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!
You will love this refreshing drink recipe!
🍹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
Make this sangria recipe with vodka or brandy. Or both. We won't judge.
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 easy sangria recipe is affordable and delicious! Did I mention how easy it goes together?
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.
Watermelon, oranges, and peaches are only a few of the bits of summer that you can toss into a pitcher of this easy sangria recipe.
🍑 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, as this will water it down and dilute the taste.
This homemade sangria is the best that I know of; Try it this summer!
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.
Winter sangria
Mulled Sangria with Fresh Cranberries.
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.
📖 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
Dee
I will like to make this sangria for a family cookout 50 or more how do I make sure I have the wright measurements
Dan from Platter Talk
Multiply the ingredients by 5.
JUDY
Have not tried it yet, but wondering if I could make it with a white wine for summer time.....like a Chardonnay or Pinot.
Dan from Platter Talk
Hi Judy, 100%, YES! 🙂
Margie
What is the best kind of wine to use? I'm pretty clueless when it comes to red wines and would appreciate your suggestions. I just came across your site and I'm so impressed by you and your recipes! Thank you for sharing them! I just made your bread, which was pure heaven!
Dan from Platter Talk
Hi Margie! For this recipe, you want a red wine that is not the bottom of the barrel but it doesn't have to be an expensive bottle either. Look for a red blend, or a cabernet, in the $10 to $12 range. A couple of great examples could include Menage a Trois or Joel Gott. Be sure and let us know how you like this sangria recipe1
Rhea Modi
Hi, I'd really like to make this at home especially during quarantine. While I have most of the ingredients, I don't have melons. Will it taste as good if I use only apples? Also, can you please specify measurements if I want to have just a glass of wine?
Dan from Platter Talk
Hi Rhea; apples are fine to use with this sangria. If you want just a glass, then I would use about a half glass of wine, 1/4 OJ and 1/4 white soda (Sprite, 7Up etc.) For good measure, add a shot of vodka or brandy and a pinch of sugar. Enjoy!
Carolyn
This sounds like the perfect summer drink! I love the color too, it would look so pretty on a table setting!
Dan from Platter Talk
Thanks so much, Carolyn! I hope you give this red wine sangria a try; you're going to love!!!
ashley manila
I can't wait to try this! Yum!
Dan from Platter Talk
Be sure and let us know how you like it!
shelby
I love sangria and summer 🙂 This looks like a refreshing and fun way to enjoy summer evenings with friends!
Dan from Platter Talk
Thanks so much, Shelby. This red wine sangria is one of our favorite rites of summer!
Madi
I could so go for a glass of this sangria right now! It looks awesome!
Sandra Shaffer
The perfect summer cocktail to enjoy with friends and family! I'm with you, the restaurant's versions are never as tasty as a homemade drink. Cheers to delicious cocktails and forever friends!