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This Red Sangria Recipe is a classic party punch that you really must know how to make. Everyone I know loves a good sangria and this recipe is always the first one to disappear at parties!

dark red wine in a short clear glass with fruit chopped up inside.

Why You’ll Love Red Sangria

This sangria recipe is perfect for everyone, even if you don’t like red wine – this recipe could change your mind. I got this recipe from a friend and have been making it for many years – everyone loves it! It really is the best sangria recipe – perfectly sweet and tart – it’s wine punch for a crowd. Here’s why we love it:

There is so much fresh fruit in this recipe plusyou can make this with different fruit based on what’s in season.
Instead of adding sugar, I use simple syrup so it dissolves instantly.
I cook the fruit with the sugar and water to make a fruity simple syrup which adds tons of flavor!

How to make Red Sangria

Wine: For this recipe use your favorite red wine! Some ideas are Zinfandel, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Since Sangria originated in Spain, you could use one of the amazing Spanish red wines, but basically just use your favorite.
Alcohol: The best addition for sangria is either rum or brandy.
Fruit: The best fruits to use are the ones in season; they bring the best flavor! Mixed berries, peaches, plums, pears, apples, strawberries, or any citruses.

Click to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!

Variations

In addition to the brandy or rum, you can add 1/4 cup of orange liqueur (also called triple sec or cointreau).
You can also use Grand Marnier in place of the brandy or rum.
When cooking your fruit, add a cinnamon stick or some whole nutmeg and cloves for extra flavor, especially if you’re making this in the fall or winter.
Instead of water to make the simple syrup, you can use orange juice.
In summer, we love using stone fruits, blackberries, strawberries and other berries.

Expert Tips

Be sure to use a good red wine you’ll like drinking. I don’t recommend the most expensive bottle, but grab one in the mid-range.
I recommend making this recipe ahead of time to let the sangria age. Stir it all together and it at least 8 hours to soak, but you can make it up to 24 hours ahead of time.
You can make white sangria the same way as this – just swap out the liquor. Use white wine and fresh fruit like peaches, berries, pineapple, or mango and instead of dark alcohol, use something light, like white rum, vodka, or tequila.