Red Wine Sangria Recipe with Fresh Fruit

Cheap red wine, fresh fruit, and a splash of spritzer combine to make a delicious, easy red wine sangria. This simple recipe comes together in minutes and is ideal for weekends, casual get-togethers, and brunches.

Affordable wines are perfect for sangria: you don’t need an expensive bottle to create a bright, fruity drink. Sangria is forgiving, highly customizable, and a great way to turn a plain bottle of wine into a memorable summer beverage. It works equally well for a relaxed movie night, a backyard gathering, or a brunch spread.

If you prefer a non-alcoholic option for warm weather, try a grapefruit spritzer made with sparkling water and citrus — a refreshing alternative.

Below are helpful tips, common questions, and a clear recipe to make red wine sangria at home.

What is sangria?

Sangria is a traditional Spanish drink made by combining red wine with fruit, sometimes a spice or herb, and often a spirit such as brandy. Think of it as a chilled, fruity wine punch—casual, flexible, and ideal for sharing.

Which red wines work well for sangria?

Authentic Spanish sangrias often use Grenache (Garnacha) or Tempranillo. Those are excellent if you can find them, but they can be pricier or less common in some markets. For everyday sangria, pick an affordable, fruity red—pinot noir, merlot, syrah/shiraz, or a bold red blend are all good choices. The goal is to select a wine you enjoy drinking casually; there’s no need to splurge on an expensive bottle when you’ll be adding fruit and mixers.

Which fruits are best for sangria?

Most fruits work well in sangria. Choose fruits that complement each other and can stand up to the wine. Apples and oranges are classic additions; strawberries, pineapple, and citrus add brightness and sweetness. For lighter wines or rosés, juicy melons and berries are excellent. In this version we used a shiraz paired with apples, oranges, pineapple, and strawberries, which creates a bold, fruity profile.

What else can I add to sangria?

Besides fruit, common additions include a splash of brandy for depth, or sparkling water, club soda, or sparkling wine for fizz. To sweeten, use simple syrup or maple syrup, or choose a sweet soda like ginger ale to add both sweetness and bubbles. Fresh herbs such as mint or a strip of orange peel can add an aromatic lift.

How to make a basic simple syrup

Combine equal parts sugar and water (1 cup sugar to 1 cup water is a good batch), bring to a gentle boil until the sugar dissolves, then remove from heat and cool before using. Store any extra syrup in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Love,
Mei ❤️

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📖 Recipe