Cocktail

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When temps are high, this sangria with tequila is the perfect refreshment for those of us who love wine and tequila!

Fresh, fruity, and quite boozy is how I would describe this tequila sangria, an epic summertime drink that always gets the party going.

Can You Make a Sangria with Tequila

Being born and raised in Spain means that knowing how to make sangria is practically a requirement. While the classic sangria recipe does not include tequila, my fall sangria margarita tastes delicious, proving it can be done well.

What I love most is that tequila packs a punch and sangria is a people-pleaser cocktail. It's diluted with sparkling water, so a pitcher goes a really long way.

What Goes in a Summer Tequila Sangria

You'll find the amounts to this Tequila Sangria in the recipe card below; but before you make any swaps, check out why each ingredient is needed:

Simple Syrup: a mixture of sugar and water that makes it sweet and it's also in the classic recipe.
Red Wine: for sangria, I recommend Pinot Noir, Garnacha, or Rioja.
Cointreau or Grand Marnier: traditional sangria is made with a Spanish brandy and orange juice so I've found that the citrus flavor of orange liquor pairs great. Plus, Grand Marnier is a citrus brandy. Triple sec is the most cost-effective option.
Tequila: use your favorite brand of blanco or silver.
Lime Juice: freshly squeezed is the best.
Oranges: always found in a sangria.
Sparkling Water: unflavored, lime, or any citrus flavor will work to serve.

How to Make A Sangria with Tequila

The detailed steps for making this summertime cocktail are written in detail in the recipe card; here are some additional tips in each to ensure the best drink:

Make the simple syrup
Making simple syrup for cocktails is essentially dissolving sugar in water; and while you can just add the sugar to the pitcher, it won't dissolve well in cold wine.
Fill the sangria pitcher
The orange slices are added to the pitcher to soak up the alcohol, so you'll want to wash them well and slice them in half moons.
Serve
Give the pitcher a stir before adding the sparkling water. Stir again, and serve over ice.

Best Summer Fruits to Use

Any and all summer fruits pair well with a Sangria! While traditional Sangria uses orange slices, I like to use lemons, apples, peaches, even fresh pineapple. You can also mix and match with whatever fruit you have on hand.

How to Serve Tequila Sangrias

As you pour the tequila sangria into glasses, some of the boozy fruit from the pitcher should be added to the glasses -I love eating it once I empty my glass! Top it with fresh mint and a lemon or lime slice.

When friends are near appetites appear. Serve this cocktail with some chips and Cucumber Salsa or these Spicy Cajun Shrimp Tacos for the ultimate fiesta.

Tequila Sangria

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 5

Total Time: 5

When temps are high, this sangria with tequila is the perfect refreshment for those of us who love wine and tequila!

5 from 5 votes

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Ingredients

⅓ cup sugar
⅓ cup water
1 orange, sliced
1 bottle of red wine, Rioja, garnacha, Pinot Noir
½ cup tequila
½ cup Grand Marnier or Cointreau, or triple sec
¼ cup fresh lime juice, about 4 limes
3 cups sparkling water, about 3 12-ounce cans

Instructions

Make the simple syrup:

In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, bring water and sugar to a boil, stirring frequently, until the sugar has completely dissolved and the liquid is clear. Remove from heat and let it cool completely.

Make the sangria:

Wash the orange, slice the ends off, slice it in half, and then into half-moon slices. Transfer the orange slices to a pitcher.
Pour the red wine, tequila, Grand Marnier (or Cointreau or triple sec), and lime juice into the pitcher. Use a long wooden spoon to stir.

Refrigerate

Refrigerate the pitcher of sangria for 1 hour. Can be made a day ahead.

Serve

Pour the sparkling water into the pitcher and stir to combine.
Fill glasses with ice and pour the sangria over the ice. Add a couple of boozy orange slices from the pitcher into each glass and enjoy.