Name: Easy Spanish Sangria Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 135 min
Ingredients: 1 bottle dry red wine (preferably Spanish, such as Tempranillo or Garnacha); 1/4 cup brandy; 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Cointreau); 1/4 cup white sugar (adjust to taste); 1 large orange, peeled and thinly sliced; 1 large lemon, peeled and thinly sliced; 1 large lime, peeled and thinly sliced; 1 medium apple, cored and cut into thin wedges; 1 cinnamon stick; 1-2 cups soda water (adjust to preference); Ice cubes for serving

I make this easy Spanish sangria recipe with Contreau whenever I want a fruity, refreshing cocktail that looks beautiful in a pitcher and feels instantly party ready.

You are going to love this drink because it is beginner friendly, budget friendly, and honestly impossible to mess up. It looks aesthetic in a pitcher, tastes fresh and fruity, and is perfect for girls' nights, holidays, or casual weekend get-togethers.

Things to Know Before Making Spanish Sangria With Contreau

Let the fruit marinate: Allowing the fruit to soak in the wine helps the flavors blend and makes the sangria taste richer.
Choose a smooth red wine: A Spanish red like Tempranillo or Garnacha works beautifully, but any dry red wine will work.
Chill for best flavor: Sangria tastes better after resting in the refrigerator for at least two hours.
Add soda water last: This keeps the sangria light and bubbly when serving.

I love drinks that look fancy but take almost no effort. Sangria is basically the lazy girl cocktail that still impresses everyone.

If you're into easy, aesthetic recipes, you'll love these too: Espresso Martini, Chocolate Mint Martini, Cranberry Mimosas, and Cranberry Lime Mocktail.

Ingredients You'll Need

Dry red wine: This is the base of the sangria and provides the rich fruity flavor. A Spanish red like Tempranillo or Garnacha works beautifully, but any smooth dry red wine will work.
Brandy: Adds warmth and depth to the drink. This is what gives traditional Spanish sangria its bold flavor.
Orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Cointreau): Brings a bright citrus note that balances the red wine and fruit.
White sugar: Sweetens the sangria slightly and helps bring out the fruit flavors. You can adjust this depending on how sweet you like your drinks.
Orange: Thin slices add classic citrus flavor and make the pitcher look colorful and inviting.
Lemon: Adds a little tartness that keeps the sangria refreshing instead of overly sweet.
Lime: Another bright citrus element that gives the drink a fresh, zesty flavor.
Apple: Apple wedges soak up the wine and add a subtle sweetness and texture.
Cinnamon stick: Adds a cozy hint of spice that makes this sangria taste extra special.
Soda water: Added just before serving to give the sangria a light fizz and refreshing finish.
Ice cubes: Keeps the sangria chilled when serving.

You will also need a large pitcher, a wooden spoon for muddling, and a stirring spoon.

Scroll to the recipe card for exact measurements.

How to Make Spanish Sangria With Contreau

Step 1: Add the peeled and thinly sliced orange, lemon, and lime to a large pitcher. Use a wooden spoon to gently press the fruit so the juices release and begin to flavor the sangria.

Step 2: Add the apple wedges to the pitcher and sprinkle the sugar over the fruit. Stir gently so the sugar begins dissolving and coats the fruit.

Step 3: Add the brandy and orange liqueur to the pitcher. Stir everything together and allow it to sit for about 10 minutes so the fruit absorbs the flavor.

Step 4: Pour in the bottle of red wine and add the cinnamon stick. Stir gently until everything is combined.

Step 5: Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. For the best flavor, let it chill for 4 to 8 hours or overnight so the fruit and wine fully blend.

Step 6: Right before serving, add soda water for a light fizz. Fill glasses with ice and pour the sangria over the ice, making sure each glass gets some of the fruit.

Substitutions and Variations

Use sparkling wine instead of soda water for extra bubbles.
Add fresh berries or peaches for additional fruity flavor.
Swap the sugar for honey or simple syrup if preferred.
Add extra citrus slices right before serving for a brighter presentation.

What to Serve with Spanish Sangria With Contreau

Spanish sangria pairs perfectly with light appetizers and shareable snacks.

Storage and Freezing

Store leftover sangria in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in a covered pitcher. The fruit will continue to flavor the drink as it sits. Sangria is not ideal for freezing, but it can be stored chilled until ready to serve.

FAQs

Is this a traditional Spanish sangria?

Yes. Traditional Spanish sangria is typically made with red wine, fruit, brandy, and sometimes an orange liqueur. This recipe follows that classic combination while keeping it easy to prepare.

What is the difference between Spanish sangria and Tinto?

Tinto de verano is another popular Spanish drink made with red wine and soda. Sangria usually includes fruit, sugar, and brandy or liqueur, which makes it more flavorful.

Can I make this without brandy?

Yes. You can omit the brandy if you prefer a lighter drink. The sangria will still taste great with wine, fruit, and orange liqueur.

How long should sangria sit before serving?

Let the sangria rest in the refrigerator for at least two hours so the fruit and wine flavors blend together.

More Easy Cocktail Recipes

Easy Spanish Sangria Recipe

This easy Spanish sangria recipe is made with dry red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, fresh citrus, apples, and a hint of cinnamon. It is fruity, refreshing, and perfect for parties, holidays, or relaxing summer evenings. Letting the sangria chill for a few hours helps the flavors blend together beautifully.

Course Drinks

Prep Time 15 minutes

Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes

Servings 6

Ingredients

1 bottle dry red wine preferably Spanish, such as Tempranillo or Garnacha
¼ cup brandy
¼ cup orange liqueur such as Triple Sec or Cointreau
¼ cup white sugar adjust to taste
1 large orange, peeled and thinly sliced
1 large lemon, peeled and thinly sliced
1 large lime, peeled and thinly sliced
1 medium apple, cored and cut into thin wedges
1 cinnamon stick
1-2 cups soda water (adjust to preference)
Ice cubes for serving

Instructions

Place the peeled and sliced orange, lemon, and lime in a large pitcher. Gently press the fruit with a wooden spoon to release some of the juices.
Add the apple wedges to the pitcher. Sprinkle the sugar over the fruit and stir lightly so the sugar begins to dissolve and coat the fruit.
Pour the brandy and orange liqueur into the pitcher. Stir everything together and allow the mixture to sit for about 10 minutes so the fruit absorbs the flavors.
Add the bottle of red wine and the cinnamon stick to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For deeper flavor, let the sangria chill for 4 to 8 hours or overnight.
Just before serving, pour in the soda water to add a light fizz. Adjust the amount depending on how strong or light you want the sangria.
Fill glasses with ice and pour the sangria over the ice. Add some of the fruit from the pitcher to each glass.

Recipe Notes