Summer Sangria: The essential recipe for sunny days

When temperatures rise and patios fill up, one drink inevitably returns to festive tables: Sangria. Colourful, fruity, and refreshing, it perfectly embodies the feeling of long, leisurely summer aperitifs. Inspired by the famous Sangria! Sangria!, this version retains the convivial and generous spirit while allowing you to add your own personal touch.

Why this Sangria always wins over

The strength of this recipe lies in the balance between a dry Spanish red wine – ideally a Garnacha or Rioja – and an aromatic base composed of brandy, triple sec, orange juice, lemon juice, and lemonade concentrate. Sliced fresh citrus fruits (orange, lemon, lime) and a few maraschino cherries add the visual and fruity touch that makes every serving a hit.

Another secret to success: let the sangria rest for several hours in the refrigerator. This time allows the fruit and wine to meld their aromas, resulting in a rounder, smoother, and simply more refined drink.

Essential ingredients for approximately six people

• One bottle (750 ml) of dry Spanish red wine
• Half a glass of brandy
• Half a glass of triple sec
• One-third glass of lemonade concentrate
• One-third glass of orange juice
• One-quarter glass of lemon juice
• One-quarter glass of sugar (optional)
• One orange, sliced
• One lemon, sliced
• One lime, sliced
• A small handful of maraschino cherries
• Two cups of sparkling water if you prefer a sparkling version

Preparation steps

Begin by combining the wine, brandy, triple sec, lemonade concentrate, orange juice, lemon juice, and sugar (if using) in a large pitcher. Then add the sliced fruit and cherries. At this stage, you can serve it immediately for a quick version, but it’s best to let it chill for several hours. Just before serving, if you enjoy the fizz, top it off with a little sparkling water.

Tips and variations

• The wine doesn’t need to be luxurious: a dry, approachable, and fruity red works perfectly.
• Chilling is almost essential: it makes the sangria more harmonious.
• Sparkling water adds a welcome lightness, but always add it at the last minute.
• You can personalise the recipe with seasonal fruits like peaches, apples, or strawberries.
• For a lighter version, reduce the sugar or opt for a naturally fruity wine.

Ideal occasions for serving this Sangria

Perfect as an aperitif, at a barbecue, or a summer brunch, Sangria is ideal for casual and informal meals. It pairs wonderfully with tapas, fresh salads, flavourful grilled meats, or Mediterranean dishes. Its fruity sweetness complements both lightly spiced dishes and simpler, sun-kissed fare.

Storage

Kept properly in the refrigerator in a sealed pitcher or airtight carafe, it will keep for three to five days. After this time, the fruit tends to soften, and the drink may become more alcoholic.

A simple, convivial, and adaptable pleasure

Sangria is a vibrant, joyful, and versatile drink. Every addition, every seasonal fruit, every adjustment of sugar or juice creates a different nuance. This is what makes it a perfect companion for sharing meals. Try it, and you’ll be hooked for the summer months.