Sangría is a wine punch (more formally and precisely, an aromatized wine) which originated in Spain.

It typically consists of:

• a red wine,
• chopped or sliced fruit,
• a sweetener such as honey,
• a small amount of added brandy, triple sec or other spirits.

The ingredients in Sangría vary, particularly in the type of fruit used, the kind of spirits added if any, and the presence or lack of carbonation. White wine can be used instead of red, in which case the result is called sangría blanca. In some parts of southern Spain, sangría is called zurra and is made with peaches or nectarines.

Crucial to all successful sangrías is to allow time for the fruit flavors to blend with the rest of the ingredients. Thus preparation consists of cutting the fruit in thin slices or small cubes, then mixing in advance all ingredients except for ice and carbonated sodas. After several hours in a refrigerator, the ice and any last-minute ingredients are added and the drinks are poured.

Also crucial to a good sangría is a good wine as a base, since in most recipes for sangría the wine remains the dominant ingredient. Lower quality wines can be used to make sangría-like wine coolers.

In Spain, sangría is served throughout the country during summer, and around the year in the southern and eastern parts of the country.

Because of the numerous recipes for sangría (some include both red and white wines), the strength of the beverage can vary wildly, even from bar-to-bar. In Granada, it tends to be weakest at dance clubs, and noticeably stronger at shot bars (such as Dulcevida) and pubs.

Sangría is similar to Tinto de Verano. In parts of the costa del sol it is common for tourists to drink sangría, while locals drink Tinto de Verano.

Serving suggestions

In a bar, pub or restaurant, sangría is often served in 1-litre pitchers or other containers large enough to hold a bottle of wine plus the added ingredients. A lid or other strainer for the container helps prevent the fruit and ice cubes from being served. In informal social gatherings, sangría is served like punch, from a punchbowl.