A Summertime Red Wine Sangria Recipe With Bourbon-Soaked Sugar Fruit
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This ultimate sweet sangria recipe is not just for the summer! We’re creating a spin on the traditional sangria recipe by making replacing the brandy in a sangria pitcher with Maker’s Mark and adding a special infusion of Grand Marnier (or your favorite orange liqueur). The result is a fruity sangria recipe that packs a punch (no pun intended!) for a bourbon sangria recipe that is perfect for the fall and winter months!
What is Sangria?
Sangria is popular alcoholic punch that originated in Spain. It is often served cold and traditionally made with red wine and local fruits, such as berries, pears, or peaches and citrus fruits, such as lemons.
Many regional variations exist, with various recipes featuring brandy, sweeteners (such as agave nectar), flavored liqueurs, white wine or champagne, or added fruit juices.
Where is Sangria From?
Sangria is from Spain and Portugal. In fact, according to EU regulations, these are the only two countries allowed to call the punch ‘Sangria.’
Sangria made its way to the United States in the 1940s and was a popular drink at the New York City World’s Fair in 1964.
What Type of Wine to Use for Sangria?
Traditionally, sangria is made with Spanish Rioja red wine. However, any dry, fruity wine can be an ideal choice. Wines such as Pinot Noir or Grenache are excellent choices due to their low acidity.
If you are considering a white wine sangria recipe, select a dry, unoaked white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
If you prefer to make your sangria sweeter, you can use a Moscato or add additional sweeteners to your pitcher.
What You Need to Make Red Wine Sangria
Maker's Mark: You can always use your favorite bourbon.
Finely Granulated Sugar: To add a bit of sweetness.
Sliced Seasonal Fruit: Oranges, berries, or apples.
Red wine (preferably Pinot Noir, or Spanish red): The real base of any sangria!
Grand Marnier: To add that orange flavor to this fruity drink.
Orange Juice: To mix in with the wine.
Sparkling Water: To add just a bit of fizz.
Orange or Lemon Wedges: To spice up those cocktail glasses.
Easy Ingredient Swaps
Change the fruit. Don’t like berries or don’t have apples on hand? Switch it out with your favorite fruits. Anything goes in sangria!
Swap the spirits. We love Maker’s Mark and Grand Marnier, but you can always use your favorite bourbon or orange liqueur.
Leave out the sparkling water. If you don’t want fizz in your drink, simply leave this ingredient out.
How To Make Red Wine Sangria with Bourbon Berries
For the Berries:
Prepare the fruit. In a shallow glass dish, add sliced fruit, making sure to evenly distribute the fruit in the container.
Combine the sugar and bourbon. In a separate bowl, add the granulated sugar and bourbon. Stir until sugar completely dissolves.
Mix the berry mixture. Pour the bourbon mixture into the fruit dish and add a small amount of water so that the fruit is almost covered with liquid.
Let it rest. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate overnight.
For the Sangria:
Combine the ingredients. In a large pitcher, add red wine, orange liqueur and one cup of orange juice and strained fruit.
Let it rest. Place sangria in the fridge for 1-4 hours to allow to chill and the flavors to combine.
To Serve:
Just add ice. Add ice to your favorite glass. Pour a small amount of orange juice into the bottom of the glass.
Serve it up. Layer with sangria, fresh fruit, and orange or lemon garnish.
Sangria Variations
White Wine Peach Sangria. Substitute the red wine for a crisp Sauvignon Blanc and choose light, sweet seasonal fruits, such as peaches, strawberries or plums.
Sangria Margarita. Trade the bourbon for your choice for silver tequila and add fresh squeezed lime before serving.
Smoked Sangria. Add a layer of complexity to your red wine sangria recipe by grilling the fruit before adding it to the wine mixture. Ideal fruits for grilling: peaches, figs, pears, or strawberries. Adding brandy (in lieu of bourbon) will give the your sangria punch a smoky sweetness!
Bar Tools for This Recipe
More Cocktail Recipes to Try
The Ultimate Red Wine Sangria Recipe with Boubon-Soaked Sugar Fruit
Ingredients
Instructions
Notes
If you prefer a stronger sangria, do not strain the fruit and add the entire mixture to the red wine.
Nutrition Facts
Calories
256.50Fat
0.40Sat. Fat
0.05Carbs
32.57Fiber
2.16Net carbs
30.41Sugar
23.85Protein
1.48Sodium
12.63Cholesterol
0.00
