A pitcher of sangria is perfect for entertaining! I’m sharing my favorite easy sangria recipes that you can make any time of the year, from white wine sangria in the summer to spiced holiday sangria at Christmas. You’ll love these fresh and easy cocktail ideas.
The Best Sangria Recipes
Nothing gets a party started like a pitcher of sangria! I have a sangria recipe for every season and occasion, even the holidays. This refreshing classic cocktail is the best way to round out a backyard BBQ or dinner party, and there are so many ways that you can make a perfect batch of sangria.
I’ve rounded up my favorite sangria recipes along with some helpful tips below. Whether it’s the Fourth of July or Christmas, you’re going to love these light, refreshing sangria ideas!
What Is Sangria?
In case you’re unfamiliar with sangria, this is a classic wine cocktail hailing from Spain and Portugal. (Fun fact: by European law, beverages can only be labeled as “Sangria” if they’re made in either of these regions). Traditional sangria combines white or red wine with fruit, liquors like triple sec, vermouth, or brandy, and sometimes mixers, like soda or seltzer.
What’s the Best Wine for Sangria?
A good rule of thumb when picking a wine for sangria is to opt for something inexpensive, that you would still enjoy drinking on its own. You can make a perfectly good sangria from an affordable bottle since you’ll be mixing it with other ingredients. The key is to choose the right varietal:
- Red Wine: For red wine sangria, Grenache, Pinot Noir, and Tempranillo are best.
- White Wine: Look for crisp, dry white wines with higher acidity when making white wine sangria. Good bets are Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. If you tend to prefer a sweeter white, Moscato is a good option, too.
What Goes with Sangria?
Whether I’m making sangria for two or for a crowd, it pairs deliciously with lots of seasonal dishes and meal ideas. Here are some of our favorite recipes to serve with sangria:
- Flatbread: Flatbread pizzas, like this Grilled Prosciutto Peach Flatbread and Caprese Flatbread, are great for sharing and pair perfectly with a cold glass of sangria.
- Salad: Pair with a fresh Classic Wedge Salad or Tomato Panzanella Salad.
- Grilling: Sangria was made for outdoor dining. We’ll serve it with Grilled Chicken, Grilled Flank Steak, or even a hot Grilled Pizza with a side of salad.
- Appetizers: Simple yet tasty appetizers like Mango Shrimp Ceviche and Prosciutto-Wrapped Asparagus, and easy canapes like Cajun Shrimp Bites and Avocado Bruschetta.
Can I Make Sangria Ahead?
Absolutely! Another reason I love preparing sangria for parties is that it’s so easy to make it ahead. I’ve included specific instructions in the recipes below, but it’s pretty straightforward. Mix up the ingredients, leave out the ice, and place your sangria into the fridge to really let the flavors develop overnight, or up to 2 days in advance. In fact, I find that sangria tastes even better after it’s steeped for a while.
8 Must-Try Sangria Recipes
Ready to whip up a glass or batch of homemade sangria? These recipes below have you covered any time of the year, from steamy summer evenings to cozy winter gatherings.
Refreshing Peach Sangria
For a sip of summer in a glass, try this white sangria recipe filled with seasonal peaches and blueberries. A dash of peach schnapps and a hint of mint give this easy cocktail just the right amount of refreshing sweetness.
Easy Strawberry Peach Moscato Sangria
This Moscato sangria is another summer sipper made with juicy strawberries and peaches, fresh citrus, and mint, plus a touch of fine bubbles from the crisp, sweet wine. It’s an easy-drinking fruity sangria that always gets rave reviews.
Christmas Holiday Sangria
Sangria isn’t just for the warmer months – this festive holiday sangria recipe filled with cozy spice, pear, and pomegranate is the ultimate wintertime sip. Serve it at Christmas parties, or snuggle up with a glass by the fire.
Easy Holiday Cranberry Sangria
The flavors of citrus, cranberries, and cinnamon mingle perfectly in this easy recipe for holiday red wine sangria. I love that this festive cocktail is make-ahead friendly, so I can have it ready to go when company arrives!
Red Wine Sangria
Enjoy this fruity twist on classic red wine sangria, filled with citrus and the summery addition of ripe strawberries and peaches. It’s an easy, fruit-filled sangria topped with the fresh fizz of seltzer. Perfect for making alone or in batches!
White Wine Sangria Recipe
This is a refreshing summertime sangria recipe bursting with the bright flavors of lemons, limes, and oranges. A citrus bomb of delicious proportions!
Frozen Raspberry Peach Sangria
You need only 5 minutes and a handful of easy ingredients to make this zesty blended sangria. Filled with tart frozen raspberries and sweet, juicy peaches, it’s the best way to wind down on a hot summer evening.
Strawberry Jalapeno White Sangria
For a refreshing sip with a kick, look no further than this sweet and spicy strawberry sangria! Fresh jalapeño slices give this cocktail recipe a tongue-tingling contrast of flavors. Always a hit!
Looking for cocktail inspiration? Don’t forget to check out my recipe finder for more easy ideas!
