Best Summer Sangria Recipes to Make in the Sun

There are some foods that just scream summer – strawberries is one. And there are some drinks that just seem a perfect fit for the warmer months. Top of that list has to be sangria, the classic Spanish drink that mixes wine, a mixer and something a little stronger.

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Another great thing about the best summer sangria recipes is that you can make them for two, ten or twenty just as easily. They are the perfect party drink as you can scale them as needed and also adjust those ingredients to suit your guests. Ready to get started?

What is sangria?

If you somehow haven’t met sangria before, let’s make a quick introduction. Sangria is a Spanish drink that has regional variations as well as tons of adaptations. Traditionally, the drink can contain:

Fruit juice – orange is a favourite
Sweetener such as simple sugar syrup or agave nectar
Sparkling water
Fruit such as sliced oranges, peaches, nectarines, pears, apples or chopped pineapple
Flavoured liqueurs such as fruit schnapps, cognac or brandy

But the core of sangria is the wine – this is what gives it the colour and brings everything together.

What’s the best wine for sangria?

If you were to ask a traditional Spanish sangria fan what the best wine for sangria was, they would tell you that a dry fruity red wine that has good acidity and low tannins is the perfect solution. Examples of this include Grenache, Tempranillo and Merlot as well as Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.

For those strictly against red wine, it is okay to go with a white instead. Again, a dry and crisp white is best such as Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio, Riesling or a Sauvignon Blanc. In fact, a good rule is to pick a wine you enjoy drinking on its own to use as your sangria base.

Sangria de Cava is a special variation made with sparkling wine, either white or rose. Cava is a protected designation in the EU so only wines from certain parts of Spain can use the name. But you can make the same drink with any sparkling white or rose wine – orange liqueur is often added to this.

How to make a simple summer sangria

Once you have selected your wine, you are ready to move onto some of the other ingredients you will need to make the recipe. While the idea of adding soft drinks to wine may make wine fans cringe, it is a proven system in Spain. For example, Tinto de Verano is red wine with orange or lemon soda while Calimocho is red wine with cola. These are all the most basic versions of sangria.

Lemonade is a safe bet as a mixer and cloudy lemonade works particularly well. Orange soda or ginger beer can work but don’t use too much. Or you can opt for a non-fizzy option with fruit juice and add a little soda water to give it a fizz.

What spirit you add is another choice. Most people go for something with a fairly low ABV because of the wine and to stop the drink being too strong. Marsala, orange liqueurs such as Triple Sec, sherry, red vermouth or even cherry brandy would all work well. But warn your guests if you go with something stronger!

Finally, you can add the fruit which gives it the characteristic look and also adds to the flavour. Many people marinate the fruit before making the drink with examples including sugared spice mixed with cloves and cinnamon. But you can just add the fruit fresh.

Best summer sangria recipes

There are no shortage of summer sangria recipes and below are some from my fellow bloggers. But a few very simple recipe ideas can be:

White zinfandel with peach schnapps, soda water and sliced orange
Red tempranillo with orange liqueur, orange soda, cinnamon and blood oranges
Red Rioja with cherry brandy, peaches and cloudy lemonade
Rose tempranillo with sherry, apple juice, soda water and apple slices
Cava with peach schnapps, grape juice and white grapes

Looking for more tasty ideas? Let’s dive in.

Best Summer Sangria Recipes

Sangria is the perfect drink for summer because you can use all the flavours you love and make it in big batches for a party! Check out these tasty sangria recipes

Photo Credit: www.venturists.net

Ultimate Sangria with Red Wine Rum and Brandy

Ultimate Sangria recipe with red wine, brandy, rum, and a touch of cinnamon and clove. The fresh flavors and spices marinate together with fresh fruit and are then combined with lemon-lime soda for a refreshing drink any time of year.

Photo Credit: www.theflavorbender.com

Ginger Lychee Sangria Blanca

Sweet, fruity, refreshing, this Ginger Lychee Sangria Blanca is made with Pinot Grigio white wine mixed with lychee, ginger, lemon and lime, lychee juice, plus elderflower syrup and vodka! An ice-cold, boozy drink with an explosion of flavors, perfect for hot summer days and evenings!