TL;DR: Sangria is a Spanish wine-based drink usually mixed with fruit, sugar or sweetener, and sometimes spirits or soda. Its strength depends on the recipe: homemade and bar versions can be light, while versions with added liqueur can be stronger. Drink it chilled, slowly, and with food, especially in warm weather.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Planning a relaxed food and wine stay in Alicante? Choose a comfortable room at Alicante Smart Hotel<\/a> and explore local restaurants, terraces and wine routes from the city.<\/p>\n \n Check availability\n <\/a><\/p>\n Just imagine a typical Spanish summer: the gentle sea, the bright sun, a crowded beach… Sitting on a cozy veranda, you leisurely sip a cool, ruby-red drink \u2013 the most Spanish of all possible drinks. But what exactly is in your glass? Today we\u2019re talking about sangria \u2013 vibrant, passionate and bold.This drink is served well chilled, with a variety of fruits added, and always in good company. It\u2019s no surprise that sangria has become one of the most recognizable symbols of Spain\u2019s relaxed, sun-drenched way of life. However, behind its lively appearance lies a whole history, rooted in Spanish wineries, as well as family and friendship traditions. The story of sangria begins much earlier than most people assume. Although today it is closely linked to Spain, the idea behind the drink dates back to ancient civilizations. During the Roman presence in the Iberian Peninsula, around 200 BC, it was common to combine wine with water, along with spices and herbs. This was not only a matter of taste \u2013 drinking water was often unsafe, and wine helped make it safer to consume.<\/p>\n The name sangria<\/em> comes from the Spanish word sangre<\/em>, meaning \u00abblood\u00bb, referring to the drink\u2019s deep ruby color when made with red wine. The modern version, however, developed much later. In rural areas of Spain, people began adding fresh, seasonal fruits to simple, affordable wine, both to enhance its flavor and to make better use of available ingredients.<\/p>\n Sangria gained international fame during the 1964 World\u2019s Fair in New York<\/strong>, where it was introduced to a global audience as a refreshing and exotic Spanish beverage. Since then, it has become a staple in bars, restaurants, and homes worldwide \u2013 though its most authentic versions are still found in Spain.<\/p>\n Explore Alicante\u2019s food scene! If sangria is part of your Alicante plan, pair it with local dishes and Mediterranean evenings. Start with our Alicante Gastronomic Guide<\/a> and build your route around the city.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n In Spain, sangria is not just a drink \u2013 it\u2019s a social ritual. It\u2019s rarely consumed in a rushed or formal setting. Instead, it belongs to long lunches, seaside evenings, and lively gatherings with friends and family.<\/p>\n Interestingly, despite its global popularity, sangria is often considered more of a drink for celebrations or tourists in Spain. Locals tend to reserve it for special occasions, festivals, or when entertaining guests. In everyday life, Spaniards are more likely to choose simpler beverages like beer or wine.<\/p>\n Traditional sangria is most commonly enjoyed in the summer, when the heat calls for something cold and refreshing. It is often served in large pitchers, encouraging sharing and conversation \u2013 an essential part of Spanish lifestyle.<\/p>\n Stay in Alicante and enjoy the city at your own pace!<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n For a relaxed city break with restaurants, bars, beaches and the Old Town nearby, book your stay at Alicante Smart Hotel.<\/p>\n \n \u2728Club Alegria<\/strong> \u271410% exclusive discount \n At its core, sangria is a flexible drink. While there are classic elements, there is no single \u00abcorrect\u00bb recipe, which allows for regional and personal variations.<\/p>\n Basic components include:<\/strong><\/p>\n Certain original recipes may suggest using white wine (sangria blanca<\/em>), cava (sparkling wine), or even ros\u00e9. Additional ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, or liqueurs can add complexity.<\/p>\n The key to a good sangria is balance \u2013 between sweetness, acidity, and alcohol \u2013 along with time. Letting the mixture rest allows the flavors to blend and deepen.<\/p>\n Wine Tourism in Alicante: Discover the Costa Blanca Wine Routes<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n If you\u2019d like to make sangria at home, don\u2019t overthink it \u2013 it\u2019s one of those forgiving drinks where a relaxed approach actually works best. Start with a good, young dry red wine; it doesn\u2019t need to be expensive, but it should be pleasant enough to drink on its own. Pour it into a large pitcher and add sliced orange, lemon, and a chopped apple. If you want a deeper citrus note, gently press the fruit with a spoon to release some of the juice \u2013 but don\u2019t crush it too much, or the drink can turn bitter.