This sangria with vodka comes from an old neighbor of mine who hails from south of the border and let me assure you it is the best red wine sangria recipe out there.
If you enjoy a cold glass of "Fiesta in a Glass" but are hesitant to order it when at a restaurant, I completely get it. More times than not, it's just not up to par in my book. This recipe has permanently solved that problem because now I can make it at home in just minutes!
🍹The perfect summer drink
This is the simple sangria recipe that helps get me through brutal mid-west winters. I know that when the summer months roll around, sunshine and this homemade sangria will be waiting for me
Like many things that I fall butt over tea-kettle in love with, I have a vivid recollection of my first taste of this authentic, refreshing, and unbelievably delicious drink.
I was at a bona fide dinner party hosted by my friend Edith, an engineer with super-model looks, gourmet chef, and native of Chihuahua.
This beverage may have its origins in Spain and Portugal, but as far as I was concerned my friend Edith had just created a brand new eighth wonder, right in the middle of Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin.
It's that good.
🍑 What's in it?
- Red Wine
- Orange Juice
- White Soda (7-Up, Sprite, Etc)
- Vodka (and/or)
- Brandi
- Simple Syrup
- Oranges
- Fresh Summer Fruit
Add your favorite summer fruit for extra summery flavor!
- Watermelon
- Peaches
- Apples
- Oranges
- Limes
Pro Kitchen Tip: Leave the orange rinds on for a subtle contrast of flavors!
Several years later, amid a blistering summer, I found myself living in another city.I was en route to a farmer's market, and suddenly I realized it was a day custom suited for sangria or vice versa. Edith's red sangria, to be more precise.
I found my old friend's number and called her from my car; it had been years since we had spoken.
To my delight, she answered immediately, and with equal delight from Edith, she gave me her recipe.
What wine do you use to make sangria?
If you're wondering what is the best wine for sangria, you don't want to use the cheapest red wine you can find, but you don't need to use high-end wine either. Look for a bottle in the $10 range, and you should be good to go.
You can make this drink recipe with brandy, or you can make this sangria recipe with vodka. I've been known to use both!
What Can You Add do Bottled Sangria?
Bottled sangria is sometimes great, and sometimes not so much. The good news, you can make a bottled version that tastes good even better! Try adding things like the following, to taste (based on volume.)
- Some fizzy white soda, like Sprite or 7-up
- Some orange juice
- A quarter cup or so of vodka to the bottled sangria
- Brandy works great too!
- A cup or so of red wine
My Biggest Tip for Making Sangria
Serve it cold! Make sure there each glass if filled with ice cubes. Remember, don't put ice in the pitcher, which will water it down and dilute the taste.
What follows is how I make my red sangria, it's very close to my friend's. Every time I make this, I savor the taste of summer. More important, perhaps, this one always makes me relish the wonderful people whose paths have intersected mine through the years.
This recipe is for summer, and all the people, past and present who add brightness and warmth to our lives.
This easy red wine sangria goes well with many of our summer recipes such as our:
If you’ve tried this easy sangria or any other recipe on Platter Talk, please let us know your thoughts in the comments below, we love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW US on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM, and PINTEREST to see more delicious food and what we have cooking.
Seasonal sangria and related recipes
- Apple Cider Sangria - This fall drink features fresh apple cider mixed with some applejack brandy and sweet white wine. Try this refreshing fall drink!
- Slow Cooker Mulled Sangria - This holiday drink features red wine combined with orange juice, honey and seasonal spices like star anise, cinnamon, and cloves. Make this for your next Chirstmas party.
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📖 Recipe
Vodka Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 bottle inexpensive red wine
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup white soda Sprite, Sierra Mist, 7-up, etc
- ½ cup brandy or vodka optional
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup
- 1 orange sliced with peels left on
- 1 cup fresh fruit or melon cubed in ½ inch pieces
Instructions
- Pour liquid ingredients and simple syrup in large pitcher and stir thoroughly.
- Add orange slices and other fruit, stir gently.
- Serve in glass, filled with ice.
Video
Notes
- Prior to serving, avoid putting ice in a pitcher as this dilutes the drink.
- Sangria's flavor is always enhanced by a glass full of ice, don't skimp on the ice once it 's poured.
- Adjust the amount of simple syrup to the desired level of sweetness.
Unused portions keep well in the fridge.
Nutrition
Updated from the original publication date of Jul 12, 2014
Julie
What perfect timing! I'm throwing a Fiesta-themed party for my Son's birthday and wanted to make Sangria! Your recipe definitely will be on the menu.