Classic Spanish Sangria

Ingredients

• 750 ml dry red wine (e.g. Tempranillo/Garnacha)
• 300 ml fresh orange juice
• 120 ml brandy or cognac
• 60 ml triple sec (or Cointreau)
• 150 ml sparkling water or lemonade (add just before serving)
• 1 orange, cut into half-slices
• 1 lemon, cut into thin slices
• 1 apple, diced
• 1 handful of red fruit (strawberry/raspberry; optional)
• 1–2 tbsp sugar or honey, to taste
• 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
• Ice cubes (plenty)

Instructions

1. 1

   Method / InstructionsAdd the orange, lemon and apple to the jug. Pour in the wine, orange juice, brandy/cognac, triple sec and (optionally) the cinnamon. Sweeten to taste with sugar or honey and stir until dissolved.

2. 2

   Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (ideally 4–8 hours) so the fruit and spices can infuse.

3. 3

   Fill the 6 GT glasses generously with ice and a few pieces of fruit from the jug.

4. 4

   Give the sangria a quick stir, top with 150 ml sparkling water into the jug (or directly into each glass for extra fizz), then pour into the glasses until roughly ½–⅔ full.

5. 5

   Finish with an extra orange slice. Serve immediately.TipsSkip the sugar and use sparkling water instead of lemonade.

6. 6

   Swap the red wine for dry white wine (e.g. Verdejo) and use peach or nectarine instead of red fruit.

7. 7

   Rosé version: rosé wine + strawberry + a splash of grapefruit lemonade.

8. 8

   Alcohol-free: 500 ml cold black tea + 500 ml grape juice + 300 ml orange juice + 300 ml sparkling water; same fruit, no spirits.

9. 9

   For 2 jugs: double everything; only add the sparkling water just before pouring.

10. 10

    Presentation: those large 700 ml glasses call for plenty of ice and visible fruit slices — it looks stunning and keeps the drink cold longer.