This is by far the best cava sangria recipe I've tried (and I've tried lots!). Serve it on a hot summer day, or as a festive winter cocktail. Cava makes everything better -- even sangria!
The holidays are the perfect time to experiment with alcohol. Got a lonely bottle of pear schnapps? Try a pear martini. Some limoncello you never seem to be in the mood for? Offer your guests a spiked lemonade. And an extra bottle of cava or two? Sangria of course!
I love entertaining because it's one of the only times I get to make sangria, and there are so many endless combinations to try! The perfect sangria recipe for the holidays is definitely this cava sangria-- let's just say it's very drinkable, and has the power to transform a holiday with family from good (or not so good...) to great!
But what's cava, you ask? The short answer is a sparkling Spanish wine made by the same method as champagne. Basically, it's champagne made in Spain with different (local) grapes. It's just as good, in my opinion, and often a great value. You can read all about Spanish cava here.
Cava is a great wine for making sangria because it's already sparkling, meaning you don't have to add soda for effervescence. Apart from being more healthy (sure-- I'd argue this sangria is fairly healthy-- plenty of fruit, right?!) it is also more alcoholic, so drink slowly and enjoy!
Key Ingredients
Key Ingredients: Cava, brandy, orange liqueur, pineapple juice, orange, apple, pineapple, grapes, sugar, spices, and mint.
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Like any great sangria recipe, use this as a base. If there's an ingredient you can't find (or don't like) don't be afraid to substitute. Let me know how it goes in the comments!
- Cava: You can of course substitute any sparkling wine, but I recommend it's good quality. I like using dry (Brut or Brut Nature) Spanish cava (or similar) and adjusting the sweetness to my preference with the sugar and fruit I add. But you can use a sweet sparkling wine if you prefer.
- Fruit: This classic cava sangria uses sliced apple, orange, pineapple, and grapes. I've added pear and cranberries for a more winter-like version (delicious). I've also gone for a more fruity version by omitting apples and using halved strawberries once -- all versions were delicious!
- Brandy and Liqueur: Again - you can substitute. Use flavored vodka if you prefer, or omit either of these additions. Some people like their sangria STRONG (me!), while others prefer a lighter version. Add/subtract as you wish.
- Spices: I use cinnamon and star anise here, but feel free to omit either if the flavor is too strong or wintery.
- Mint: You can also omit mint if you prefer. I wouldn't substitute it with anything else, however.
Cava Sangria: Step by Step
Follow along with my easy step-by-step instructions below and scroll down for the full printable recipe card with exact measurements!
Steps 1-2: Start by adding your sliced fruit into a large bowl. Then sprinkle with sugar, stir, and let everything marinate for at least 10 minutes. The fruit will release some juices and create a delicious syrup for your cava sangria.
Steps 3-4: Next, add the liquids (brandy, liqueur, juice... whatever you are using). Add a handful of mint leaves if you wish!
Steps 5-6: Now add spices (I use cinnamon and star anise) and frozen grapes.
Steps 7-8: Finally, add the cava (we add it last so it maintains some of its bubbles) and serve over ice. Enjoy!
Serving Suggestions
Sangria is extremely versatile. It can be served as a pre-meal cocktail or as part of the main event! I love to serve a good sangria alongside any paella recipe, or as part of a classic tapas feast.
More Sangria Recipes
If you love sangria, check out these other delicious combinations!
Cava Sangria Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 red apple the better the apple the better the flavor of the sangria!, sliced thin
- 1 cup of diced pineapple
- 2 oranges sliced into thin rounds
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 cup of red grapes frozen
- ½ cup brandy
- ½ cup orange liqueur Gran Marnier is preferred, otherwise use Triple Sec
- ¾ cup pineapple juice
- 8 fresh sprigs of mint
- 2 cinnamon stick
- 1 star anise optional
- 2 750 ml bottles of chilled Spanish cava (I prefer to make with brut and add sugar to taste. But if you like it on the sweet side buy semi-seco or even dulce)
- Sugar or simple syrup to taste
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- In a large bowl combine the sliced apple, orange and diced pineapple. Cover with two tablespoons of sugar and let sit for at least 10 minutes.
- Add the brandy, orange liqueur, pineapple juice, mint and spices. Using the back of a wooden spoon, muddle the mint and fruit just a bit.
- Chill this mixture (if possible) for at least an hour.
- Before serving, add the chilled cava and frozen grapes, and lightly stir to combine. Adjust for sweetness by adding sugar (superfine is best) or simple syrup. To serve, either ladle it into glasses filled with ice cubes, or into a serving pitcher filled halfway with ice.
Notes
- Cava: You can substitute any sparkling wine, or even a still white wine in a pinch to make white wine sangria instead. If you use a sweet wine, make sure to add less sugar (or none at all).
- Fruit: This classic cava sangria uses sliced apple, orange, pineapple, and grapes. I've added pear and cranberries for a more winter-like version (delicious). I've also gone for a more fruity version by omitting apples and using halved strawberries once -- all versions were delicious!
- Brandy and Liqueur: Again - you can substitute. Use flavored vodka if you prefer, or omit either of these additions. Some people like their sangria STRONG (me!), while others prefer a lighter version. Add/subtract as you wish.
- Spices: Optional. I use cinnamon and star anise here, but feel free to omit either if the flavor is too strong or wintery.
- Mint: Optional.
Nutrition
Update Notice: This post was originally published on December 28, 2015, and was republished with new text and photos on August 10, 2021.
Photography by Giulia Verdinelli
Watch the Web Story of this recipe!
What's in your favorite sangria recipe?
Giulia
I loved this recipe!
This sangria is so refreshing and the bubbles add a little fun to it.
The frozen grapes is a great way to keep it chilled without watering it down and the combo of fruit is delicious 🙂
Liz
I would kill for this right now, drink one for me please 🙂
Lauren Aloise
Wish you would come visit again! I'll make it for you!