Best-Ever Sangria takes minutes to prepare and is made without fancy mixers or liquors. Lightly sweetened and incredibly refreshing.
My husband and I recently had the opportunity to sneak away for a parents-only vacation in Kansas City and decided to grab kidless cocktails after arriving on what felt like of the hottest day I’ve ever experienced in my life.
The house-made Sangria on the menu immediately caught my eye. Refreshing, lightly sweetened, and full of fresh fruit, it sounded like just the thing to cool off with and relax.
I told the bartender, “I’d like a glass of your Sangria, please!” then she honest to God looked around, leaned in, and whispered, “Trust me, you don’t.” #GIRLSGIRL!
Turns out it was basically Koolaid with wine — an overly-sugary version of the refreshing, summery cocktail that’s supposed to have just a kiss of sweetness. I ordered a mojito instead and all was right with the world.
That said, I was still thirsty for a taste of wine punch after returning home so I whipped up my easy, go-to Best-Ever Sangria to enjoy then share with you!
Easy Homemade Sangria
Red wine is mixed with fresh fruit, rum, and fizzy ginger ale to create a light and mega-refreshing cocktail.
I think people hear the word “Sangria” and think “complicated.” Some Sangria recipes can be complicated — calling for a few different liquors and mixers — but this recipe is incredibly easy and calls for everyday ingredients (yes, including ginger ale. Just call this my Midwestern-forward version of Sangria!)
Plan ahead when making this recipe because it does need to sit in the fridge for several hours or up to overnight before serving. Your patience will be rewarded on your first refreshing sip of Best-Ever Sangria!
How to Make this Recipe
Start by adding a bottle of merlot or cabernet into a pitcher along with a sliced lemon and orange plus white rum.
Merlot isn’t a wine I typically drink by itself, but it’s fantastic in Sangria. Did you know: the movie Sideways basically demolished Merlot sales in the US for years and years after it was released?
I, for one, AM drinking Merlot!
Muddle the lemon and orange slices with a big spoon then stash the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least several hours or up to overnight. Do not skip this step because the flavor of the wine is totally different at this point vs after sitting and marinating in the fresh fruit and rum.
When it’s time to serve, add ginger ale then stir gently to combine. Again, I know this is not a typical addition to Sangria, though a friend’s mom makes her version with ginger ale and it’s really so delicious. It adds the perfect amount of sweetness and a subtle, satisfying fizz.
Pour the Sangria over ice then add all kinds of fresh fruit add-ins. My favorites are sliced strawberries, blueberries, and frozen grapes which keep your drink cold but don’t dilute it like ice cubes.
Whip up a refreshing pitcher to enjoy under the setting sun!
Ingredients
- 1 bottle merlot or cabernet
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 3 oz white rum
- 2 cups ginger ale
- Fresh fruit add ins: sliced strawberries, kiwis, blueberries, fresh/frozen grapes
Directions
- Combine wine, sliced lemons and oranges, and rum in a large pitcher then use a wooden spoon to muddle the fruit. Refrigerate for at least several hours or overnight.
- When ready to serve, add ginger ale to the pitcher then serve in glasses filled with ice and fresh fruit add ins.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please read our full nutrition information disclaimer.
I can’t wait to try the Sangria! My husband and I love making all or your recipes! A little request… could Ben make a guest post?!? I bought my husband a smoker for his first father’s day this year and we are looking for some recipes and tips!!
Ahhh…you’re making me want to call my husband and drive down to the Plaza right this second! (He works on the Plaza) You’re definitely allowed to talk more about it by the way!! ;)
Loooove the idea of frozen grapes! Good call.
Questions:
Why did the movie Sideways demolish Merlot sales?
I’m not a fan of rum. Do you think I should sub vodka or another alcohol or leave it out?
There’s a famous line in that movie that says “I am NOT drinking any #$@! Merlot!” Funny in the movie, but devastating to Merlot sales. Way to go, Hollywood!
Oh, I would just leave the rum out, too!
AH! I love sangria! My favorite Mexican restaurant in Raleigh, NC has barbecue chicken nachos and citrusy strawberry vanilla bean sangria…it is dangerous. I tried my best to do a copy cat so if you want to check it out here is the recipe! Definitely a more complicated sangria but so so worth it! Bonus for Ben there isn’t any solid fruit :).
WOW, that sounds awesome, Caroline!!
sangria is my favorite beverage. had some with my dinner last night!
I just buy the premade bottle from Red Guitar and add my own fruit.
When I go to my inlaws for parties – they always have homemade sangria. So good!
this is just almost not fair. i’m so close, yet SO FAR away from being able to enjoy a pitcher of sangria (yes, i said a pitcher), i almost didn’t read this. but then i thought, that’s stupid, pin this for a month from now yo!
Almost there, Erin!
Ah, Kona’s happy hour gets us every single weekend. Love it! Sending love from Omaha!!
I like fruit in my drink too! It makes me feel fancy!
Looks fantastic, my mouth is officially watering
Gorgeous photos! I might try this with a rose wine too – sounds like the perfect summer weekend drink.
GAH – that just looks like so much fun! All of the colour in the photos are amazing.
http://www.dancingthroughsunday.typepad.com
Bec x
That was nice of the waitress to warn you! I am totally mojito orderer usually too…but this sangria? Yes please! I am always down for a little switch up, especially when it involves wine. Pinned!
I’ve never had sangria! I don’t drink very often but this looks like a fun one to try this summer.
Isn’t it funny that a movie can have such an effect? I love Merlot! I’m so glad that bartender told you not to order it…paying for a bad drink is the worst. Can’t wait to try this this weekend :) I love your way back wednesday posts.