What sangria is
Sangria is a Spanish wine punch: red wine with chopped fruit, a little sugar or juice, often a splash of brandy or orange liqueur, and something sparkling to lift it. White wine or cava versions are popular in summer.
A simple ratio
A good starting point is one bottle of red wine to roughly half that volume of orange juice and lemonade combined, plus sliced oranges, lemons and apples and a small measure of brandy if you like. Taste and adjust. Make the wine and fruit base a few hours ahead and add the fizz and ice just before serving.
How far does it go?
Sangria is usually served in small glasses or tumblers over ice. Plan on a couple of glasses per drinker over a reception, more on a hot afternoon, and always have plenty of water and soft drinks alongside.
Alcohol-free sangria
Use red grape juice or a non-alcoholic red, with orange juice, fruit and sparkling water. Label the jugs clearly so drivers and children pick the right one.
Choosing the wine
Sangria doesn’t need expensive wine. A fruity, unoaked Spanish red such as a young Tempranillo or Garnacha works well. For white sangria, use a crisp dry white or cava.
Fruit
Oranges and lemons are classic, with apples, peaches or berries in summer. Slice citrus thinly and remove pips. Fruit soaked for a few hours tastes better and looks better in the glass.
Responsible serving
Sangria can be stronger than people expect, especially with added brandy. Serve it in small glasses, always alongside water and soft drinks, and label alcohol-free jugs clearly.
Batch-making tips
For a big party, make the base (wine, fruit, a little sugar and any brandy) in a large, clean container a few hours ahead and keep it cold. Decant into jugs as needed and add the sparkling element and ice to each jug or glass just before serving. That way it stays fresh and fizzy all afternoon.
Taste as you go. The sweetness of the fruit and wine varies, so you may need a little more sugar or juice, or a squeeze of lemon to sharpen it.
Serving tips
- Use jugs with a lid or a fruit guard
- Keep it cold, but add ice to glasses rather than the jug so it doesn’t dilute
- Have a member of staff or a willing friend topping up
We can add sangria and bar staff to your booking. Ask us.
Planning an event? Tell us about it and we’ll suggest a menu and send a quote.