Red Wine Sangria with Cognac

Sip into sunshine with this classic red sangria—bold, fruity, and smooth with just the right kick to keep the party flowing.

Yo, my flavor crew!, step right up—this refreshing sangria ain’t just a drink, it’s a groove in a glass. Bold red wine meets juicy fruit, a splash of cognac, and a whisper of peach liqueur, creating a rhythm that’s equal parts smooth and sassy. Each sip is a dance of sweet, tart, and deep velvet richness that keeps the taste buds clapping.

Flavor Profile: This sangria hits with lush fruitiness from fresh fruit (oranges, apples, and berries) layered with the depth of red wine and the warmth of brandy-like cognac. Peach liqueur rounds out the profile with a mellow, floral sweetness that softens the edges.

Texture Profile: Cool, refreshing, and fruit-forward with juicy bursts from marinated fruit chunks that soak up the liquid like flavor sponges. Smooth and easy-drinking, with a subtle boozy heat on the finish. Add club soda for that carbonated bubble up.

Cooking Technique & Time: The technique is all about the soak—combine red wine, spirits, fruit, and chill sangria ahead for at least 2–4 hours (better overnight) so the flavors can mingle and deepen into a rich, refreshing harmony.

Key Ingredient Highlight

Cognac adds warmth, depth, and sophistication, amplifying the richness of the wine. Peach liqueur (orange liqueur is fine too) brings a light, fruity sweetness that lifts the drink and balances the bold flavors, making the sangria taste luxurious yet approachable. Cinnamon stick and simple syrup bring da sweetness to balance things out.

Beats and Eats (Music to pair with Sangria)

Just like Van Hunt’s soulful groove, this sangria has layers—smooth, sultry, and a little bittersweet. The red wine sets the mood with depth and intensity, while the fruit juice and peach liqueur soften the edges, like harmonies floating over a bassline. Each sip is a slow jam, sensual and steady, perfect for sipping while you let the music wash over you.

Serve this red wine sangria over ice with tapas like grilled jerk shrimp, boldly seasoned coffee rubbed steak, or a spread of cheese and charcuterie for the perfect pairing. It also pairs well with my favorite steak and onions dish (bistec encebollado).

Keep up with my food exploits on Instagram and YouTube. If you like any of the music you find on the site, visit me at Spotify to find curated playlists.

Red Wine Sangria

Author: Marwin Brown

295kcal

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Prep 5 minutes mins

This Thanksgiving sangria recipe is a great fall cocktail. Made w/ cognac, fresh fruit & red wine it's festive, flavorful, & easy to make.

Servings 6 people

Course Drinks

Cuisine Spanish

Ingredients

1x2x3x

• ▢ 750 ML red wine (Garnache)
• ▢ 1 cup orange juice
• ▢ ½ cup brandy
• ▢ ½ cup orange or peach liqueur
• ▢ ¼ cup simple syrup
• ▢ 1 orange sliced
• ▢ 1 peach sliced
• ▢ 12 oz Club soda
• ▢ 5 whole cloves
• ▢ 2 whole cinnamon sticks

Method

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1. Add cloves and cinnamon sticks to a large pitcher. Add in the orange and peach slices.
2. Add the orange juice, simple syrup, cognac, peach liqueur, and red wine. Mix well and refrigerate until chilled.
3. When ready to serve add the club soda and ice if needed to chill.
4. Serve in a glass garnished with fresh fruit slices.

Nutrition

Calories295kcalCarbohydrates30gProtein1gFat0.3gSaturated Fat0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat0.1gMonounsaturated Fat0.1gTrans Fat0.002gSodium33mgPotassium340mgFiber1gSugar25gVitamin A218IUVitamin C33mgCalcium38mgIron1mg

Notes

Pin the cloves into the orange peel side of one of the slices to prevent cloves from floating around in your glass and eventually putting you at risk of swallowing a whole clove

I prefer real fruit juice, so I recommend you use fresh squeezed orange juice vs. store-bought unless you prefer no pulp in your OJ

This is more of a fall sangria but can be remixed for any occasion. You'll just want to go with seasonal flavors whether it's the holiday season or summertime. Star anise is a great fall spice. Blood oranges make for a great twist in place of more traditional oranges.

For more of a refreshing summer version substitute a white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc. Net new, go with a crisp white wine.

I see a lot of recipes calling for triple sec which makes sense since many people have it on hand. That's cool, but for a special occasion like turkey day you'll want to splurge a bit to elevate this Thanksgiving dinner cocktail. Orange liqueur like Cointreau is a great option if you can't find a really good peach liqueur.

Definitely go with simple syrup as your sweetener. Sugar doesn't dissolve well in alcohol. Maple syrup is also another good alternative.

Cognac is brandy so if you have brandy on hand, there is no need to make a special trip to the liquor store. The beauty of brandy is that there are many different flavored brandies out there like apple brandy that you can get creative with.

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