This red sangria recipe is one of the best you’ll try. Blackberry brandy and amaretto combined with good red wine and fresh fruit make a bright, refreshing cocktail perfect for warm weather and gatherings.
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Why This Recipe Works
- Blackberry brandy and amaretto add depth and a layered fruitiness that lifts a simple wine-and-fruit sangria into something special.
- The recipe is flexible. You can use brandy, or swap in vodka or rum to suit your preference or what you have on hand.
- It’s an ideal party cocktail: fruity, easy to scale up by the pitcher, and refreshing when served chilled with ice and fresh fruit.
Which red wine is best for sangria?
Choose a dry red wine to balance the sweetness from the brandy and amaretto. Traditional Spanish sangria is often made with garnacha (grenache), and pinot noir is another good, versatile option. Avoid overly tannic or heavily oaked wines, as they can overpower the fresh fruit flavors.
Pitcher and glass recommendations
Sangria looks lovely in a decorative pitcher and is easy to serve from one at a party. For outdoor events or poolside gatherings, choose unbreakable glasses. For indoor entertaining, a set of stemmed wine glasses adds a touch of formality. Use what suits the occasion.
Can leftover wine be used?
Yes—sangria is an excellent way to use an opened bottle of wine that you want to finish. Once mixed with fruit, amaretto, and brandy, the wine’s character blends into the cocktail and any minor oxidation becomes unnoticeable.
Can I make this recipe with vodka or rum?
Absolutely. Vodka or rum will change the alcohol character and generally be less sweet than a fruit-flavored brandy. If you prefer a sweeter profile after switching to a neutral spirit, add a bit more amaretto or substitute a sweeter mixer such as Sprite or ginger ale for the sparkling water.
What type of brandy to use?
This recipe calls for blackberry brandy for its fruity sweetness. You can substitute other fruit brandies—peach, apricot, or cherry are all great alternatives. If you only have standard brandy, the drink will be less sweet; simply increase the amaretto or a sweetener to taste.
Can I make a white wine version?
Yes. Swap the red wine for a dry, fruit-forward white wine to make white sangria. Use similar fruit choices—berries, peaches, grapes, citrus, or apples—to create beautiful color and bright flavor.
What fruit works best?
Sangria is very fruit-friendly. Traditional combinations include lemon, lime, and green apple, but you can use any fruit you enjoy. Popular options:
- Oranges
- Cherries
- Strawberries
- Raspberries
- Blackberries
Sparkling water, Sprite, or ginger ale?
Use sparkling water for a lighter, less sweet finish. Sprite or ginger ale adds more sweetness and is a good choice if you used plain brandy instead of a fruit-flavored brandy. Adjust the amount to your preferred level of sweetness and fizz.
Does this recipe last overnight?
Sangria often benefits from resting in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight. This allows the fruit to infuse the wine and spirits, intensifying the flavor. About 24 hours is a good maximum for best freshness.
Can I use simple syrup instead of amaretto?
Yes. Amaretto contributes both sweetness and an almond-like flavor. If you don’t have amaretto, use simple syrup (equal parts sugar and water dissolved and cooled) to sweeten, or add a sweet soda. Adjust to taste.
Other cocktail ideas
- Espresso martini with a creamy twist
- Chocolate martini variations
- White sangria or strawberry vodka cocktails
- Classic Manhattan or margarita variations
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Best Red Sangria Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry red wine — examples: garnacha, grenache, pinot noir
- 1/4 cup blackberry brandy
- 1/4 cup amaretto
- 1/2 cup seltzer, sparkling or soda water (adjust to taste). You may use Sprite or ginger ale for a sweeter flavor.
- Optional – serve over ice
- 1/2 cup fruit of choice (orange slices, berries, cherries, apple slices, etc.)
Instructions
- Combine the red wine, blackberry brandy, and amaretto in a pitcher and stir thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Add your chosen fruit to the mixture. Citrus slices, berries, and apple pieces all work well and will soak up flavor as they sit.
- Top with seltzer, sparkling, or soda water to taste. For a sweeter sangria, use Sprite or ginger ale. Serve chilled, over ice if desired.