There’s something about sangria that just feels right. It’s unfussy, a little nostalgic, and perfect for those moments when you want something special without putting in a ton of effort. This simple citrus sangria is exactly that, easy, refreshing, and made with just a handful of ingredients you can find anywhere.
Fresh oranges and lemons bring brightness, fruity red wine keeps it cozy, and a splash of triple sec ties everything together. No complicated steps, no fancy tools, just a classic sangria you’ll come back to again and again.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients You'll Need
- Best Wine for Sangria
- How to Make Simple Citrus Sangria
- How to Make Superfine Sugar at Home
- Serving Tips
- Make It Your Own
- Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
- Let's Connect
- Suggested Recipes
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Notes
- Did you make this recipe?
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Made with fresh, real citrus
- Not overly sweet and perfectly balanced
- Easy to make ahead for gatherings
- Great for casual entertaining or a quiet night in
Ingredients You'll Need
- Fruity red wine (Merlot is my go-to)
- Fresh oranges, some juiced, some sliced
- Fresh lemons, sliced
- Triple sec
- Superfine sugar
- Optional: sparkling water or club soda for serving
Merlot works beautifully here because it’s smooth and fruit-forward without being too heavy. You want a wine you’d happily sip on its own, nothing too dry or too tannic.
Best Wine for Sangria
A fruity red wine is key for good sangria. Merlot is an easy, reliable choice, but you can also use:
- Garnacha (Grenache)
- Zinfandel
- A fruity red blend
Avoid anything too oaky or overly dry, those tend to overpower the citrus.
How to Make Simple Citrus Sangria
- Add the sliced oranges and lemons to a large pitcher.
- Sprinkle the superfine sugar over the fruit.
- Pour in the orange juice.
- Pour in the triple sec.
- Add the red wine.
- Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved.
- Chill for at least 2 hours before serving.
The longer it sits, the more the citrus flavors infuse into the wine—so if you have the time, letting it chill a bit longer is always a good idea.
How to Make Superfine Sugar at Home
Superfine sugar dissolves more easily than regular granulated sugar, which makes it ideal for drinks like sangria.
To make it at home:
- Add granulated sugar to a blender or food processor.
- Pulse for a few seconds until the sugar is finer—but not powdered.
- Measure after processing and use as directed.
That’s it. Easy and totally worth the extra step.
Serving Tips
- Serve chilled or over ice
- Top with sparkling water or club soda for a lighter sip
- Garnish with extra orange or lemon slices
This sangria is refreshing as-is, but a little fizz makes it extra fun.
Make It Your Own
- Add berries or sliced apples for extra fruit
- Swap some of the triple sec for brandy
- Adjust the sweetness to your taste
- Use blood oranges when they’re in season for a fun twist
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Sangria can be made up to 24 hours in advance
- Store covered in the refrigerator
- If using sparkling water, add it just before serving
After about two days, the citrus can start to break down, so this is best enjoyed fresh.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it may take longer to dissolve. Stir well, or consider making superfine sugar for the smoothest result.
Absolutely. Simple syrup is a great option if you prefer not to use sugar directly. Start with a small amount (about ¼ cup), stir, taste, and adjust as needed.
At least 2 hours, but 4–8 hours is even better for flavor.
Yes! Just wait to add any sparkling water until right before serving.
Any fruity red wine will work, Garnacha, Zinfandel, or a red blend are great alternatives.
It should be balanced, not overly sweet. The citrus and wine should still shine.
Yes, swap the wine for red grape juice and a splash of orange juice, then add sparkling water for fizz.
Final Thoughts
This simple citrus sangria is one of those recipes you’ll keep in your back pocket. It’s easy, adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser.
If you make it, I’d love to hear how you customized yours. Cheers!
Let's Connect
Want more behind-the-scenes peeks, recipe drops, and food photography inspo? Come hang out with me on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook and more. I’d love to connect with you there!
Suggested Recipes
Adapted from Cook's Illustrated
Simple Sangria
This easy citrus sangria combines fresh oranges and lemons with smooth Merlot, triple sec, and just enough sweetness for a perfectly balanced sip. A classic, no-fuss cocktail that’s perfect for gatherings or make-ahead entertaining.
Ingredients
SPECIAL TOOLS
- Pitcher
- Food processor (optional)
SANGRIA
- 4 large oranges, 2 sliced, 2 juiced (should have 1 cup juice)
- 2 large lemons sliced
- ½ cup superfine sugar
- 2 750-ml. bottle fruity wine such as Merlot
- ½ cup triple sec
- 12-16 ice cubes
Instructions
- Combine sliced oranges, lemons and sugar in a large pitcher. Mash fruit with a muddler or wooden spoon until fruit releases some of its juices and sugar has dissolved, about 1 minute.
- Stir in orange juice, wine and triple sec and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours.
- When ready to serve, add ice cubes and stir to distribute the fruit and pulp.
Notes
The longer sangria sits the more smooth and mellow it gets. It's best to let this chill in the fridge overnight but if you can't, 2 hours is the absolute minimum for this recipe.
If you can't find superfine sugar, you can process an equal amount of granulated sugar in a food processor for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 304Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 3mgCarbohydrates: 35gFiber: 3gSugar: 25gProtein: 1g
*Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary.*
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