Red Sangria Recipe

This Red Sangria Recipe is a classic party punch that you really must know how to make. Everyone I know loves a good sangria and this recipe is always the first one to disappear at parties! Why You’ll Love Red Sangria This sangria recipe is perfect for everyone, even if you don’t like red wine…

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This Red Sangria Recipe is a classic party punch that you really must know how to make. Everyone I know loves a good sangria and this recipe is always the first one to disappear at parties!

dark red wine in a short clear glass with fruit chopped up inside.

Why You’ll Love Red Sangria

This sangria recipe is perfect for everyone, even if you don’t like red wine – this recipe could change your mind. I got this recipe from a friend and have been making it for many years – everyone loves it! It really is the best sangria recipe – perfectly sweet and tart – it’s wine punch for a crowd. Here’s why we love it:

  • There is so much fresh fruit in this recipe plusyou can make this with different fruit based on what’s in season.
  • Instead of adding sugar, I use simple syrup so it dissolves instantly.
  • I cook the fruit with the sugar and water to make a fruity simple syrup which adds tons of flavor!
dark red wine in a short clear glass with fruit chopped up inside.

How to make Red Sangria

  • Wine: For this recipe use your favorite red wine! Some ideas are Zinfandel, Merlot, Pinot Noir, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Since Sangria originated in Spain, you could use one of the amazing Spanish red wines, but basically just use your favorite.
  • Alcohol: The best addition for sangria is either rum or brandy.
  • Fruit: The best fruits to use are the ones in season; they bring the best flavor! Mixed berries, peaches, plums, pears, apples, strawberries, or any citruses.

Click to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!

Variations

  • In addition to the brandy or rum, you can add 1/4 cup of orange liqueur (also called triple sec or cointreau).
  • You can also use Grand Marnier in place of the brandy or rum.
  • When cooking your fruit, add a cinnamon stick or some whole nutmeg and cloves for extra flavor, especially if you’re making this in the fall or winter.
  • Instead of water to make the simple syrup, you can use orange juice.
  • In summer, we love using stone fruits, blackberries, strawberries and other berries.
dark red wine in a short clear glass with fruit chopped up inside.

Expert Tips

  • Be sure to use a good red wine you’ll like drinking. I don’t recommend the most expensive bottle, but grab one in the mid-range.
  • I recommend making this recipe ahead of time to let the sangria age. Stir it all together and it at least 8 hours to soak, but you can make it up to 24 hours ahead of time.
  • You can make white sangria the same way as this – just swap out the liquor. Use white wine and fresh fruit like peaches, berries, pineapple, or mango and instead of dark alcohol, use something light, like white rum, vodka, or tequila.
dark red wine in a short clear glass with fruit chopped up inside.
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Red Sangria Recipe

This easy Red Sangria Recipe is a party favorite. Red wine, brandy, and fruit are mixed with a fruity simple syrup that gives the punch so much flavor.
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 132kcal
Cost $14

Ingredients

  • 1 cup (200g) granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (237ml) water
  • 5 cups mixed fruit , see note
  • 1 750ml bottle red wine , merlot, zinfandel or pinot noir, see note
  • ¼ cup (60ml) brandy (or rum or Grand Marnier)

Instructions

  • Add sugar and water and 1 cup of fruit to a saucepan. Heat over medium low heat until it boils and the sugar is dissolved, just a few minutes. Strain fruit from sugar syrup, save fruit. Remove from heat and cool completely.
  • Mix wine, brandy, saved cooked fruit and remaining fruit in a large pitcher. Add ¼ cup of the cooled simple syrup. Chill for at least 8 hours.
  • Before serving, taste and add more simple syrup as desired to taste.
  • If you want to bulk up the recipe to serve more people, add up to 4 cups of club soda to the pitcher.

Notes

Use any combination of the following fruits:
  • Apples
  • Stone fruits (peaches, plums, etc)
  • Mixed Berries
  • Citrus (oranges, lemon, or limes)
Use any red wine you enjoy drinking, but I recommend merlot, zinfandel or pinot noir.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 132kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 6mg | Potassium: 88mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 298IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg

Other Sangria Recipes

Last Updated on May 20, 2024

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Easy Pitcher Mojito Recipe

My Mojitos Recipe is so easy and are perfect for a crowd! This is a pitcher mojito recipe with fresh mint leaves and lots of rum and lime – they’re absolutely delicious and you’re going to love it! A classic mojito recipe is a highball recipe of Cuban origin. It’s a minty refreshing cocktail that…

The post Easy Pitcher Mojito Recipe appeared first on Crazy for Crust.

