Red and White Sangria – Two Fresh Drinks for Summer Gatherings

Red and White Sangria – A Refreshing Drink for Summer Dining

Sangria is a classic Spanish wine drink made for warm days, long dinners and relaxed summer gatherings. It is traditionally made with wine, fresh fruit, a little sweetness and sometimes a splash of brandy, liqueur or sparkling water.

Red sangria is richer, fruitier and more traditional. White sangria is lighter, fresher and often more elegant. Both are easy to prepare in a large pitcher, which makes them ideal for entertaining.

Below are two simple recipes: one classic red sangria and one fresh white sangria.

What Is Sangria?

Sangria comes from Spain and Portugal and is based on a simple idea: wine is mixed with fresh fruit, sweetness and sometimes brandy, liqueur or soda water. It is served well chilled, often in a pitcher, and works especially well when serving several guests.

The name sangria comes from the Spanish word “sangre”, meaning blood, referring to the deep red colour of the classic version. Today, white sangria is also popular, especially during spring and summer.

Recipe: Classic Red Sangria

Ingredients

For one pitcher, about 4–6 glasses:

• 1 bottle of red wine, preferably fruity and smooth

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 1 apple, diced

• 1–2 tbsp sugar or honey

• 4 cl brandy or orange liqueur

• 200 ml soda water or lemon-lime soda

• Ice

• Fresh mint, optional

Method

1. Slice the orange and lemon, and dice the apple.

2. Place the fruit in a large pitcher.

3. Add sugar or honey and brandy or orange liqueur.

4. Pour over the red wine and stir gently.

5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, preferably longer.

6. Top with soda water or lemon-lime soda just before serving.

7. Serve with plenty of ice.

Which Red Wine Works Best for Sangria?

Choose a young, fruity and soft red wine. Avoid expensive, heavily oaked or very tannic wines. A Spanish wine made from Tempranillo works well, but Garnacha or another simple fruit-driven red wine is also a good choice.

Recipe: Fresh White Sangria

Ingredients

For one pitcher, about 4–6 glasses:

• 1 bottle of white wine, preferably dry and crisp

• 1 lime, sliced

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 1 peach or nectarine, sliced

• 1 green apple, diced

• A handful of grapes, halved

• 1–2 tbsp sugar syrup or honey

• 4 cl elderflower liqueur, Cointreau or light rum

• 200 ml soda water or sparkling wine

• Ice

• Fresh mint or lemon balm

Method

1. Slice the fruit into thin pieces and small chunks.

2. Place the fruit in a large pitcher.

3. Add sugar syrup or honey and your chosen liqueur or rum.

4. Pour over the white wine and stir gently.

5. Chill for at least 1 hour.

6. Top with soda water or sparkling wine just before serving.

7. Serve in large glasses with ice and fresh herbs.

Which White Wine Works Best for White Sangria?

Choose a dry, crisp and fruity white wine. Sauvignon Blanc, Verdejo, Albariño or a fresh Spanish white wine are all good options. Avoid heavily oaked white wines, as they can feel too rich when mixed with fruit and ice.

Red Sangria or White Sangria – Which Should You Choose?

Red sangria is the best choice when you want a fuller and more classic drink. It pairs beautifully with tapas, grilled meat, charcuterie, paella and flavourful dishes.

White sangria is better when you want something lighter and fresher. It works well with fish, seafood, salads, chicken, summer buffets and lighter snacks.

Tips for Better Sangria

• Let the fruit soak in the wine for at least one hour.

• Use plenty of ice, but add it directly to the glasses so the sangria does not become diluted too quickly.

• Choose a fresh, fruit-driven wine rather than an expensive bottle.

• Add sweetness carefully. Sangria should be refreshing, not sticky.

• Top with sparkling water, soda or sparkling wine just before serving.

• For an alcohol-free version, use alcohol-free wine, fruit juice and soda water.

Food That Pairs Well with Sangria

Sangria is especially good with social food that can be shared around the table. Good pairings include:

• Tapas with olives, manchego, serrano ham and grilled vegetables

• Seafood or chicken paella

• Grilled prawns or fish

• Summer salads with citrus and herbs

• Grilled meat with chimichurri

• Charcuterie boards with cheese and fruit