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.
Hmmmm yummy! I wanna try this too.. I just hope I could easily find fresh fruits here in our place.
now that is a seriously good looking sangria, the colours are incredible! definitely will be trying your recipe out!
looks delicious! plus your presentation is awesome… all your pics and tools look so fresh!
Julianne
http://reallifesurreallife.blogspot.com
How do i make one or two servings? Thank you
I would just halve everything then you should be good. It just gets better and better in the fridge to it’s ok if it stays there for a couple days!
Have you been to the Stuffed Olive in Cedar Falls? If not….road trip!
Hi,
It’s the transplanted ne Iowan gal who lives in the sw chicago burbs. :) The Sangria recipe looks a-may-zing!!! :)
Since you are the guru of recipes do you have non-alcoholic versions of your awesome “fruity” drink recipes that you share on your blog?
I will be celebrating my 4th anniversary at a second chance at life after having a pulmonary embolism/DVT on Labor Day 4 yrs. ago. So alcohol is a HUGE “no no” in my book due to taking blood thinner medication the rest of my life.
I was a “fruity” drink gal before this and would love to see if there are any “watered” down versions of your recipes. :) Maybe I should try the koolaid idea. LOL!
From one former Iowa gal to another,
Ann :)
I’ve never even tried sangria. Isn’t that a shame? Yours looks mighty tempting and I love that you used Concannon wine.
I remember when you took a trip there a few years ago- we lived in Texas at the time and my husband was interviewing in Livermore. Now we live right down that street and I love going there to drink wine on their patio!
This looks so good! I love your idea of using fruit that won’t lose color in the red wine, such as blueberries or green grapes. Sometimes I find that the sliced citrus gets a little too monochrome when soaked in red wine, but this sangria is beautiful! Perfect for serving to guests :)
This sangria looks delish! I have been trying to make more fun cocktails this summer and this will definitely be my next one!must be magic
While this looks amazing, I am a white wine girl. It would be great if you come up with a Best Ever White Sangria!!! I would be forever grateful!!
Here’s my white Sangria recipe! https://iowagirleats.com/2013/12/06/champagne-sangria-punch/
I love the frozen grapes tip!! Very handy
Yum! When I lived in KC years ago we used to sit on the patio at Harry’s Country Club in the Rivermarket area and down pitchers of Sangria on hot days. I remember them being really good, if you ever find yourself craving a sangria in KC again. And now I’m missing Kona!!! :)
ooo, sounds awesome – I love that area too!
OMG Sideways that is funny! “I will NOT drink Merlot!”
Didn’t you have a white wine recipe version of this, too? With different fruits or something?
Here you go! https://iowagirleats.com/2013/12/06/champagne-sangria-punch/