Sangria (white Or Red) Recipe

Wash and slice

Wash all fruit thoroughly. Thinly slice the orange and lemon crosswise into rounds, halve the lime and cut into thin wedges, core and dice the apple into 1/2-inch pieces (leaving skin on for color), and slice stone fruit into wedges or leave berries whole. Reserve about 1 cup sliced fruit for serving.

If using cinnamon, bruise the stick lightly by tapping with the back of a knife to release aroma.

Combine fruit and sweetener

In a large pitcher (about 2.5–3 liters capacity), add the prepared fruit. Pour in the simple syrup (about 60 ml). If you prefer to use granulated sugar, sprinkle it over the fruit and gently muddle with the back of a wooden spoon 6–8 times to help release juices and dissolve the sugar.

Add spirits and wine

Pour in the brandy (60 ml) and the orange liqueur if using (30 ml). Immediately add the wine (1.5 liters). Stir gently to combine, making sure fruit is submerged. Add the cinnamon stick now if using.

Taste the mixture and adjust sweetness: add another 15–30 ml simple syrup if you want it sweeter. For a tarter sangria, add a little more lemon or lime juice from the wedges you prepared.

Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4–8 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld and fruit to macerate. For best results, give the pitcher a gentle stir once or twice while chilling to redistribute syrup and spirits.

Add fizz and ice

Just before serving, pour in the club soda or sparkling water (about 375 ml) and stir gently to combine. Fill glasses with ice (about 1/2–1 cup per glass) and add reserved sliced fruit to each glass.

Garnish

Ladle sangria into prepared glasses, making sure each glass gets a variety of fruit. Tear or lightly slap mint leaves to release aroma and add to glasses as garnish. Remove the cinnamon stick from the pitcher if it has steeped long enough and discard or reserve for garnish.

Serve chilled. Leftover sangria will keep covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours; add additional soda and ice just before serving to refresh fizz.