I first published this recipe for a classic sangria way back in 2012, and gave it the awful name of “loosey goosey boozy boozy sangria”. I was new to blogging and clearly knew NOTHING about how people searched for things on the internet, and was terrible with titles. Oh well, a lot has changed since then, including my marital status so first up, let’s change that author name baby!
Next, we know a lot more about sugar now and while I don’t think you can eliminate it all together in this recipe for classic sangria, I cut it by half when I make it now. You can decide if you’d like to use the full cup of sugar as I originally suggested, or go with 1/2 a cup. I won’t judge.
Finally, iPhone photography has come a long way. Also, my photography skills have improved a smidge and while I don’t think the original image is bad, it’s not good either. You be the judge.
Worth noting, way back in 2012 I stated that “I don’t like sangria made with white wine. Pitooey! Blech!”. I’d like to officially retract that statement and say that I’ve since been converted. Sangria made with white wine is delicious and I routinely mix up batches during the summer. Still, if I was pressed this classic sangria with red wine remains by favourite.
When I first published this recipe I said that there was nothing tame about this sangria and I stand by that. It can definitely sneak up on you, so proceed with caution. Make it a day in advance to really enjoy the flavours and stir before serving. Serve over ice, and if you feel the need, you can add a little sparkling water to it.
I’ve learned a few things over the years about this recipe, so take note:
- the fruit is the motherlode. It It absorbs a lot of the alcohol, so make sure you get your daily serving of fruit!
- You can reuse the fruit!! Do not throw out the fruit if you’re mixing up another batch the next day or even two days after. It’s loaded with alcohol, so don’t waste it.
- Repeat after me. Cheap wine, cheap rum, cheap orange liqueurs. You can go as expensive as you want but in the end it won’t really matter. You’re mixing it all together and that’s what will give you the taste in the end. I use the Jackson-Triggs Merlot but I have used a Bodacious Red and a Cabernet-Sauvignon. It changes the flavour slightly but you’ll find what you love.
- Finally, get the box of wine. Once you make this you’ll want to make it again and again, so save yourself the return trip to the liquor store and get the big box.
- Double, triple, quadruple this recipe if need be. It’s great for a crowd!
So, without further ado, here’s the recipe for classic sangria, loaded with booze, fruit and wine. Enjoy!
Classic Sangria – Wine, Booze, Fruit
Originally published as Loosey Goosey Boozy Boozy Sangria
Ingredients
- 750 ml Merlot
- 1 1/2 cups Rum or Vodka
- 2 tbsps Triple Sec
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 cup fresh squeezed orange juice
- 1 quarter pineapple, cut into wedges
- 1 orange sliced
- 1 pear cut into chunks
- 1 apple cut into chunks
Instructions
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Pour wine into large pitcher, add next four ingredients and stir well, ensuring sugar is dissolved. Add fresh fruit and stir again. Chill for a minimum of 4 hours, but is best the next day.
If you want to try a few variations on sangria, check out this recipe for a Frozen Sangria, this one with a Canadian Twist, and this one with berries.
Mint Iced Tea
OMG! I glass of this and I would be passed out under a patio table somewhere! But I like that it’s healthy with all that fruit in it.
That’s where you add some sparkling water to it. At least then you could have two glasses 😉
Soo, I learned this from a wine tour that we just did in Spain.. Sangria was originally made up to help disguise / reflavour bad wine. If that last batch or bottle didn’t turn out so well… Sangria it up!
Which is why you should always buy cheap wine when making Sangria. Ole. 🙂
Add some banana liqueur to that, and you’re golden. 😉
Ay caramba! I loved this Sangria recipe! Served it on the weekend and it was a hit…looking forward to the second recipe. Susie (Jodi’s neighbour)
LOL!!! Hi Susie *waving* Did you share with your neighbour? You know what else is great about this recipe? It’s actually hangover resistant. Seriously. My friend and I in Ottawa have noticed this recently. We’re convinced it’s magic 🙂 So glad you popped by my site. I’ll post the other one tomorrow for you:)
Will give it a try. Thanks!
Love your site and visit often! I will make both Sangria recipes to share with “my neighbour ” and then we will test your theory of hangover resistance! 😉
So, I had every intention of trying one of your sangria recipes this weekend, and alas…when I got home realized I had half the ingredients for one, half for the other. Therefore in my fridge, fermenting as I type, is the Loosey Goosey Boozy Boozy Very Berry Sangria. Will let you know on Sunday how I make out:)
Soooo?
HANGOVER RESISTANT? This is my biggest obstacle to drinking. I gotta try some sangria, been pinning recipes. MUST TO MAKE, MUST TO DRINK. ; )
I have the pineapple, but geez that is quite a bit of booze. Will ask hubby if he will drink it with me before I buy the liquor otherwise I would be quite smashed, but I am apparently quite funny when tipsy.
Yum! I love Sangria – this recipe looks delicious – will add it to my must tries for Spring/Summer!
That looks good and it would be great for when I have people over this summer.
mmmmm….yummy. I’m going to make sangria and Pimms this year.
Let me know how it is!
Pinning! I loves me some red wine sangria, and woohoo! The season is almost here!
Gasp! I think I’m in love… perfect for a summer day by the beach. Will try and report back. I must figure out how to turn all this wine tasting I do into a pursuit like this… makes it all worthwhile!
OMG I’m drooling over here. I love sangria almost as much as I love mojitos in the summer! Going to be making this one forsure.
Why Oh Why, have I never made this?! Looks perfect for the summer 🙂 I am a sucker foe beer and pink lemonade. TRY IT!
This looks so good! I’m Sangria addicted since my family went on a bus trip through Southern Spain about eight years ago – I love it! I’m more partial to the red sangria, like you – and have only had ONE white wine sangria that I liked – a dry chardonnay, peaches and lime…yummy. Red ones are still my favourite though! Where did you get that awesome jug? I so want one!
Just pinned it. Have to try your recipe Candace.
Just make sure you let it mellow 🙂