This sangria recipe is my personal favorite and can be customized to your tastes.
Sangria is a Spanish staple that has earned international acclaim for its sweet taste and festive spirit. It is most certainly a buzz-worthy feature at your next adult poolside party. All you need are a few bottles of wine, a bounty of chopped fruits (of your choice) and simple syrup. It all comes together overnight and the result is a refreshing beverage you’ll never bore of, all summer long.
The trick to a sangria recipe you actually love is to use wine that you would drink by itself and enjoy. Just like in cooking, if you use a wine you don’t particular enjoying drinking on its own, the recipe will turn out below your expectations. That doesn’t mean you have to buy an expensive wine – the recipe calls for two bottles, so that would be something I wouldn’t recommend doing – but it does mean use a cheap wine you like.
There is plenty of fruit in this recipe, which gives you leeway to replace each variety with a similar counterpart. Try replacing blueberries or strawberries with raspberries or blackberries. Nix the pineapple and opt for mango in its place. Grapefruit can replace oranges, as well. It’s all up to you and your experimentation, but this sangria recipe serves as a great base.
Summer Sangria Recipe
Makes 4 quarts
Ingredients
- 2 bottles red wine (Merlot or Shiraz work best)
- 2 cups simple syrup* (see simple syrup recipe below)
- 2 cups cranberry juice (no-sugar added)
- 2 cups diced pineapple
- 1 cup blueberries
- 1 cup stemmed and chopped strawberries
- 1 orange, sliced into wedges and seeded
- 2 lemons, sliced into wedges and seeded
- 2 limes, sliced into wedges and seeded
Directions
Pour the wine, simple syrup and cranberry juice into a large pitcher that can fit 4 quarts. Stir until all is evenly combined. Squeeze the juice from the orange, lemons and limes into the mixture and then toss in the wedges once squeezed. Add the blueberries and strawberries and stir well. Cover the top of the pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap and place in the fridge overnight. The next day, when serving, garnish with more berries and fruit as well as a sprig of fresh mint.
*Simple Syrup Recipe
Makes 2 cups
Ingredients
- 1 cup sugar
- 1 cup water
Directions
In a small pot over medium heat, bring the sugar and water to a bowl, stirring constantly. Once the sugar is dissolved, remove the pot from the heat and allow to cool to room temperature before use.
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Photo Credit: Divya Thakur