Red Wine Sangria

Red Wine Sangria

Classic

Makes 8 servings

A make-ahead pitcher of red wine, brandy, and citrus—better the longer it sits.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750 ml) of red wine
• ¼ cup brandy
• ¼ cup orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau)
• ½ cup orange juice
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 apple, chopped
• ½ cup strawberries, hulled and halved (optional)
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup club soda or sparkling water
• Cinnamon stick (optional)

Method

1. Pour the wine, booze, and chopped fruit into a pitcher (or two) and give everything a good stir. Tuck it in the fridge and don't touch it for at least four hours—but hopefully longer (as long as overnight, even).
2. Don't even bother tasting it before you do this: you need to let the flavors of the fruit seep into the wine and for everything to get nice and cold before you'll know what your sangria will actually taste like.
3. Once this time has passed, go ahead and have a taste: if it's not quite sweet enough, add some fresh fruit juice or stir in some sugar or simple syrup.
4. Red wine: A 750ml bottle of a fruity, medium-bodied red wine like Spanish Rioja, Tempranillo, or Merlot is recommended. You can use an inexpensive bottle, as the other ingredients will add a lot of flavor.
5. Brandy or orange liqueur: A quarter cup or so of brandy, or an orange liqueur like triple sec or Cointreau, adds depth.
6. Juice: Orange juice and/or lemon juice can be used to balance the flavors.
7. Sparkling water: To top it off, add chilled club soda or sparkling water right before serving for a bubbly effect.