How to Make Quick Sangria

Sangria on the patio.

Sangria is a classic Iberian drink. Some versions pack in nearly a dozen different kinds of fruit, but you can make a fresh, satisfying sangria with just one. Try this quick and easy sangria and then add complexity with repeat attempts. Sangria's alleged aphrodisiac powers may not be more than any other alcoholic drink, but it makes a perfect summer beverage for any company.

Things You'll Need

• Bottle of young, high-acid red wine (preferably Spanish)
• Ice
• Sugar
• Rum, brandy, or cognac
• 1 cup orange juice (preferably fresh-sqeezed)
• Other fresh fruit (optional)
• Sparkling water (optional)
• Cinnamon, bitters, or other spice (optional)

Instructions

1. 

   The Rioja region of Spain produces perfect wine for sangria.

   Pick your wine carefully. You certainly do not need an expensive bottle of red for sangria, but you should not haphazardly pick a cheap bottle of plonk either. The best fit for sangria is a young, high-acid, low oak red wine. Many Spanish wines fit this profile. If you are unsure how to find one, the wine buyer at your local grocery store should be able to help you out. Remember: a sangria is only as good as its base wine.

2. 

   Fresh-squeezed fruit will give you a better tasting sangria.

   Mix the fruit juice and wine in a large pitcher. If you have pieces of fresh fruit, add them to the mix, along with some sugar. Adjust the sugar added depending on how much sweetness you prefer.

3. Add a shot or two of liquor, such as rum, brandy or cognac. This will depend on how much of a kick you want your sangria to have. Remember that with such a refreshing drink, you might find yourself and your guests drinking a higher volume than a typical cocktail, so be conservative. If you are using bitters or other spices, add them here.

4. Add ice and stir well. If desired, add sparkling water to give some bubbles to your sangria. Too much ice will water down your drink, so go easy.

5. Pour into glasses. Adding fresh fruit to the glasses themselves can be a fun treat.

Tips & Warnings

• The best sangria recipe is your own perfected recipe. Try different fruits, wines, and sugar levels until you find your favorite.

• For extra flavor, let the fruit pieces soak in wine and sugar overnight.

References

• Tertulia Andaluza.com: Sangria Recipe
• Jeffrey Morgenthaler: How to Make (or, Not Make) Sangria
• Realsimple.com: Sangria Recipe