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Diane Brown, aphrodisiac foods authority and author of The Seduction Cookbook offers up this Citrus Sangria recipe made with three different citrus fruits. She finds citrus to be a great fruit for red sangria.

With red wine as a base, this cocktail is meant to be a spring and summer sangria recipe. It’s one for enjoying on a picnic for two on a lazy afternoon or perhaps the batch drink you serve to friends on your sun-lit patio in the early evening.

How do you make sangria?

The origins of sangria can be found in the mulled wines of ancient Greece and Rome. But modern sangria is a much more sophisticated drink than spiced wines of ancient cultures.

Traditional sangria recipe ingredients

What we know as sangria today is a Spanish drink, made with a red wine like a Tempranillo and citrus fruits. Which means Diane’s is a fairly traditional sangria recipe. (If you’re wondering what’s in sangria, very sangria is different but a basic sangria recipe generally includes not only red wine and fruit but fruit juice or soda water and/or brandy.)

Did you know that citrus fruits are among the best foods for women? Come find out why.

Americans did not start drinking sangria with any regularity until after the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City. The drink was a hit of Spain’s pavilion at this international showcase and the rest is cocktail history!

A traditional sangria recipe

Although Spanish sangria was originally a red wine drink, the tradition now encompasses white wine sangria and even rosé and sparkling wine sangrias.

For this easy sangria recipe, Diane used California’s Valencia oranges to make this tart, tangy and refreshing treat. We love the layers of aphrodisiacs in this drink, including cinnamon; citrus; brandy and, of course, the red wine. (To learn more about aphrodisiac ingredients, visit our dictionary of aphrodisiac foods.)

What wine should you use in sangria?

If you’re wondering what’s the best red wine for sangria, Diane suggests going with an inexpensive Spanish red like a low-tannin Garnacha like this one or a lush Tempranillo. In general the best wine for sangria is a young, dry red wine that isn’t too expensive but is high enough quality that you would drink it on it’s own.

red wine sangria in a wine glass with a black straw

Triple Citrus Sangria

Print Recipe

This citrus fruit sangria makes a pitcher of spring or summer cocktails for a party or a dinner for four. Double the recipe in two pitchers for a party.

Course aperitif, Cocktalis

Cuisine Spanish

Dish Type Cocktail

Ingredient orange, red wine

Prep Time 10

Servings servings

Author Diane Brown

Ingredients

4-5 large Valencia navel oranges cut into 2-inch chunks, skin left on
2 lemons cut into 2-inch chunks, skin left on
1 lime cut into 2-inch chunks, skin left on
1/4 cup sugar
1 750 bottle of good quality red wine I like to use a rioja or nebiola
1 cup of good quality brandy
2 teaspoons of cinnamon
1 cinnamon stick

Instructions

In a large pitcher, crush the citrus fruit with the sugar, using a muddler or wooden spoon. Add the wine, brandy, cinnamon and cinnamon stick, and mix well. Chill for 30 minutes and serve over a few ice cubes.

For more of Diane’s great recipes, check out The Seduction Cookbook.

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Diane Brown

Diane Brown is the author of The Seduction Cookbook: Culinary Creations For Lovers, (Innova Publishing 2005). She is a personal chef as well as a freelance food writer. Her work has appeared in publications including Bon Appetit, Gourmet, Sunset, Veggie Life, Chile Pepper and Wine Enthusiast. She has taught aphrodisiac cooking both in person and on tv and radio, including appearances on The Other Half, Fox News “Ask the Expert” and Leeza at Night. A champion of CSA's, Diane writes the blog Family Farm Box, where she showcases the use of local, fresh produce.

Red Wine Citrus Sangria Recipe