This authentic Sangria Española without added sugar contains apple, peach and orange pieces. Plus a little fizz in the end, to make it extra festive!
The word Sangria comes from the word “Sangre” which means blood, so a traditional sangria should be the colour of blood. Nowadays, there are tons of different variations of Sangrias out there. Some are made with white wine others sparkling wines and all kinds of fruit combinations. However, the original version, the traditional Sangria Española, is and will always be the ultimate summer star!
Sangria’s Origin
Sangria’s origin is not clear, some say it was a way to upgrade the lowest quality wines from Southern Spain. Therefore, adding fruits (sugars) would help balance the sharpness. Others say it was an invention of British sailors, bringing along with them some Spanish wine to the Caribbeans and mixing it up with rum and fruits. Truth be told, no one knows for sure. One thing is certain, it’s a fantastic drink to sip on in the summertime!
The Golden Rules
Here are a few rules to follow if you want to concoct a traditional Sangria:
- Cut the fruits small enough to be able to get the pieces to slide easily in your mouth when drinking, except the citrus.
- Cover really well the Sangria (airtight) with plastic wrap, not let the alcohol evaporate.
- Make sure to macerate the Sangria long enough (minimum of 3 hours in the fridge) because the wine needs to suck up all the fruit flavours.
- Make sure to gently stir the Sangria before serving.
- Don’t forget the fizz in the end, it could be a gas lemonade, soda, or simply sparkling water.
No Added Sugar
This version uses no added sugar, I believe the orange juice, soda and fruits contain enough already. If you find it too strong, add a little syrup or juice to the Sangria. This version is a grown-up version, not going to taste like candy.
Tapas to Serve with Sangria
- PAN CON TOMATE – PA AMB TOMAQUET
- EGGPLANT FRIES WITH HONEY
- CALAMARI IN ITS INK CROQUETAS
- COLORFUL SPANISH TORTILLA DE PATATA
So let’s make this summer drink!
Sangria Española
Ingredients
- 750 ml red wine
- 300 ml orange juice
- 100 ml Brandy
- 1 apple (cut into small cubes)
- 1 peach (cut into small cubes)
- 1 orange (sliced in quarter)
- 1 cinnamon stick
To add after maceration
- 200 ml sparkling soda or lemonade
Instructions
- Start by cutting the apple and peach, and add to a pitcher.
- Add the wine, orange juice and brandy to the pitcher.
- Add a few slices of orange and the cinnamon stick.
- Mix up and cover (airtight) with plastic wrap.
- Let macerate overnight in the fridge (minimum 3 hours).
- Add the soda or fizzy lemonade before serving.
14 Comments
It looks soooo good!! 🙂
Thanks!
I’m a huge Sangria fan. Love your suggestion to cut the fruit small enough! Sometimes large pieces look pretty in a pitcher, but they make it awkward for your guests!
yes, and this way they slides right in the mouth for a nice fruity bite;)
Love this simple sangria. Some of them are too sweet for me, but this one looks perfect. Just the way sangria is meant to be, I’m thinking.
It’s still lightly sweet with all those fruits macerating in there for hours. To me, nothing like natural sugars;)
I love a good traditional sangria! My grandmother in France used to make a very similar one that was so tasty, she’d always let the flavours marinate for at least a day, and it was the bomb! She’d also let me drink a glass at 8 years-old which was the best part. hahahaha Yours looks delicious and brought back all those happy memories 🙂
It s almost fruit juice… no judgment here;) i leave mine at least a night in the fridge, it makes all the difference! Osmosis miracles!
Despite always ordering it while I’m out, I’ve actually never made sangria. After reading this recipe though I’m not sure why! Time to give it a try!
Believe me! It s always better handmade!
I have been thinking of Sangria for a week now! You can bet I am making this on the weekend!! It looks good -not too candy-ish!
It s the ultimate! Still sweet with all those fruits in there, just need a good overnight to macerate it correctly !
This is my all time favourite summer drink 😍 can’t wait to try this recipe 🙌🏼
Boozy and fruit ! Perfect drink!