The Best Party Sangria

Sangria is a fruit-and-wine mixed beverage originating in Spain and Portugal. In fact, only the bottled sangrias coming from those countries can be labeled as such. Even if bottled sangria is delicious, nothing compares to sipping from a glass of freshly made sweet sangria. Say goodbye to pre-made sangrias and enjoy the fun of mixing your own. Our easy recipe, ready in minutes, is a great beverage to have during summer evenings, or at large gatherings where mixing cocktails to order can prove very difficult and time-consuming. With a pitcher of this sangria, the only thing you'll need is a refill.

White or red, sangrias were concocted by home cooks and not in hotel bars or restaurants. Thus the multiple and different recipes. With a lot of fruit or very little, very sweet or not at all, what all sangrias have in common is the wine base, the addition of a liqueur, sweetener, non-alcoholic mixer—soda, club soda, or sometimes juice— and chunks of fruit. The fruit, or fruits, its amount, and type depend much on personal preferences, but apples, oranges, limes, and berries rank amongst the favorites.

Our sweet sangria recipe has three forms of zesty citrus, red berries, and diced juicy pineapple. The fruit components marry well and marinate to form a brilliant backdrop to the fruit-forward wines we think pair best. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Rioja, Zinfandel, Shiraz, Tempranillo, or Grenache are our suggestions. But regardless of the wine you go with, always choose a bottle that you'd drink on its own. If you can't have it by the glass, it's not worth pouring in your sangria pitcher. Ideally, you'd mix this drink the day before and give it overnight and up to a full day in the fridge so it's properly chilled and all the flavors are developed. If not, give it at least three hours and serve over lots of ice.