Happy Place sangria recipe

Are you looking for an easy sangria recipe for any occasion? This Happy Place Sangria Recipe is fruity, refreshing, and guaranteed to bring good vibes to any gathering. Perfect for summer parties, holiday brunches, bridal showers, or weekend barbecues, this red wine sangria is quick and easy to make and will be a guest favorite!

Made with Frontera Cabernet Merlot, fresh citrus, pineapple, cherries, and a splash of ginger ale, this sangria delivers the perfect mix of sweetness and sparkle—just what you need to find your “happy place.”

Why you’ll love this sangria recipe

• Quick + simple: Only 10 minutes of prep time.
• Fresh + fruity: Bursting with real fruit flavor from oranges, lemon, lime, and pineapple.
• Party-perfect: Easy to scale up for big gatherings.
• Budget-friendly: Frontera wines give you great flavor without overspending.
• Make-ahead friendly: Chill overnight for convenience and the best taste.

Where sangria originated

Sangria has its roots in 18th-century Spain, where wine, citrus, and spices were mixed to create a cooling drink during warm harvest days. The word ‘sangria’ comes from sangre, meaning ‘blood,’ referencing the deep red color of the wine. Today, every region, from Madrid to Mexico City, adds its own spin, using local fruits and wines to match the season.

About Frontera Wines
Frontera is a Chilean wine brand known for approachable, fruit-forward blends. The Cabernet Merlot pairs beautifully with bright citrus and tropical fruit, making it a go-to choice for sangria recipes.

What makes this red sangria special

Classic sangria is a blend of red wine, sliced fruit, and a touch of sweetness, sometimes with brandy or rum. This Happy Place Sangria skips the heavy spirits and highlights the natural depth of merlot, a wine that balances dark fruit richness with a smooth, approachable finish. The result is a drink that feels luxurious, not labor-intensive, ideal for every season.

How to choose the right wine

The key to a great sangria is balance. Dry, fruity reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Garnacha blend best because they complement citrus without overwhelming sweetness. Avoid heavily oaked or high-tannin wines because they can make sangria taste bitter. If you prefer lighter, fresher notes, try a Pinot Noir or a rosé base for a pink variation.

How to make sangria

Ingredients

Serves: 5
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 8 hours

• 1 bottle Frontera Cabernet Merlot
• 2 oranges (1 sliced, 1 juiced)
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 lime, sliced
• ½ pineapple (or 1 can, drained), cut into chunks
• 1 handful of fresh cherries, pitted and halved
• Ginger ale, to top off

Optional add-ins

• A splash of orange juice or triple sec for extra flavor
• A few frozen berries to keep it cold without ice dilution
• Fresh mint leaves for garnish

Step-by-step instructions

1. Prepare the fruit

• Slice the orange, lemon, and lime into wedges.
• Juice the second orange directly into a large pitcher.
• Cut the pineapple into chunks and halve the cherries.

2. Combine and mix

Add all the fruit to your pitcher. Pour in the Frontera Cabernet Merlot, and stir gently to blend flavors.

3. Chill to infuse

Cover and refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours, ideally overnight. This allows the wine to soak up the fruit’s natural sweetness.

4. Serve and enjoy

Fill glasses with ice and pour in the sangria, making sure to include some fruit. Top each glass with ginger ale for that signature sparkle and garnish with an orange slice or cherry.

Hosting tip

Sangria is the ultimate make-ahead cocktail. Mix it the night before and let guests serve themselves. Keep pitchers chilled on ice throughout your event.

What to serve with sangria

Pair your Happy Place Sangria with dishes that balance sweetness and spice:

Savory pairings

• Grilled shrimp or chicken skewers
• Charcuterie boards with Manchego and chorizo
• Pulled pork sliders or BBQ ribs

Sweet pairings

• Fresh fruit platters
• Mini cheesecakes or citrus tarts
• Chocolate-covered strawberries

Seasonal variations

Keep sangria on your party menu all year long with these fun twists:

Fall sangria

Use sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, and top with sparkling apple cider.

Winter sangria

Add cranberries, pomegranate seeds, and a splash of spiced rum.

Spring sangria

Mix in strawberries, raspberries, and a few mint leaves (optional).

Expert tips

• Use fresh fruit over frozen fruit.
• Chill overnight to let the wine and fruit fully blend.
• Add ginger ale right before serving to preserve the fizz.
• Taste before serving. Adjust sweetness with orange juice or simple syrup.

Serving and presentation tips

Presentation transforms a simple sangria into a signature drink. Use a clear glass pitcher so the fruit’s color shines through. Chill glasses in advance or add frozen fruit cubes instead of ice to prevent dilution. Garnish each glass with an orange slice or a cherry on a cocktail pick. For parties, set up a ‘Sangria Bar’ with pitchers of sangria, sparkling mixers, and bowls of fruit so guests can personalize their drinks.

Sangria FAQs

What wine is best for sangria?

A smooth, medium-bodied red like Frontera Cabernet Merlot. Avoid heavy, tannic reds that overpower the fruit.

Can I make it non-alcoholic?

Yes! Swap the wine for grape or pomegranate juice and top with ginger ale or sparkling water.

How long does sangria last?

Up to 3 days in the fridge—though the fruit will soften over time.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Definitely. Mix the base and refrigerate overnight. Add the ginger ale just before serving.

You’ll also love:

• PAMA berry sangria recipe
• Easy adult pink lemonade recipe
• Easy patriotic punch recipe

This Happy Place Sangria Recipe is bright, bubbly, and full of flavor, perfect for any celebration, big or small. So grab your favorite glass and raise a toast to good times, great friends, and your very own happy place!

Have you tried this Happy Place Sangria? Rate it now and tell us your favorite fruit combo in the comments!

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