Best Sangria Recipes: White, Red, Fall, Apple Cider, and Red Wine Variations

Sangria is one of the world’s most beloved party drinks — fruity, refreshing, and endlessly customizable. Originating in Spain, this wine-based cocktail combines fresh fruit, juice, and sometimes liquor for a vibrant drink that’s perfect for any occasion. From light and crisp white sangria to rich and cozy fall variations, there’s a sangria recipe for every season.

In this guide, you’ll discover the best sangria recipes: White Sangria, Red Sangria, Fall Sangria, Apple Cider Sangria, and Red Wine Sangria. Each recipe is simple, flavorful, and guaranteed to impress your guests.

What Makes Sangria Special?

Sangria is more than just wine with fruit. The combination of wine, fresh fruit, and optional sweeteners or spirits creates a drink that balances sweetness, acidity, and bold flavor. It can be prepared ahead of time, making it ideal for parties, barbecues, and holiday gatherings.

1. Classic White Sangria Recipe

White sangria is believed to have originated as a modern twist on the traditional Spanish red sangria. Popular across Mediterranean coastal regions, it has also become a favorite in the United States during the summer months. With its light, crisp taste, white sangria is perfect for outdoor parties, picnics, or beach gatherings.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
• 1 cup sliced peaches
• 1 cup sliced strawberries
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• ½ cup brandy
• 2 tbsp sugar or honey
• 1 cup soda water or lemon-lime soda

Steps

1. In a large pitcher, combine wine, brandy, and sweetener.
2. Add sliced peaches, strawberries, and orange.
3. Chill for at least 2 hours.
4. Just before serving, add soda water for fizz.

2. Classic Red Sangria Recipe

The original sangria recipe dates back to Spain and Portugal, where red wine was mixed with fruits and spices as early as the Middle Ages. Today, red sangria is the most popular version worldwide, especially in Spain’s tourist hotspots and at summer festivals. It’s best enjoyed at barbecues, family gatherings, or tapas nights.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of Spanish red wine (Tempranillo or Garnacha)
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, diced
• ½ cup brandy
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup sparkling water or ginger ale

Steps

1. Mix red wine, brandy, and sugar in a pitcher until dissolved.
2. Add orange, lemon, and apple slices.
3. Refrigerate for 2–4 hours to let flavors blend.
4. Top with sparkling water before serving.

3. Cozy Fall Sangria Recipe

Fall sangria is a seasonal twist enjoyed mainly in North America and Europe during autumn. Made with warm spices, apples, pears, and sometimes maple syrup, it mirrors the flavors of fall harvest festivals. This variation is ideal for Thanksgiving dinners, Halloween parties, or cozy nights by the fireplace.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of dry red wine
• 1 apple, diced
• 1 pear, diced
• 1 orange, sliced
• ½ cup apple brandy or spiced rum
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 2 tbsp maple syrup or honey
• 1 cup sparkling apple cider

Steps

1. In a pitcher, mix wine, brandy, and maple syrup.
2. Add apple, pear, orange, and cinnamon stick.
3. Chill for at least 3 hours (overnight is best).
4. Add sparkling apple cider before serving.

4. Apple Cider Sangria Recipe

Apple cider sangria is particularly popular in the United States, especially in the Northeast where apple orchards are abundant. It combines the crisp taste of cider with wine for a festive and refreshing cocktail. This drink is best served at fall picnics, orchard visits, or holiday gatherings like Christmas.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of white wine (Chardonnay works well)
• 2 cups fresh apple cider
• 1 apple, thinly sliced
• 1 pear, thinly sliced
• ½ cup brandy or bourbon
• 1–2 cinnamon sticks
• Club soda for topping

Steps

1. Combine wine, apple cider, and brandy in a pitcher.
2. Add sliced apple, pear, and cinnamon sticks.
3. Refrigerate for 2–3 hours.
4. Add club soda before serving for extra sparkle.

5. Red Wine Sangria Recipe

Red wine sangria is the traditional Spanish version and remains the most consumed type both in Spain and abroad. It’s commonly found in tapas bars and is a favorite during summer festivals like La Tomatina or Feria de Abril. With its bold flavor, it pairs perfectly with grilled meats, spicy dishes, and festive occasions.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle of red wine (Merlot or Rioja)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 lime, sliced
• ½ cup orange juice
• ¼ cup triple sec or Cointreau
• 2 tbsp sugar
• Club soda to taste

Steps

1. Stir red wine, orange juice, triple sec, and sugar in a pitcher.
2. Add citrus slices.
3. Chill in the refrigerator for 2 hours.

4. Add club soda just before serving.