<\/p>\n Add a little sugar depending on your taste, keeping in mind that the fruit will also bring natural sweetness. A splash of brandy gives the sangria a warmer, more traditional character, though you can skip it for a lighter version. Stir everything together and let it rest in the fridge for a few hours. If you have time, leaving it overnight makes a noticeable difference \u2013 the flavors become smoother and more balanced.<\/p>\n Right before serving, pour in a bit of sparkling water or soda to lighten the drink and give it a refreshing lift. Add ice at the very end so it doesn\u2019t dilute too quickly. Taste it once more \u2013 this is your moment to adjust, maybe a touch more sweetness or a squeeze of fresh orange if it feels too dry.<\/p>\n Serve it well chilled, ideally outside on a warm day, and don\u2019t be afraid to make it your own. Some people like adding peaches or berries, others prefer a hint of cinnamon. Sangria isn\u2019t about strict rules \u2013 it\u2019s about atmosphere, ease, and sharing something simple and delicious with people around you.<\/p>\n Alicante Travel Guide: Everything You Need to Know About the City and Region<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n Many travelers wonder whether sangria and tinto de verano<\/em> are basically the same drink \u2013 but they\u2019re actually quite different.<\/p>\n Tinto de verano<\/em>, literally \u00absummer red wine\u00bb, is the kind of thing locals reach for without thinking twice. It\u2019s as simple as red wine topped up with lemon soda \u2013 often La Casera or Fanta Lim\u00f3n \u2013 poured over ice and sometimes finished with a slice of lemon. No preparation, no waiting, just instant refreshment.<\/p>\n Sangria, by contrast, is more layered and expressive. It usually involves fresh fruit, a touch of sweetness, sometimes a splash of spirits, and a bit of patience while everything blends together. Tinto de verano<\/em> is lighter, quicker, and typically lower in alcohol, which makes it an easy choice for a hot afternoon or a casual drink on a terrace.<\/p>\n If you\u2019re sitting at a bar in Spain and want something that feels genuinely local, tinto de verano<\/em> is often the way to go. Sangria tends to appear more in social settings \u2013 shared jugs, long meals, celebrations \u2013 where the focus is less on convenience and more on the atmosphere.<\/p>\n Yes, Sangria is more than just a beverage \u2013 it\u2019s an expression of Spanish winemaking, an enduring zest for life, and a love for social connection into a single glass. Whether enjoyed at a luxury beachside terrace or prepared at your cozy home, it invites you to slow down and savor the moment.<\/p>\n At Alicante Smart Hotel<\/strong>, we believe that discovering Spain goes beyond sightseeing \u2013 it is also about understanding its authentic flavors, beautiful traditions, and an especial way of life. Sangria, with its blending history and cheerful spirit, is a perfect symbol of the hot Spanish culture and the endless summer lifestyle.<\/p>\n Make your Alicante trip easier!<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Need a smoother arrival or extra comfort during your stay? Check Alicante Smart Hotel\u2019s additional services<\/a>, including airport transfers, parking and breakfast delivery.<\/p>\nTable of Contents<\/h2>\n
\n
![\"Pitcher](\"https:\/\/alicante-smarthotel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/sangria_1.jpg\")
<\/p>\nA Brief History of Sangria<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
![\"Tall](\"https:\/\/alicante-smarthotel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/sangria_2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSangria in Spanish Culture<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
\n Sign up for our club and enjoy its benefits:<\/p>\n
\n\u2714Welcome amenity: complimentary water and coffee capsules
\n\u2714Check-out at 1:00 PM or Early check-in at 2:00 PM (optional)
\n <\/p>\n Traditional Ingredients and Variations<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
![\"Friends](\"https:\/\/alicante-smarthotel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/sangria_3.jpg\")
<\/h2>\nClassic Sangria Recipe and Preparation<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Is Sangria the Same as Tinto de Verano?<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/alicante-smarthotel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/sangria_5.jpg\")
<\/p>\n\n