If you’re looking for a sangria with bold flavors and a tropical twist, this Passionate Sangria is it! Made with rich Cabernet Sauvignon, a splash of brandy, and sweet red vermouth, it’s already got depth—but the real magic comes from the pineapple and passion fruit juices, giving it a bright, juicy kick.

Passionate Sangria in a pitcher with a wooden spoon.

If you’re wondering what Sangria is, it’s an infused mixture of red wine and freshly diced fruit. However, most recipes include pre-mixed juices to add a hint of extra sweetness.

Plus, the beauty of this Passionate Sangria is that the base recipe is incredibly easy to switch up. You can throw in different chopped fruits, change the juices you add, and even pop handfuls of frozen fruit to further cool things down! Oh, and did I mention that you can add herbs to the mix for a hint of freshness?

Now, bottoms up!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

It’s fruity and delicious on those hot summer days!
It’s not overwhelmingly alcoholic and retains its signature sweetness.
It’s ridiculously easy to make.
You can customize it!

Ingredients

The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

Cabernet Sauvignon. I used Solaz Tempranillo Cabernet Sauvignon with notes of ripe fruit and black chocolate. But virtually any rich pour will work!
Brandy. I used Duff Gordon brandy, which is easy to pick up and has a smooth texture with notes of butterscotch.
Sweet red vermouth. I usually use Cinzano sweet red vermouth for this recipe, but feel free to use whatever you have.
Pineapple juice. For a strong hit of sweetness and a touch of acidity that balances the rest of the ingredients.
Passion fruit juice. Gives the Sangria a signature tang.
Orange, lemon, and lime slices. These are mostly for aesthetics, but the citrus juice should seep into the Sangria to deepen the flavor.

How to Make Passionate Sangria

Step One: Add all ingredients to a pitcher and gently stir.
Step Two: Refrigerate for 4-10 hours.
Step Three: Remove the pitcher from the refrigerator, add ice, and stir gently before serving.

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What to Serve With It

This Passionate Sangria tastes truly glorious, but you can bulk out any summer garden party spread with a few additions!

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Don’t be afraid to shop around for your favorite wine. The key to a glorious Passionate Sangria is using a fruity wine that pairs well with brandy and sweet vermouth. Don’t be afraid to mix and match combinations before settling on the best options.
Store-bought or fresh juice works equally well in this recipe. Avoid using juice with lots of pulp, as smooth options will blend best with the alcohol in the Sangria. But if you can get a properly strained pineapple or passion fruit juice, go for it!
Remember to let your Sangria cool for several hours. This is the kind of drink you must let meld together in the fridge for a while. It’s tempting to take it out as soon as it’s cold, but you’ll need to leave it for several hours for a richer flavor!
Give your Sangria a quick taste before serving. Sangria should always be tasted for balance before being poured into glasses as it may be slightly too tart. A small amount of regular syrup should set it right if it needs a hit of sweetness.
You can use ice if needed, but fridge time is best. Ice usually dilutes the Sangria and can upset the balance and consistency of the drink. Like I said, don’t skimp on that time in the fridge!

Variations and Substitutions

If you want to keep your drink even cooler (and fruitier!), throw in some frozen fruit. This can usually replace fresh fruit, and berries are typically the most popular option as they’re readily available. Otherwise, chunks of pineapple or mango can work well!
To make the Sangria last a bit longer, use club soda. Club soda naturally lowers the alcohol content of each serving, but it’s a great solution if you’re trying to stretch your batch or serve it to more people than you expected.
If you don’t want to use a Cabernet, you can experiment with a Rosé or Pinot Grigio instead!

Storage Instructions

You can store this Sangria in an airtight container in the fridge for a few days. Any longer than that, it might start to taste sour!

Can I Freeze?

Believe it or not, Sangria can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight container!

To ensure you drink it in good time, just remember to write the date it was first frozen on the outside of the container.

Don’t forget to let it thaw properly in the fridge before drinking it.

Boozy Drinks

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5 from 1 vote