My Mojitos Recipe is so easy and are perfect for a crowd! This is a pitcher mojito recipe with fresh mint leaves and lots of rum and lime – they’re absolutely delicious and you’re going to love it!

mojito in a tall clear glass with sliced limes in and around the glass with mint.

A classic mojito recipe is a highball recipe of Cuban origin. It’s a minty refreshing cocktail that is absolutely delicious and totally is the perfect party punch. A classic mojito is made for one, but making a pitcher serves more people and leaves you with no leftover limes and mint. The mint and lime combine to make this sweet and sour drink recipe – the BEST mojito recipe!

Mojito Variations

  • Mojitos with Vodka: Simply substitute the rum with vodka
  • Mojitos with Tequila: Substitute the rum with clear tequila
  • Pineapple Mojitos: Add pineapple juice to the mixture and use less simple syrup.
  • Strawberry Mojito: Add sliced strawberries to the mint when muddling.
  • Virgin Mojito: Simply omit the rum and use more club soda!
  • Mango Mojito: Use flavored mango rum
  • Garnish: You can also garnish with raspberries or blueberry for color

Mojito Ingredients

  • Limes: Lime juice is the backbone of the drink. You need 6 large limes for this recipe but since lime size varies by region, buy extra, just in case. You’ll need FRESH limes for this – not bottled juice!
  • Mint: Mojitos are a combination of mint and lime so you need some fresh mint.
  • Sugar: Granulated sugar is used to muddle the mint – you don’t need much, just a teaspoon.
  • Simple Syrup: This is for sweetness and I actually add just a bit, then allow drinkers to add more to taste.
  • Rum: The alcohol in a mojito is white rum. Buy your favorite brand (and see below for variations).
  • Club Soda: This is filler and perfect for party punch recipes.

Click to see the recipe card below for full ingredients & instructions!

How to make a Mint Mojito Recipe

  • Slice two of the limes and set the wedges aside for garnish. Juice the other 4 limes, you should get about ¾ cup juice, set aside.
  • Place the mint leaves and granulated sugar in a glass and use a cocktail muddler muddle them well until they are bruised and fragrant, this may take a few minutes. Place the muddled mint into the bottom of your pitcher.
  • Add the simple syrup, lime juice, and rum to the pitcher. Stir to combine.
  • Add the club soda and gently stir.
  • Garnish highball glasses with lime wedge or lime slice and a fresh mint sprig. Add ice to the glasses and pour the mojitos over the ice and serve.
mojito in a tall clear pitcher with sliced limes in and around the glass with mint.

Expert Tips

  • Buy extra limes in case you need more to get 3/4 cup lime juice.
  • You can add the entire cup of simple syrup when making these if you want. I prefer to add 1/2 cup and then taste for sweetness. If I’m having a party I’ll also serve extra simple syrup on the side for people to add to their cocktail.
  • Make your own simple syrup by adding equal parts water and sugar to a small sauce pan. Heat over medium heat until the sugar is dissolved then place in a jar to cool. Store in refrigerator to use for up to 3 weeks.
  • Make them ahead of time by doing all the steps up until the club soda. Don’t add the soda yet – stir the lime, mint, rum, and simple syrup in the pitcher. Cover and place in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Add the soda just before serving.

FAQs

How to store this recipe?

It’s best to store the pitcher without the soda or it will go flat. I love making it and having the pitcher in the fridge, then making myself a cocktail whenever I feel like it. Simply pour a glass, top it with soda and enjoy!

mojito in a tall clear glass with sliced limes in and around the glass with mint.
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Pitcher Mojitos Recipe

This is the perfect drink for a crowd! You can even make them ahead by doing all the steps up the adding the club soda and place the pitcher in the fridge, then just before serving, add the club soda. The perfect party punch!
Course Drinks
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 drinks
Calories 370kcal
Cost $10

Ingredients

  • 6 large limes (¾ cup (178ml) lime juice), divided
  • 30 mint leaves plus more for garnish
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 cup (237ml) simple syrup (see note)
  • ¾ cup (178ml) white rum
  • 3 cups (711ml) club soda
  • Ice

Instructions

  • Slice two of the limes and set them aside for garnish. Juice the other 4 limes, you should get about ¾ cup juice, set aside.
  • Place the mint leaves and granulated sugar in a glass and muddle them well until they are bruised and fragrant, this may take a few minutes. Place the muddled mint into the bottom of your pitcher.
  • Add the simple syrup, lime juice, and rum to the pitcher. Stir to combine.
  • Add the club soda and gently stir.
  • Garnish glasses with lime slices and fresh mint. Add ice to the glasses and pour the mojitos over the ice and serve.

