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The Recipe · No.614 · Sangria

Sangria, and where to source it

Sangria — 5best2buy.com 5BEST2BUY.COM Sangria Spanish 5best2buy.com

Sangria isn't wine with fruit dumped in; it needs time for the fruit to sweeten the wine and the wine to soften the fruit. Macerate the citrus and apple in the sweetener and brandy for at least 4 hours before the wine goes in, and add any soda only at the last second so it stays fizzy.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep15 min
Cook0 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineSpanish
Cost$$
VeganGluten-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 6 servings
Our ratio, your call. The amounts below are a tested starting point — a version, not the one and only. Anything tagged to taste is the knob you turn: start there, then make it yours.
Dry red wine
A cheap fruity Garnacha or Tempranillo is right; save the good bottle, sangria hides subtlety.
1 bottlerecommended
Local / market
Oranges
Fresh orange juice and slices are the backbone of the flavor; bottled tastes flat.
2 orangesrecommended
Source it →
Cane sugar
A little sugar dissolved into the brandy pulls juice out of the fruit; skip it and it tastes sour.
1/4 cuprecommended
Source it →
Brandy
A splash of brandy or triple sec is traditional and deepens the wine; use one you'd drink.
1/4 cuprecommended
Local / market
Apple and berries
Firm apple and berries hold up through the soak instead of turning to mush.
1 apple, 1 cuprecommended
Apple → Berries →
Sparkling water
A top of seltzer adds lift; add it only at serving so it doesn't go flat.
1 cuprecommended
Source it →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortEasy
Cook it with
No-cook
The Method
  1. Macerate the fruitStir sugar into the brandy and orange juice until dissolved, add the sliced fruit, and let it sit 30 min to draw out the juices.
  2. Add the winePour in the wine, cover, and refrigerate at least 4 hours or overnight so the flavors marry.
  3. Finish with fizzJust before serving, stir in the sparkling water and pour over ice so it stays bubbly.
The Toolkit

Large pitcher · Wooden spoon · Citrus juicer · Paring knife

Straight Answers
Can you make Sangria ahead of time? — Partly

You can batch the mix and keep it cold, but add the ice, soda, and garnish and shake or stir to order — a made-up drink goes flat and watery if it sits.

Is Sangria gluten-free? — Yes

Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.

Is Sangria vegan? — Yes

Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.614

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