Summer Sangria That’s Pure Good Vibes in a Glass

Okay babe, lemme tell you — there’s just something about Sangria that screams “I’m living my best life right now.”

Like, you take one sip and boom — instant party vibes, sunny memories, and maybe a lil’ “why don’t I make this every weekend?” moment (totally guilty).

The first time I made it? I went absolutely wild with the fruit and my pitcher looked like a rainbow exploded — but girl, it was SO worth it.

Now I’ve got it down to a cute, no-stress science that’s perfect for impressing literally everyone.

This Sangria is fruity, refreshing, just the right amount of boozy, and that gorgeous deep red color with all the floating fruit? Pure Instagram magic.

Perfect for pool days, girls’ nights, random Tuesday evenings, or anytime you just need a little more celebration in your life.

Why This Sangria Is Basically a Party in Every Sip

Girl, listen — this Sangria isn’t just a drink, it’s a whole dang mood.

It’s fruity but not too sweet, refreshing but with that perfect wine kick, and all that gorgeous fruit floating around? Ugh, it just hits different.

First time I tried making it, I was so scared I’d mess up the wine-to-fruit ratio — but when I served it at my friend’s birthday and everyone was asking for the recipe? I almost cried happy tears, not even kidding.

Now it’s my go-to anytime I wanna feel a lil’ fancy — backyard BBQs, book club meetings, post-work wind-downs, you name it.

One glass and you’ll be like, “Okay, who needs expensive cocktail bars when I can make this magic at home?”

What You’ll Need for This Liquid Sunshine

Alright babe, grab your cutest pitcher (or that big mason jar you’ve been hoarding), here’s all the good stuff you need to whip up this dreamy Sangria:

The Wine Magic:

• 1 bottle red wine (750ml – nothing fancy, babe! I use whatever’s on sale)
• ¼ cup brandy (the secret grown-up ingredient)
• 2 tablespoons sugar or honey (sweetness level: your call)
• 1 cup orange juice (fresh is bomb, but carton works too)
• ½ cup club soda or ginger ale (for that happy fizz!)

The Fruit Rainbow:

• 1 orange, sliced into cute rounds
• 1 apple, cored and chopped into chunks
• 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, whatever makes you happy)
• ½ cup grapes, halved (green or red, you choose!)
• 1 lemon, sliced (the brightness we need!)

Optional Glow-Up Additions:

• Fresh mint leaves (for that spa-day fancy feel)
• ¼ cup pomegranate seeds (if you’re feeling extra)
• Cinnamon stick (fall vibes, anyone?)
• Frozen fruit instead of ice cubes (genius move!)

Pro Tip: Once, I used the most expensive wine thinking it would be better… girl, save your money! The fruit and mixers are the real stars here. My $8 bottle sangria was just as bomb as the fancy stuff.

Let’s Make Some Liquid Magic, Babe

1. Prep Your Fruit Like a Queen

First things first — wash all your gorgeous fruit and get chopping! I like to make my apple chunks bite-sized and my orange slices thick enough to look pretty but thin enough to actually drink around. Use this time to pour yourself a tiny taste of that wine (quality control, obviously) and put on your favorite playlist.

2. Build That Flavor Base

In your prettiest pitcher, stir together the sugar and a splash of the orange juice until the sugar dissolves. Add the brandy (don’t skip this, babe — it’s what makes sangria actually sangria!). Pour in the rest of the orange juice and give it a good stir.

3. Wine Time, Baby

Slowly pour in your wine — I like to do a little dramatic pour because why not make it fun? Stir gently because we’re classy like that. Taste it and adjust — need more sweetness? Add honey. Want more citrus? Squeeze in some lemon.

4. Fruit Party Time

Add all your beautiful chopped fruit to the pitcher. Give it one more gentle stir and watch all those colors swirl together — it’s like edible art, babe! Pop it in the fridge for AT LEAST 2 hours, but overnight is even better. Trust the process!

5. Serve It With Style

Right before serving, add your club soda or ginger ale for that perfect fizz. Pour into wine glasses filled with ice (or those cute mason jars if you’re feeling rustic). Make sure everyone gets some of that gorgeous fruit in their glass!

Sangria Glow-Up Tips (Keep It Fabulous, Babe)

Make it extra fancy: Girl, frozen grapes instead of ice cubes? Game changer! They keep it cold without watering it down.

Prep like a boss: Make a big batch on Sunday and keep it in the fridge all week. Just add the fizzy stuff right before serving — future you will be so grateful!

Get that perfect balance: Too sweet? Add more lemon juice. Too tart? Drizzle in honey. Not boozy enough? Splash more brandy. You’re the mixologist here!

Seasonal switch-ups: Summer: peaches and berries. Fall: apples and pears with cinnamon. Winter: cranberries and oranges. Spring: strawberries and mint.

Sangria FAQ (Maria’s “Oops but Make it Fabulous” Moments!)

Why does my sangria taste too wine-y?

Girl, one time I forgot the orange juice and it was basically fruit soup in wine… Big mistake. The OJ balances everything out — don’t skip it!

Can I use white wine instead?

Babe, absolutely! White wine sangria is bomb too. Just swap the red for white and maybe add some peaches or pineapple. Still slays every time.

What if I don’t have brandy?

No brandy, no meltdown! I’ve used rum, vodka, even skipped it entirely when I was being lazy. Still tasted amazing — the fruit does most of the work anyway.

How long can I keep it in the fridge?

Up to 3 days, but honestly? It never lasts that long at my house. The fruit gets even more flavorful after sitting overnight — it’s like wine magic!

Can I make it less boozy for a crowd?

Totally! Add more orange juice and club soda, less wine. One time I made a “virgin sangria” for my sister who was pregnant and it was still the hit of the party.

You Did It, Babe!

Look at you, mixing drinks like an absolute cocktail goddess!

This Sangria is pure summer vibes wrapped in a glass — just like you.

If you had even half as much fun making it as I did sharing it, girl, we’re basically sangria sisters now.

Stick around for more delicious (and slightly chaotic) recipes, because here? We celebrate the perfectly imperfect pours, the fruit that doesn’t cut perfectly, and the big, happy sips with friends.

Catch you in the kitchen (or bar cart) again soon, babe — and don’t forget: you’re doing amazing, sweetie!

Big cheers and love,
Maria