Best Traditional Spanish Sangria Recipe

4.91 from 22 votes

This traditional Spanish sangria recipe is quick and easy to make, and delicious to drink on a hot summer day!

Prep Time10

Cook Time2

Total Time2 10

Course: Drinks

Cuisine: Spanish

Diet: Vegan

Servings: servings

Calories: 186.18kcal

Make the simple syrup by dissolving 3 tablespoons (38g) of granulated sugar in 3 tablespoons (45 ml) of water over medium heat, then set aside to chill until ready to use.
Wash the lemons and oranges, then cut off thick pieces of rind. Juice the lemons and oranges.
Pour the wine, orange juice, lemon juice, and brandy (if using) into a large pitcher or pot and stir to combine.
Add simple syrup to taste, then add the cinnamon stick and lemon and orange rind. Add the chunks of green apple and peaches/apricots at this stage if using.
Let the sangria sit for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) to allow the wine to take on the aromas of the citrus rind and cinnamon.
Serve over ice. Add soda or carbonated water right before drinking if desired.

Use the right red wine. Choose a good quality young, fruity red wine that doesn't have an oak flavor. Avoid poor quality wines to prevent hangovers, but don't waste complex, expensive wines on sangria.
Change up the spices. Experiment with cloves, ginger, anise, allspice, and other warm, sweet spices for a variety of flavors.
Add the simple syrup to taste. Feel free to omit if you want a less sweet sangria.
Add fresh green apple, peach, or apricot for a modern touch.
Let the sangria sit for at least 2 hours, or preferably 8 hours, before serving over ice.