Easy Red Sangria with Brandy

This Easy Red Sangria with Brandy is the most classic recipe that features red wine, citrus fruit and a mix of liquors.

Sangria is a staple in Spain and other European countries and it is the perfect cocktail to enjoy year round.

Why you will love this recipe

Once you try this homemade sangria, you will make it on repeat.

Every time we dine out and there is sangria on the menu, we order it! We love sangria and have tried so many. Our favorite is the Sangria Royal from Cafe Sevilla in San Diego.

This red wine sangria is perfectly balanced. It is bold, sweet and refreshing. It truly is the ultimate pitcher cocktail.

The red wine used in sangria is not too dry and too sweet, adding brandy and orange liquor adds depth of flavor and the fruit infuses the sangria with sweetness.

Sangria Ingredients

For this classic Spanish sangria you will need the following ingredients:

• Red wine: I like the brand Campo Viejo Tempranillo. It is easily accessible in grocery stores nationwide.
• Brandy: It adds the bold flavors to our sangria.
• Liquor 43: This Spanish liquor is infused with vanilla flavor and adds a nice sweet flavor.
• Triple Sec: Another liquor that is infused with citrus flavor and will blend perfectly in our sangria.
• Oranges: These are classic citrus fruit in sangria, you can use any variety but I prefer navel oranges.
• Apples: add sweetness and visual appeal to the sangria. They release their flavor and aroma as the sangria sits in the fridge before being served.
• Apple Juice: To add a hint of sweetness to the sangria.

Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. For the full recipe quantities see the recipe card below.

Start by prepping the fruit. Wash the oranges and dry them before slicing them.

Wash the apples and dry them. Dice the apples into a medium-size dice. I like to leave the peel.

In a large sangria pitcher, add the fruit and cover with the Tempranillo (red Spanish wine).

Add the apple juice, brandy, triple sec, liquor 43 and vanilla.

The sangria needs at least a couple of hours in the fridge to chill and have the flavors meld together.

Use a long cocktail spoon to mix everything well before serving.

To serve the sangria, you can use regular wine glasses or these stemless wine glasses.

Add some of the fruit from the pitcher and serve the sangria.

To garnish this easy red wine sangria, use some fresh mint leaves and an orange slice.

What to serve with Sangria

This easy sangria goes well with so many dishes. In Spain they typically serve sangria with tapas or small plates.

Sangria is a perfect drink for BBQ, a steak dinner or a charcuterie board.

When I make sangria this is my go-to menu:

• Grazing board: I like to serve this cocktail with some cheeses and cured meats for a starter.
• Carne Asada: This grilled steak is tender and juicy and pairs really well with the red wine in the sangria. Serve the steak with this authentic chimichurri sauce.
• Smashed potatoes: These are a huge hit in our home and when he have company over. They are crispy and fluffy and go so well with some chimichurri sauce.