🍒 The Star-Spangled Sangria Recipe

✨ Ingredients:

• 1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine
  (Tempranillo, Garnacha, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon work best)

• 1/4 cup brandy
  (see below for favorites!)

• 1/4 cup orange liqueur
  (like Cointreau or Triple Sec)

• 1/4 cup fresh orange juice

• 2 tablespoons sugar, honey, or agave

• 1 orange, sliced

• 1 lemon, sliced

• 1 lime, sliced

• 1 apple, chopped

• 1 cup mixed berries
  (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries = bonus points for red + blue!)

• 1–2 cinnamon sticks (optional)

• 1–2 cups club soda or sparkling water, for serving

• Ice + mint, for that final ahhh

🥄 Instructions:

1. Layer your citrus
   In a large pitcher, add orange, lemon, and lime slices with sugar. Gently muddle with a wooden spoon to release the juices and oils.

2. Pour in the good stuff
   Add wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and orange juice. Stir to combine.

3. Add the fruit
   Toss in chopped apples, berries, and cinnamon stick if using. Stir again.

4. Chill for magic
   Refrigerate for at least 2–4 hours (overnight = dreamy). This is when the fruit infuses the wine and everything comes together.

5. Serve with sparkle
   Just before serving, stir in club soda or sparkling water. Pour over ice and garnish with fresh mint and berries.

🥃 Best Brandies for Sangria

You don’t need to splurge, but a smooth, fruit-friendly brandy makes a difference. Here are some favorites:

• Budget: E&J VS or Christian Brothers — mellow, classic, and wallet-friendly.

• Mid-range: Torres 10 (Spain) or Raynal VSOP — rich, balanced, and super sangria-friendly.

• Premium: Hennessy VS or Rémy Martin VSOP — for when you’re feeling fancy.

💡 Make It a Whole Vibe:

• Serve in mason jars with festive straws or star-shaped fruit skewers.

• Pair with grilled peaches, watermelon salad, or smoky BBQ sliders.

• Play your favorite summer playlist. Don’t skimp on the good tunes.

💬 Your Turn:

Got a twist on this recipe? Maybe a splash of rosé or your own signature fruit combo? I’d love to hear how you make it your own! Drop your remix in the comments below.

🎇 Until Next Time…

Here’s to warm nights, loud laughs, and ice-cold glasses clinking under a sky full of sparks. Happy Fourth, wild soul. Don’t forget — freedom also means flavor. 🍷🇺🇸✨