One of my favorite memories from my travels in Spain is drinking the traditional refreshing sangria at the outdoor patios. The first time I ever had this drink was after I walked for hours, sightseeing and enjoying the beautiful architecture of Barcelona. I was so tired, I was ready to sit down and never get up again. So we found a little cafe in the Gracia district and ordered a few tapas and a pitcher of Sangria. And it was amazing!
If you’d like to make this refreshing summer drink, you will only need a few simple ingredients that you might already have at home, or you can find them all at a nearby supermarket.
Traditional Red Sangria Recipe
Though there are many interpretations of a “traditional sangria”, my version of sangria is light and bubbly with the addition of sprite, seltzer water, or cava (Spanish champagne). I also prefer to avoid extra sugar in this drink, because there is already sugar from Sprite and orange juice.
Other components include:
- Dry Spanish red wine – I recommend using Garnacha, Rioja, or a Pinot Noir.
- Fruit
- Orange juice
- Seltzer water, Sprite or Cava
- Ice (for chilling)
- Sweetener (like brown sugar or cane sugar) – optional
For this version, I went with rum because that’s what I had at home, but many traditional sangria recipes recommend to mix wine with brandy. For fruit, I added oranges and blackberries, but, if you have any of the following fruit, feel free to experiment and add any of those:
- Oranges
- Apples
- Blackberries
- Blueberries
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Peaches
Keeping and Storing Your Sangria
Can you make sangria ahead of time? Add and mash all ingredients together except for the seltzer in a pitcher and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Then, add the seltzer right before you start pouring glasses.
Looking for more summer activities? Check out all my favorite summer bucket list ideas to have the best summer!
Traditional Red Spanish Sangria
Simple, traditional Red Spanish Sangria is made with just 6 ingredients. This perfect fruity summer beverage is very adaptable and delicious!
- 1 apple ( with skin, chopped into small pieces)
- 1 orange (rind on, sliced into small pieces)
- 3/4 cup orange juice (or more to taste)
- 1/2 cup cava
- 750 ml bottle dry Spanish red wine
- 1 cup Sprite or Seltzer water
- 1 cup Ice to chill
- a little sugar or simple syrup (optional)
- mint (optional)
Instructions (makes a large pitcher)
- Add apples, oranges, blackberries, mint, orange juice, and sugar to a large pitcher and mash together for 30 seconds.
- Add red wine and Sprite or cava. Stir and taste to adjust flavor as needed.
- Add ice and stir once more. Serve with a bit more ice. Garnish with oranges and mint.
- If you plan to store leftovers, avoid adding Sprite to the pitcher, cover and keep in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours (if it lasts that long).
Have you made this recipe? Let me know in the comments below or tag me at @traveleatblog on Instagram!