Notes

  • Simple Syrup: I like to add 1/2 cup of simple syrup to the mixture to start, then taste and add more, or I’ll leave additional syrup on the side for guests to sweeten as they like.
  • Make Ahead: You can even make them ahead by doing all the steps up the adding the club soda and place the pitcher in the fridge, then just before serving, add the club soda and stir. You don’t want the club soda to sit in the pitcher in the fridge because it may become flat.
  • Double the Recipe: You can double all the ingredients except you may not need 2 full cups of simple syrup. Start with 1 cup and add more as desired.

Nutrition

Serving: 1drink | Calories: 370kcal | Carbohydrates: 74g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 91mg | Potassium: 203mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 64g | Vitamin A: 369IU | Vitamin C: 32mg | Calcium: 71mg | Iron: 4mg

Other Drink Recipes

Last Updated on May 17, 2024

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Red, White and Blue Jello Shots

Red, White and Blue Jello Shots
Red, White and Blue Jello Shots are always a hit for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day holidays! Full of festive colors and fruity flavors, with a creamy white mixture in the middle, this boozy jello is the…

a couple glasses of Red White Blue Jello Shots.

Red, White and Blue Jello Shots

Red, White and Blue Jello Shots are always a hit for the Fourth of July, Memorial Day, and Labor Day holidays! Full of festive colors and fruity flavors, with a creamy white mixture in the middle, this boozy jello is the perfect way to showcase your patriotic pride. 4th of July Jello Shots Recipe Our…

READ: Red, White and Blue Jello Shots

Cucumber Prosecco Spritzer.

This cucumber prosecco spritzer is the cocktail of the summer! Refreshing cucumber syrup, chilled prosecco and extra bubbles over ice with lots of lime. Delicious and cooling! Okay, it’s official!! Cue all the exclamation points. I have our 2024 summer cocktail. And it is THIS! This cucumber prosecco spritzer is made with cucumber syrup, a […]

The post Cucumber Prosecco Spritzer. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

This cucumber prosecco spritzer is the cocktail of the summer! Refreshing cucumber syrup, chilled prosecco and extra bubbles over ice with lots of lime. Delicious and cooling!

Okay, it’s official!!

cucumber spritzer

Cue all the exclamation points. I have our 2024 summer cocktail. And it is THIS!

This cucumber prosecco spritzer is made with cucumber syrup, a splash of seltzer and a light prosecco for the ultimate refreshing warm weather drink. 

cucumber spritzer

Oh my heavens. 

I.L.O.V.E.T.H.I.S. 

There are no words.

Except that this is such a fresh, light drink that just tastes like summer. It tastes like hot sunny days and pool splashing and party snacks and marshmallow clouds. 

cucumber spritzer

And the color!

The freaking color is beautiful. The pictures do not do the drink justice. It’s a lovely shade of light green that again, just appears to taste refreshing. Even before you take a sip! 

To make the cucumber syrup, I blend a few mini cucumbers until pureed and then mix them with sugar and water. It’s like a traditional simple syrup, but cucumber flavored! 

Once all that sugar is dissolved, I strain the cucumber syrup a few times to remove any bits that remain. 

cucumber spritzer

This stays great in the fridge for close to a week! Later this month, I’ll share one more drink you can make with this syrup so it never goes to waste!

The rest is simple. Mix the cucumber syrup with some lime juice, prosecco and club soda. 

Stir it up and boom, it’s ready. 

cucumber spritzer

It’s no secret that I like to make cucumber cocktails.

I like to garnish this drink with a cucumber spear or wedges. You can also use limes.

Grab one of these and sit out in the sun this weekend! (more…)

The post Cucumber Prosecco Spritzer. appeared first on How Sweet Eats.

10 Simple Gin Cocktails

Craving a fun gin drink but short on time? Here’s how to craft simple gin cocktails with just a few…

Craving a fun gin drink but short on time? Here’s how to craft simple gin cocktails with just a few ingredients and minimal effort.

Gin and Lemonade

Sometimes you’ve got time to mix up some fun cocktails, but other times you want something that’s quick and easy. If you’ve got a bottle of gin on hand, here are our top simple gin cocktails that are easy to throw together.

What’s a simple gin cocktail?

How do we define simple here? We’ve got a whole list of our best gin cocktails that includes all the classics. This collection is a sub-set of gin cocktails that take 5 minutes and are made with only a few ingredients and no fancy techniques. Many of them you can build right in the glass, so you don’t even need to dirty a cocktail shaker!

