Easy Spanish Sangria Recipe

Sangria is one of Spain's most popular summer drinks, and for good reason. It's fruity, refreshing, easy to make, and perfect for sharing. As a Spaniard, I've had sangria many times over the years, and this easy Spanish sangria recipe is my simple homemade version with everyday ingredients.

It's made with red wine, fresh fruit, orange juice, a little sugar, and orange soda for a fizzy, sweet, and refreshing finish. Sangria is naturally vegan, so I didn't need to make any swaps, but I kept this version simple and easy, without brandy or any hard-to-find ingredients.

Serve it really cold with plenty of ice, especially on hot summer days, cookouts, picnics, or casual dinners with friends. It tastes even better after chilling for a couple of hours, so it's a great make-ahead drink when you want something festive without doing much at the last minute.

Looking for more Spanish recipes? Try my refreshing Gazpacho, this easy Vegan Paella, or my fruity White Sangria for another simple drink that's perfect for summer.

Why You'll Love This Sangria

Here are a few reasons to give it a try:

• Authentic Spanish flavor: Made with red wine, fresh fruit, orange juice, and a little sweetness, this easy sangria has that fruity, refreshing flavor you'd expect from a classic Spanish drink.
• Easy to make: You only need a few simple steps: make the syrup, chop the fruit, mix everything together, and let it chill.
• Perfect for summer: It's cold, fruity, lightly fizzy, and so refreshing on hot days, especially served over plenty of ice.
• Great for sharing: This recipe makes a pitcher, so it's ideal for cookouts, picnics, holidays, or casual dinners with friends and family.
• Better made ahead: Sangria tastes even better after chilling for a couple of hours, giving the fruit time to infuse the wine and make every glass more flavorful.

Sangria Ingredients

• Peaches: Fresh ripe peaches add sweetness and a summery flavor. You can use nectarines instead, or leave them out if they're not in season.
• Apple: Adds crunch and holds up well while the sangria chills. Any sweet, crisp apple works.
• Oranges: You'll use one for juice and one sliced into the pitcher. They add fresh citrus flavor and make the sangria look beautiful.
• Lemon: Adds a bright, slightly tart flavor that balances the sweetness. Lime can also work in a pinch.
• Water: Used to make a quick simple syrup so the sugar dissolves evenly.
• Sugar: White sugar works great, but brown sugar, cane sugar, coconut sugar, maple syrup, or agave can also be used. Adjust to taste.
• Red wine: Use a medium-quality Spanish red wine if possible, such as Tempranillo. Any smooth, fruity red wine will work.
• Orange soda: Adds sweetness, fizz, and a classic Spanish touch. You can use lemon soda instead, or orange juice for a non-fizzy version. For a less sweet sangria, use club soda or sparkling water.
• Ice: Optional, but perfect for serving the sangria really cold.

Find the full recipe with exact measurements in the recipe card below.

How to Make Sangria

1. Combine the water and sugar in a small saucepan. Heat over medium-high heat, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Remove from the heat and let it cool slightly.

2. Peel the peaches and apple, then cut them into small pieces.

3. Juice one orange. Slice the other orange and the lemon into thin rounds, leaving the peel on.

4. Place the fruit in a large pitcher, then add the red wine, simple syrup, and orange juice. Stir well and refrigerate for 2-3 hours.

5. Add the cold orange soda right before serving, or use orange juice for a non-fizzy version.

6. Serve chilled with ice cubes, if desired.

Tips for the Best Results

• Use a smooth, fruity red wine: You don't need an expensive bottle, but avoid very dry, tannic, or heavy wines. A young Spanish red like Tempranillo works really well.
• Cut the fruit into small pieces: Smaller pieces release more flavor into the sangria and are easier to serve in glasses.
• Don't skip the chilling time: A couple of hours in the fridge gives the fruit time to infuse the wine and makes the sangria taste more balanced.
• Add the soda at the last minute: This keeps the sangria fizzy and fresh instead of flat.
• Taste before serving: Depending on the wine, fruit, and soda you use, you may want to add a little more sugar, citrus juice, or soda to get the balance just right.

Serving Suggestions

Sangria is best served very cold, in glasses with ice and some of the fruit from the pitcher. It's perfect for summer parties, cookouts, Spanish-style meals, Mexican-inspired dinners, and casual appetizer spreads.

• Spanish recipes: For a Spanish-style meal, serve it with Tortilla or Spanish Omelette, Patatas a lo Pobre, or Spanish Spinach with Chickpeas.
• Mexican recipes: It also goes really well with Mexican-inspired recipes like Tofu Tacos, Tofu Fajitas, Vegan Quesadillas, nachos, or Vegan Enchiladas.
• Grilled food: Pair it with summer cookout recipes like Grilled Tofu, Tofu Steak, BBQ Tofu, Vegan Burgers, or grilled vegetables.
• Appetizers: Serve it with summer party favorites like Vegan Ceviche, Vegan Onion Rings, or Vegan Buffalo Wings.
• Chips and dips: Pair it with Baked Chips, Baked Tortilla Chips, Vegan Buffalo Chicken Dip, Easy Pico de Gallo, or Easy Homemade Hummus.

How to Store Leftovers

• Fridge: Store leftover sangria in an airtight container or covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. The fruit will soften over time, so it's best enjoyed fresh.
• Freezer: Freezing is not recommended, as the fruit can become mushy and the drink may lose its fresh flavor and texture once thawed.

Frequently Asked Questions

More Vegan Drink Recipes

• Margarita
• Vegan Baileys
• Spanish Horchata
• Vegan Mexican Horchata
• Fruit Infused Water