Sweet Red Wine Punch

This classic red sangria recipe turns an ordinary bottle of wine into a refreshing, fruit-infused party drink that's perfect for gatherings year-round. With just a few minutes of prep time, you'll create a vibrant, crowd-pleasing beverage that looks as beautiful as it tastes.

I first made this sangria for an impromptu summer gathering when friends dropped by unexpectedly. The pitcher emptied so quickly that I now keep the ingredients stocked for whenever the occasion calls for a special drink that feels festive without much effort.

Ingredients

• Fresh orange: Adds bright citrus notes and a beautiful pop of color
• Fresh lime: Contributes a tangy kick that balances the sweetness
• Fresh lemon: Provides subtle acidity that enhances the wine flavor
• Lemonade: Sweetens the sangria while reinforcing the citrus profile
• Sprite: Adds effervescence and a light sweetness that lifts the entire drink
• Fruit punch: Contributes depth of flavor and vibrant color
• Lambrusco or other sweet red wine: Forms the foundation; choose a wine you enjoy drinking on its own for best results

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Citrus Base:

Squeeze the orange, lime, and lemon wedges directly into a large pitcher, allowing both the juice and the spent fruit pieces to fall in. The oils from the rinds add incredible aroma and flavor to your sangria.

Add the Sweet Elements:

Pour the measured cups of lemonade, Sprite, and fruit punch over the citrus fruit. The combination of these beverages creates the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness that complements the wine beautifully.

Incorporate the Wine:

Gently pour the entire bottle of Lambrusco or your chosen sweet red wine into the pitcher. Stir with a long spoon using slow, deliberate movements to combine everything without reducing the carbonation from the Sprite too much.

Serve and Enjoy:

Pour immediately over ice in wine glasses or tumblers. The beauty of this recipe is that it's ready to enjoy right away, no waiting required.

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The secret to this sangria is using Lambrusco, an Italian sweet sparkling red wine that adds both sweetness and subtle bubbles. My grandmother first introduced me to Lambrusco during a family reunion, and its approachable flavor profile makes it perfect for this recipe even for guests who arent typically wine enthusiasts.

Make-Ahead Options

While this sangria is designed to be served immediately, you can prepare it up to 4 hours ahead if needed. Combine all ingredients except the Sprite, refrigerate, and then add the Sprite just before serving to maintain its effervescence. The flavor actually develops nicely with a short rest in the refrigerator, allowing the fruits to infuse more deeply into the liquid.

Wine Selection Tips

Lambrusco creates the most authentic result, but you can substitute any sweet red wine you enjoy. Avoid dry reds as they can make the sangria taste too harsh without additional sugar. Some excellent alternatives include sweet red blends, port wine (use half the amount and add additional Sprite), or even a fruit-forward Zinfandel if you prefer less sweetness.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate your sangria experience by serving it in clear glass pitchers and cups to showcase the beautiful colors. For an extra special presentation, freeze some of your citrus slices in ice cubes to add to glasses. This sangria pairs beautifully with Spanish tapas, grilled meats, or spicy foods that benefit from a sweet, cooling beverage alongside.

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of wine works best for sangria?

Lambrusco, as suggested in the ingredients, works perfectly because it's naturally sweet. However, any sweet red wine like Garnacha, Zinfandel, or Merlot would make an excellent substitute. Avoid very dry or tannic red wines as they can make the sangria taste bitter.

→ Can I make this sangria ahead of time?

While the instructions suggest serving immediately, you can prepare this sangria a few hours ahead. The flavors will deepen as the fruit infuses the liquid. However, add the Sprite just before serving to maintain carbonation. Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

→ What can I use instead of Sprite?

Any lemon-lime soda works well as a substitute for Sprite. You could also use club soda or sparkling water for a less sweet version, or ginger ale for a slightly different flavor profile. The key is adding something with carbonation for that signature fizz.

→ Can I add other fruits to this sangria?

Absolutely! This sangria is very adaptable. Consider adding strawberries, peaches, apples, or berries for additional flavor and visual appeal. Just make sure to cut larger fruits into bite-sized pieces to maximize flavor infusion.

→ How many calories are in each serving?

Each glass contains approximately 169 calories, making it a relatively light alcoholic beverage option. The calorie content comes primarily from the sweet red wine and the fruit juices. Serving size is based on 6 glasses per batch.

→ What's the best occasion to serve sangria?

Sangria is perfect for summer gatherings, outdoor parties, barbecues, and holiday celebrations. Its fruity profile makes it particularly popular during warm weather, but its festive appearance makes it suitable for any celebratory occasion year-round.