Sangria is a vibrant and versatile cocktail, making it a memorable complement to any meal. Add fresh raspberries, orange slices and orange liqueur to red wine to make Blood Orange Sangria— it’s a ‘pitcher of perfection’!
I was glancing at the drink menu recently at our favorite restaurant, when the lyrics to Billy Joel’s song started running through my head. “A bottle of red, a bottle of white, it all depends upon your appetite.”
I had already decided on Chicken Piccata for my entrée, so I was looking for a drink that would be equally as citrusy and flavorful. Blood Orange Sangria fit the bill. A mix of red wine, fruit juice, fresh fruit and orange liqueur caught my eye…and I enjoyed every sip.
What to serve with Blood Orange Sangria?
- Honey Orange Chicken
- Tuscan Salmon with Pasta
- Beef Enchiladas
- Stuffed Peppers
- Spanish Rice with Smoked Sausage
- Easy Chicken Marsala
What is sangria?
Sangria gets its name from the Spanish word sangre, which means blood and refers to the dark red color of the drink. It is traditionally a mix of red wine, fresh fruit and sometimes spices are added.
Sangria can be made with a variety of red wines, and can be paired with cuisine that comes from the same region. It is most important to look for red wine that is affordable and tastes delicious by itself before adding additional elements.
How to pick the right wine to make sangria?
When selecting a red wine to make sangria, remember that other elements are going to be added to the mix, so there is no need to break the bank on the best bottle of red wine you can buy. Merlot is a great choice if you prefer a sweet sangria and using Cabernet Sauvignon will give you a sangria that is more dry than sweet.
Adding orange slices and fresh raspberries to the glass complements the notes of plum and cherry in the red wine. Grand Marnier, an orange liqueur, adds that punch of orange flavor that makes this wine cocktail bold and citrusy.
Complete this ‘pitcher of perfection’ by adding dried blood orange slices for garnish. No need to wait to find them fresh in season. You can find dried fruit slices in the grocery store or order them online. Add these flavorful slices to drinks, including cocktails and mocktails, for additional flavor.
Whether you’re serving Italian, Spanish or American fare, mix up a pitcher of Blood Orange Sangria. A delicious meal, a memorable cocktail and some amazing music make for a truly special evening.
Blood Orange Sangria Recipe
This recipe makes 6 servings or one large pitcher of sangria.
Key Ingredients:
- 1 bottle red wine, chilled
- ½ cup Grand Marnier
- 8 ounces pulp-free orange juice
- 8 ounces sweetened cranberry juice
- 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
- 1 sliced orange
- dried blood orange slices
- cubed ice
How to make Blood Orange Sangria
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Add red wine, Grand Marnier, orange juice and cranberry juice to a tall pitcher and stir to combine. Add fresh fruit and refrigerate until cold.
- Pour the sangria over ice in wine glasses and serve with a dried slice of blood orange to garnish. This recipes makes 6 servings or one large pitcher of sangria.
My recipe for Blood Orange Sangria was originally published in the Spirits Section of the Fall 2025 edition of South Brunswick Magazine. I write and contribute a cocktail recipe regularly for SBM on a quarterly basis. Be sure to check out more of my original cocktail recipes as I share them here at raveaboutfood.com.
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Blood Orange Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 bottle red wine, chilled
- ½ cup Grand Marnier
- 8 ounces orange juice, pulp-free
- 8 ounces cranberry juice, sweetened
- 1/2 cup raspberries, fresh
- 1 orange, sliced
- cubed ice
Garnish:
- blood orange slices, dried
Instructions
- Add red wine, Grand Marnier, orange juice and cranberry juice to a tall pitcher and stir to combine. Add fresh fruit and refrigerate until cold.
- Pour the sangria over ice in wine glasses and serve with a dried slice of blood orange to garnish. This recipes makes 6 servings or one large pitcher of sangria.
Equipment
- 1 sharp knife
- 6 wine glasses