There’s everything from two-ingredient gin cocktails to simple bubbly highballs. Here’s what to mix with gin (tonic water and beyond!) to make an easy, breezy drink to enjoy. Alex and I have made these recipes multiple times, and we love every one of them! Some top favorites are the Gin Rickey, Gin Gin Mule, and Salty Dog.

The recipes: our top 10 simple gin cocktails

Best types of gin

The general rule around gin cocktails: the better the gin, the better the drink. Don’t buy the cheapest gin you can find. Try to invest in a mid-price range gin: the drink will only taste as good as the gin you invest in! Here are a few notes:

  • MalfyAviationBeefeater London Dry have a developed, botanical flavor that blends well in cocktails.
  • Locally distilled gin is a great option! In Indianapolis, we like 8th Day Distillery, Hotel Tango, and Big Heart Gin.
  • Steer clear of strong flavored sipping gins in cocktails. For us this includes brands like Tanqueray gin (very floral) and Opihr gin (spice-forward). These types of gin can overpower the subtlety in many mixed drinks.

More gin cocktails

Looking for more gin cocktail ideas? We’ve got recipes for every season! Here are a few of our top ideas:

03

Top 10 Winter Gin Cocktails

Here are all the top winter gin cocktails for when the weather is chilly! Winter citrus, honey, and warm liqueurs…

Frequently asked questions

What kind of gin should I use for these cocktails?

Malfy, Aviation, and Beefeater London Dry is a versatile choice for most simple cocktails. However, you can explore other styles like juniper-forward gins or citrusy gins depending on your taste preference.

Do I need fancy ingredients for these cocktails?

Not at all! Most recipes use readily available ingredients like citrus juice, tonic water, and simple syrup.

Can I make these cocktails without a shaker?

Absolutely! Many of the recipes, like the Gin and Tonic, Gin Rickey, and Gin and Lemonade can be built directly in the glass. For drinks requiring mixing, a mason jar or even a tightly sealed mug can work in a pinch.

How can I add a personal touch to these simple cocktails?

Experiment with different garnishes! Fresh herbs like mint, rosemary, or thyme can add a touch of elegance. You can also use slices of cucumber, orange, or lemon for a pop of color and flavor.

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Gin and lemonade

10 Simple Gin Cocktails


  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 2 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 2 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink

Description

Gin and lemonade are the best combination! Make this quick and easy 2 ingredient cocktail that’s perfectly sweet tart.


Ingredients

  • 6 ounces (¾ cup) homemade lemonade or purchased lemonade*
  • 2 ounces (¼ cup) gin
  • Ice, for serving (try clear ice)
  • Fresh mint and lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions

  1. By the glass: In a glass, pour in the lemonade and gin. Add ice and garnish with fresh mint and lemon slices.
  2. By the pitcher: Mix 6 cups lemonade with 2 cups gin. Add ice and serve.
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Stirred
  • Cuisine: Cocktails
  • Diet: Vegan

Hugo Spritz

Cool down with a refreshing Hugo Spritz! This bubbly cocktail mixes elderflower liqueur, sparkling wine, and fresh mint for a…

Cool down with a refreshing Hugo Spritz! This bubbly cocktail mixes elderflower liqueur, sparkling wine, and fresh mint for a light and flavorful summer drink that’s easy to make at home.

Hugo Spritz cocktail with St-Germain bottle.

This cocktail might be the literal definition of refreshing. If you love bubbly spritzes, run don’t walk to try the Hugo Spritz cocktail! This Italian cocktail is a spin-off on the Aperol spritz and even better, in our opinion.

Why we love this recipe: A Hugo Spritz is made with delicate floral elderflower liqueur and bubbly Prosecco, which compliment each other perfectly. The bubbly combination transports you right to Northern Italy, where this cocktail was born and is popular to this day! It’s nuanced and lightly sweet, compared to the bold sweetness of an Aperol spritz.

What’s a Hugo Spritz?

The Hugo cocktail is a spritz cocktail made with Prosecco, elderflower syrup, and soda water. The drink was invented in 2005 by Roland Gruber in Northern Italy (the South Tyrol region just south of Austria). He created the drink as an alternative to the classic Aperol spritz, and it quickly spread across the country and into Europe.

