There's something about sangria.... It's sweet, it's mature, and it will get you stone cold drunk faster than you can imagine if you aren't careful (be cool, sip it slow). This particular one is a classic red, with mounds of fresh produce, and a secret little hidden gem - vanilla brandied cherries... oh, and a little extra of that infused brandy as well. So, whether you are sitting poolside at a summer BBQ or spreading some warmth this winter, this sangria recipe is your go-to cocktail recipe for entertaining large crowds.
Just make sure someone else has the car keys.
Ingredients
- 1 lbs cherries - washed and pitted
- ½ cup sugar
- ½ cup water
- 1 vanilla pod
- pinch of salt
- 1 cup brandy
- 1 to 2 cups sparkling water
- 1 large bottle red wine
- ¼ cup triple sec
- ¼ - ½ cup sugar
- sliced fruits - use what is in season. Always grab an apple and a few other fruits to mix in. For this particular batch, I had everything - limes, brandied cherries, an orange, and nectarines
Instructions
- First, make the brandied cherries (a few days ahead). Dissolve the sugar in the water in a small pot over medium-low heat. Stir in the vanilla pod and pinch of salt. Add the brandy and pour over the cherries in an airtight resealable container. Allow to sit in fridge over night or up to two weeks.
- When ready to make the sangria, combine the wine, sparkling water, 1 cup of the drained brandy and triple sec in a large pitcher. At this point, you may choose to stir in some more sugar, but do so in small batches.
- Add in the sliced fruits and some of those awesome brandied cherries. Serve with ice if needed.
Nutritional informations provided as a courtesy and is only an approximatation. Values will changes based on ingredients used.
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movita beaucoup says
Sangria was the first drink I had (legally) in University. I remember going to a steak house for dinner, ordering sangria, and feeling so grown up and sophisticated. Then, we went to see Dances With Wolves. Not important, but still.
Mimi says
Sounds fabulous! I've made one with cherries as well. Sangria is so much fun! Your photos are pretty incredible!
Debra says
Glad to be featured with you via Taking on Magazines. I have never met a sangria recipe I didn't like which keeps me trying more and more. I thought I had found the ultimate with a Tuscan Sangria I posted this summer. Hmm....too bad the stores are closed today or we would be trying this one this evening!
Erin @ The Spiffy Cookie says
Brandied cherries? Brilliant. I too love to liquor up my sangria. The fruit at the bottom of the cup is dangerous.
Sylvia says
What type of red wine do you recommend and when you say a large bottle of wine, what size are you referring to?
Kita says
Hi Sylvia, I usually hunt out the biggest bottle I can while at the liquor store, mainly because I am just going to end up buying two bottles at 750ML. If your liquor store has 1.5L bottles, I would go with that. If not, two 750mL will do great. As far as what kind, really this one depends on what wine you like. I tend to not spend too much on sangria wine and go for something sweet, because a lot of other ingredients are going into the pitcher and the subtle unique wine flavors will be lost or diffused. A few companies even make 'sangria' as an option now.
Michelle says
Your pictures are beautiful! And I had no idea there's brandy and extra sugar in sangria! Bring it on. The first time I had sangria was at a sketchy hostel in Madrid... this feels much more sophisticated 😉