White sangria

Prep: 5 mins
Cook: 0 mins
Total: 5 mins
Servings: 8 servings
Yield: 1 pitcher

3 medium oranges, cut into wedges, or 1 cup orange juice
1 lemon (2 3/8 inch diameter), cut into wedges
1 lime, cut into wedges
1 (750 milliliter) bottle white wine, chilled
2 ounces brandy, optional
2/3 cup white sugar
2 cups club soda, or ginger ale

Squeeze the juice from the citrus wedges into the pitcher. If possible, remove the seeds and toss in the wedges. If you're using orange juice instead, add it to the pitcher.
Pour the white wine into the pitcher with the fruit.
If using, add the brandy and the sugar. Stir very well to ensure that all of the sugar is dissolved.
If not serving right away, place it in the fridge. Add the ginger ale or club soda just before serving so the sangria retains its sparkle. Serve cold and enjoy.

Quick Sangria and Marinated Sangria
If you need a sangria ASAP, and your wine is not chilled, prepare the sangria but serve it over lots of ice.
However, if you have the time, we recommend preparing the sangria—minus any bubbly elements—the night before to allow the flavors to meld. This makes an even tastier drink.

Make Your Own Favorite Sangria


Sangrias are very forgiving. To find a recipe that suits your palate best:Choose a wine: Use a good quality sauvignon blanc, chardonnay, riesling, albariño, gewürztraminer, viognier, or pinot gris.
Pick the fruits: The citrus fruits included in the recipe are essential to creating a basic sangria. But add to the flavor with any other types of fruits. In total, you should need only 1 or 2 cups of additional fruit. Two small mangoes, one small apple, one small papaya, or one small pineapple should give you plenty of fruit to work with. A small container each of strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries are enough for a berry version.
Adjust the sweetness: For a drier sangria, add less sugar and/or use more club soda. For a sweeter sangria, add the sugar as instructed and use ginger ale or lemon-lime soda instead.
Add some booze: Many sangria recipes include a small amount of liquor along with the wine. We recommend brandy, a flavorful fortified wine that's a classic ingredient in sangria, but other versions use orange liqueur, like Grand Marnier or Cointreau, or elderflower liqueur.


How Strong Is Sangria?


Sangria is a relatively low-alcohol drink, making it nice for daytime gatherings and summer parties. Even with the brandy included, sangria tends to weigh in at between 5 to 10 percent ABV—lighter than a glass of wine.