This fun, fruity, sparkling Bourbon Sangria is an easy recipe that combines sweeter fruit-forward red wine, a touch of bourbon for caramel and vanilla notes, and fresh fruit for a delicious cocktail.

Love a good cocktail? Try this Whiskey Apple Cider Cocktail, Bourbon Smash and Christmas Sangria!

This blog post and recipe were made in partnership with California Grown! My thoughts and opinions are genuine always. Thanks for your continued support!

I feel very fortunate to say that I have actually had sangria in Spain. It was a sweet white wine sangria with thin slices of blood oranges and chopped apples.

I personally love red wine so I was really shocked at how much I enjoyed it. Needless to say, I’ve been recreating my own spin of the popular drink ever since.

This recipe is combination of California Red Wine, Bourbon, and citrus fruits for a bright, fresh flavor. I also added fresh figs and a little ginger beer on top for a nice fizz. Mix it all up and you’ve got the perfect pitcher cocktail! It’s ideal for easy entertaining or cooling down in the summer heat after a long day.

This bourbon sangria recipe also makes for the perfect holiday cocktails and can easily be made in a large batch!

Origins of Sangria

Traditional sangria dates as far back as 200 BC. When the Romans were making their way through the Iberian Peninsula, safe drinking water was difficult to come by. So, they drank alcohol instead as alcohol tended to be the safer option.

They used the grapes from various vineyards along the way to ferment into wine and would add spices, herbs, and fresh fruit to enhance the taste and kill off any bacteria.

Sangria made its way over to the Americas in the early 1800s and it’s safe to say that we’ve loved the wine punch ever since!

Ingredient Notes

Red Wine Blend: I used a sweeter fruit-forward blend for this recipe. It’s a combination of Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah which I found really pleasant with the ginger and spices.

Bourbon: bourbon has a deep caramel and vanilla flavor. It adds a nice richness to the fruity sangria that gives this recipe a complex and luxurious taste.

Fruits: Figs are currently in season, so I HAD to use them. I also used oranges and green grapes.

Spices: cinnamon sticks and star anise add so much flavor and pair exceptionally well with the bourbon and ginger. It gives the drink a slightly spiced flavor while the citrus fruits really brighten and lift the overall taste.

Ginger Beer: because of the spicy notes of this recipe, ginger beer was such a great flavor pairing! I love that it also adds a nice fizz, keeping this drink refreshing and fun.

Tips

• If you prefer a drier sangria, use a dry red wine.
• For the best flavor, let the sangria sit in the refrigerator for 6-8 hours prior to serving to allow the flavors to come together.
• Add 1-2 star anise and cinnamon sticks for a nice spiced taste! Especially in the winter.
• For a super fruity taste, add all of the fruit to the pitcher and muddle with the back of a spoon prior to adding the wine and fruit juices.

How to make Sangria

This delicious sangria can be made in a large pitcher or as a single serving. I recommend making it in a large pitcher and allowing it to sit in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve. The longer it sits, the more time it has for the flavor of the fruits and spices to come together with the juices.

• Combine red wine, pomegranate juice, bourbon, a touch of grated ginger (optional), figs, orange slices, a couple of cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
• Stir together and pour in ginger beer just before serving.

Pro tip: If you like a sweeter sangria, you can use a dessert wine or add additional sweeteners like simple syrup or honey. Be sure to mix well.

Variations

• For a white sangria, try using a crisp white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc. The acidity pairs well with the fruit and spices of this recipe.
• Try making a spiced apple sangria by adding apple cider or apple juice and garnish with apple slices. (Save for the perfect fall sangria recipe)
• Add grand marnier if you love a strong citrus flavor. Bourbon also pairs exceptionally well with orange flavors so this is a great addition – it’ll be strong though!

What to serve with Sangria

There are so many foods that go well with sangria. To name a few:

• Cheese
• Bread and olive oil dip
• Summer Charcuterie or Breakfast Charcuterie Board
• Bake Brie with Jam
• Steak
• Seafood, especially this Mushroom Risotto with Scallops

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