete guide to BBQ tips.


sources:
https://www.seriouseats.com/red-sangria-recipe-5443256
https://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/watermelon-sangria
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/rose-sangria-recipe-1973867
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchen/sangria-slushie-3663495
https://thefeedfeed.com/Winosity/the-best-mango-sangria