Sangria just gets it. Fruity, bold and always down for a good time, this citrus red sangria is basically sunshine in a glass.
You don’t need anything fancy. Grab a bottle of red, slice up whatever fruit you’ve got, splash in some citrus and let it all hang out in the fridge. That’s it. No stress. No measuring madness.
It’s the kind of drink that makes your patio feel like a vacation or your living room feel like a dinner party. Easy to make, hard to mess up and way too smooth to stop at one glass.
Perfect for late afternoons, weekend hangs or just cause you feel like pouring something fun. One pitcher and the whole day feels easier.
What Is a Citrus Red Sangria Cocktail
Citrus red sangria is a chilled wine cocktail that mixes dry red wine with fresh fruit, a splash of juice and a little extra kick from brandy or orange liqueur. It’s fruity, refreshing and super easy to make in big batches.
You’ve got citrus slices like lemon, lime and orange adding bright zip. Apples and berries soak up the wine and give it that sweet juicy flavor in every sip.
The wine brings body, the fruit keeps it playful and the soda on top adds that fizzy finish. It’s light enough to sip slow but bold enough to keep things interesting.
Basically, it’s the kinda drink that makes people say oh wow after the first glass.
Tips To Make It Perfectly At Home
Sangria’s low effort by nature but these little moves help it really shine:
- Use a dry red wine: Something like tempranillo or cabernet keeps it from getting too sweet.
- Let it chill at least 2 hours: The fruit needs time to soak and swap flavors with the wine.
- Slice fruit thin: More surface area means more flavor… plus it looks better in the glass.
- Mix juices and booze first: Stir those together before adding fruit so it blends smooth.
- Taste before serving: Every batch is different so adjust with more juice or soda if needed.
- Top with soda last: Add it just before serving to keep that fizzy pop.
- Keep extra fruit on hand: Toss a fresh piece in each glass so it looks fresh and fun.
Best Foods to Pair with a Citrus Red Sangria Cocktail
This sangria hits with bright citrus tang, juicy berry sweetness and a smooth red wine base. It’s got just enough alcohol to warm things up but stays crisp and refreshing thanks to the fruit and soda.
That mix of sweet, tart and fizzy pairs best with food that’s bold, salty or light enough to not fight the flavor. Here’s what works great:
Charcuterie board: Salty cured meats and creamy cheeses balance the sangria’s fruitiness while olives and nuts add a nice savory edge.
Grilled veggies: Smoky peppers, zucchini or eggplant bring out the deeper notes in the red wine without overpowering the citrus.
Tortilla española or frittata: Egg dishes soak up the drink’s acidity and pair well with the soft fruity background.
Citrus-marinated chicken: The tang from the marinade mirrors the lemon and lime in the sangria… it all ties together.
Berry or citrus desserts: Sweet but light desserts like lemon bars or fresh fruit tarts echo the sangria’s flavors and keep the vibe cool and easy.
Easy and Delicious Sangria to Enjoy

This refreshing citrus red sangria is a made with a blend of fruity flavors and aromatic spices. It offers a sweet and tangy taste, with a hint of berry notes from the wine and a burst of citrus from the fresh fruits.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of Dry Red Wine (750ml)
- 1/4 cup Brandy
- 1/4 cup Orange Liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau)
- 1 cup Orange juice
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 2 cups soda water or lemon-lime soda for a sweeter taste
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
- Ice cubes
Zero-proof version: Skip the wine and liquor and use a mix of pomegranate juice, orange juice and a splash of grape juice. Add the same fruit, let it chill and top with soda. Same bold flavor with no booze.
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and orange juice. Stir well to mix.
- Add Fruits: Add the sliced lemon, orange, lime, diced apple, and mixed berries to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
- Chill: Refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Just before serving, add ice cubes and top with soda water or lemon-lime soda for a fizzy finish. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
- Enjoy: Pour the sangria into glasses and enjoy the refreshing flavors with friends!
Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 2 hours
- Total Time: 2 hours 10 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 6-8 glasses
- Calories: 181 kcal per glass
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
Easy Citrus Red Sangria Variations to Try
Wanna put your own spin on it? Sangria’s super flexible so try these twists based on what you’ve got or how sweet you want it:
- Use white wine instead: Makes it lighter and crisper with more focus on the citrus.
- Swap the liquor: Try rum or tequila instead of brandy for a new kind of kick.
- Add fresh herbs: Mint, basil or rosemary give it a cool garden vibe.
- Toss in tropical fruit: Pineapple, mango or passionfruit bring in a whole new summer flavor.
- Use flavored soda: Citrus or berry soda adds extra fizz and sweetness without needing more juice.
- Go spicy: Add a few slices of jalapeño for a little heat that plays nice with the sweet.
Fancy a warm red wine cocktail? How about a Mulled Wine recipe?
To pin for later:

Citrus Red Sangria Cocktail

Ingredients
- 1 bottle of Dry Red Wine (750ml)
- 60 ml Brandy
- 60 ml Orange Liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau)
- 236 ml Orange juice
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- 1 apple, diced
- 1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- 473 ml soda water or lemon-lime soda for a sweeter taste
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
- Ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and orange juice. Stir well to mix.
- Add Fruits: Add the sliced lemon, orange, lime, diced apple, and mixed berries to the pitcher. Stir gently to combine.
- Chill: Refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to let the flavors meld together.
- Serve: Just before serving, add ice cubes and top with soda water or lemon-lime soda for a fizzy finish. Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
- Enjoy: Pour the sangria into glasses and enjoy the refreshing flavors with friends!
Notes
Zero-proof version: Skip the wine and liquor and use a mix of pomegranate juice, orange juice and a splash of grape juice. Add the same fruit, let it chill and top with soda. Same bold flavor with no booze.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
8Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 181Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 18mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 2gSugar: 15gProtein: 1g
This nutrition information was automatically calculated by Nutritionix, but may not be 100% accurate.