This sangria with vodka comes from an old neighbor of mine who grew up south of the border, and I can honestly say it’s one of the best red-wine sangria recipes I know.
If you enjoy a cold glass of “fiesta in a glass” but hesitate to order it at a restaurant because it’s often disappointing, this recipe fixes that. It’s fast to make at home and consistently refreshing.
Table of Contents
- 🍹The perfect summer drink
- 🍑 What’s in it?
- Recipe Questions
- My Biggest Tip for Making Sangria
- Seasonal Sangria
- Vodka Sangria Recipe
- More Tasty Drinks
🍹The perfect summer drink
This simple sangria recipe is one of those summer staples I count on as soon as warm weather arrives. It’s bright, fruity, and easy to put together—perfect for long, hot July afternoons.
Called Homemade Sangria, Platter Talk style, it’s the kind of drink that tastes like a celebration in every glass.
I vividly remember my first taste at a dinner party hosted by my friend Edith, who grew up in Chihuahua and always brought incredible flavors to the table. Her red sangria felt like discovering a small miracle right in Sheboygan Falls, Wisconsin—it was that good.
A few years later, on a blistering summer day, I called Edith from the car to ask for the recipe. She answered right away and generously shared it—now I make it at home whenever summer calls.
🍑 What’s in it?
- Red wine
- Orange juice
- White soda (Sprite, 7-Up, etc.)
- Vodka and/or brandy
- Simple syrup
- Oranges
- Fresh summer fruit (watermelon, peaches, apples, limes)
Add your favorite summer fruit for extra brightness and texture.
Pro kitchen tip: Leave orange peels on the slices for a subtle, pleasant contrast of flavors.
Edith’s version inspired my own. I love how a few simple ingredients turn into a pitcher that tastes like summer—vibrant, fruity, and easy to share.
Recipe Questions
Serve with a light tapas board—olives, Manchego, roasted nuts, or smoked salmon. The savory bites balance the fruity sweetness of the sangria.
You don’t need an expensive bottle; look for a decent red in the $10 range. Avoid the very cheapest wines, but no need to splurge—this recipe shines with a mid-range red.
Yes—brighten bottled sangria with a splash of orange juice, a bit of fizzy soda, a quarter cup of vodka or a splash of brandy, and some fresh fruit. A cup of red wine can also refresh the flavor.
My Biggest Tip for Making Sangria
Serve it cold and ladle into ice-filled glasses. Don’t put ice in the pitcher—that will dilute the mix. Add ice only to individual glasses when serving to keep the sangria flavorful.
Below is the straightforward recipe I use most often. It’s close to Edith’s original and always brings summer to the table.
This sangria pairs well with light summer meals and grilled dishes and is great to bring to a casual gathering.
Vodka Sangria
Equipment
-
Pitcher
-
Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 1 bottle inexpensive red wine
- 1 cup orange juice
- 1 cup white soda (Sprite, 7-Up, etc.)
- 1/2 cup brandy or vodka (optional)
- 1 tablespoon simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 orange, sliced with peels left on
- 1 cup fresh fruit or melon, cubed (about 1/2-inch pieces)
Instructions
-
Pour the red wine, orange juice, white soda, optional brandy or vodka, and simple syrup into a large pitcher. Stir to combine.
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Add orange slices and the cubed fruit, then stir gently so the fruit mixes evenly.
-
When ready to serve, pour into glasses filled with ice. Do not add ice to the pitcher.
Notes
- Don’t put ice in the pitcher; it will water down the sangria. Add ice to individual glasses instead.
- Adjust simple syrup for your preferred sweetness—start small and add more if needed.
- Store any unused sangria in the refrigerator; it keeps well for a day or two.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline.
Additional Info
Updated from the original publication date of Jul 12, 2014
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