Hugo Spritz ingredients

The Hugo Spritz cocktail is light and floral, accented with the delicate bubbles of Prosecco. Where the Aperol spritz is sweet and citrusy, this spin is sophisticated and even more refreshing. The original Hugo Spritz used elderflower syrup. Here in the US it’s easier to find a bottle of St Germain elderflower liqueur, so it’s a natural substitute. Here’s are the ingredients you need:

  • St-Germain liqueur: St-Germain is a liqueur made with elderflower, known for its floral flavor.
  • Prosecco: This Italian sparkling white wine is from the Veneto region, with a delicate flavor and light bubbles. You can use any type of champagne if desired.
  • Soda water: Use club soda or unflavored sparkling water (we use our SodaStream to make it at home). Avoid tonic water here, since it is flavored with quinine and lightly sweetened.
  • Fresh mint: Fresh mint as a garnish is what makes it a Hugo Spritz.

🍾 Tip: A 750 ml bottle of Prosecco is 25 ounces, enough for 8 drinks. If you’re making 2 drinks, a mini bottle is perfect—it holds 187 mL or about 6 ounces!

How to make a Hugo Spritz cocktail

The Hugo cocktail is so easy to make: you don’t even have to dirty a cocktail shaker! The spritz family of drinks is fantastic because you simply pour the ingredients into a glass.

The Hugo spritz is easy to make, and you can build the drink it right in the glass. This makes it a great choice for entertaining, especially as a summer cocktail. Here are the basic steps (or jump to the full recipe):

Step 1: Add St-Germain to a glass filled with ice and stir. Top with sparkling wine.

Step 2: Add soda water and garnish with mint.

Step 2: Add soda water. Garnish with fresh mint and serve.

More about St-Germain

The key to this Hugo spritz cocktail is the elderflower liqueur, which infuses a delicate floral flavor throughout the drink. St-Germain is one of our favorite unique liquors to stock. Here’s a bit more about it:

  • St-Germain is a liqueur that’s made with elderflowers, the small white flowers of an elderberry plant. The flavor is light, sweetly floral, and fragrant.
  • How do you say St Germain? The name is French, so say “Sahn-jer-MAHN” with your best French accent.
  • Fun fact: it’s relatively new to the scene. Get this: St Germain was invented in 2007! The vintage-looking bottle makes it seem like it has hundreds of years of history, but it’s a newcomer. (Here’s the story behind it.)
  • What cocktails can you make with St-Germain? Try the French Gimlet and all our top St Germain Cocktails.
Hugo Spritz cocktail with mint garnish.

Prosecco & more sparkling wines

Traditionally a Hugo spritz cocktail uses Prosecco, the Italian version of champagne. But you can use any type of sparkling wine you like! Make sure it is “Brut,” which means that it is dry. Here’s a breakdown of the major types of sparkling wine including Prosecco vs Champagne:

  • Prosecco: Italian sparkling wine. It’s a slightly sweeter than champagne and has lighter bubbles. It’s fruity and flowery, with notes of apple, pear and lemon.
  • Champagne: French sparkling wine. It tastes bubbly and fruity, with undertones of almond and orange. It’s typically the most expensive sparkling wine.
  • Cava: Spanish sparkling wine. It has more citrus notes, and is a little more savory and less fruity.

More spritz recipes

There are lots of members of the spritz family! The Aperol spritz is the most popular, but try these other types of spritz recipes to enjoy bubbly drinks all season long:

Frequently asked questions

What’s the difference between a Hugo Spritz and an Aperol Spritz?

Both are refreshing spritzes, but Aperol Spritz uses a bitter orange liqueur, while Hugo Spritz features the floral and delicate elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain).

I don’t have elderflower liqueur. What can I use instead?

St-Germain is the classic choice, but you can substitute with another elderflower liqueur or elderflower syrup. Elderflower is key the flavor here.

How can I customize my Hugo Spritz?

Get creative! Try adding muddled berries, a squeeze of citrus, or a sprig of rosemary for a unique twist.

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Hugo cocktail

Hugo Cocktail


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  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink

Description

Cool down with a refreshing Hugo Spritz! This bubbly cocktail mixes elderflower liqueur, sparkling wine, and fresh mint for a light and flavorful summer drink that’s easy to make at home.


Ingredients

  • 1 ounces (2 tablespoons) St Germain liqueur (chilled if possible)
  • 3 ounces (6 tablespoons) Prosecco or other sparkling wine, chilled
  • 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) soda water
  • Ice, for serving (try clear ice!)
  • For the garnish: fresh mint

Instructions

  1. Add the St Germain to a glass filled with ice and stir.
  2. Top with the sparkling wine and soda water. Add mint and serve. 
  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Stirred
  • Cuisine: European
  • Diet: Vegan