Stars & Stripes Sangria 🇺🇸🍷
“A festive and fruity blend of wine, brandy, and fresh berries—bursting with patriotic spirit.”
Introduction
When summer heats up and the grill is sizzling, there’s no better companion to the celebration than a chilled, fruit-filled Stars & Stripes Sangria. This red, white, and blue beauty isn’t just a drink—it’s a party in a pitcher, designed to dazzle guests and keep the patriotic vibes flowing.
Crafted with rich red wine, smooth brandy, citrus liqueur, fresh juices, and loads of vibrant summer fruit, this sangria checks all the boxes: colorful, refreshing, boozy (but smooth), and completely crowd-friendly.
Whether you’re watching fireworks light up the sky, throwing a backyard bash, or simply lounging with friends on the patio, the Stars & Stripes Sangria is the ultimate celebration cocktail for the season.
What is Sangria?
Sangria is a Spanish-born wine punch, traditionally made with red wine, fruits, and brandy. Over the years, it has been embraced across the globe as a versatile party beverage, thanks to its adaptability, color, and flavor-packed punch.
The Stars & Stripes version leans into American summer traditions, blending bold flavors and patriotic colors with a crowd-pleasing twist.
Flavor Profile
What makes the Stars & Stripes Sangria shine?
🍷 Bold and fruity from the red wine and brandy
🍊 Citrusy and bright with orange liqueur and juice
🍓 Fresh and sweet thanks to ripe berries
❄️ Chilled and refreshing—ideal for warm-weather sipping
🇺🇸 Patriotic and playful with a red, white, and blue color scheme
It’s balanced and beautiful, with the elegance of a wine cocktail and the laid-back charm of summer punch.
Ingredients Breakdown
Let’s dive into what makes this sangria sing:
🍷 1 Bottle Red Wine
Use a dry red wine like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, or Rioja. You want something fruity but not too sweet, as the juices and liqueurs will bring sweetness.
Tip: Don’t use an expensive bottle—save that for sipping! Sangria shines with mid-range wine.
🥃 1/2 Cup Brandy
Adds body, warmth, and depth. A classic sangria ingredient that balances the acidity of the wine and juices.
🍊 1/4 Cup Orange Liqueur
Triple sec or Cointreau work great here. Adds citrus complexity and a touch of sweetness.
🍊 1/4 Cup Orange Juice
Fresh-squeezed is ideal, but bottled works in a pinch. Boosts citrus brightness.
🍒 1/4 Cup Cranberry Juice
Enhances color and adds a slight tart bite—helps balance the sweeter ingredients.
🍓🫐🍊 Fresh Fruit
Strawberries (red)
Blueberries (blue)
Oranges (orange slices add citrus + color)
These fruits give the sangria both flavor and a red, white, and blue aesthetic.
🧊 Ice
Keeps it cool while serving. Use large cubes to reduce dilution.
🌿 Mint Sprigs
Adds aroma, a refreshing finish, and a touch of green for visual contrast.
Instructions: How to Make Stars & Stripes Sangria
Making sangria is as simple as mixing, chilling, and serving—perfect for entertaining.
1. Mix the Base
In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine:
1 bottle of red wine
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup orange liqueur
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup cranberry juice
A handful of ice
Stir well to combine the liquid ingredients.
2. Add the Fruit
Toss in:
1/2 cup sliced strawberries
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup orange slices (halved or quartered for easy serving)
3. Chill
Cover and place in the refrigerator for at least 2–4 hours, or up to overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Bonus Tip: Add the mint sprigs just before serving to keep them bright and aromatic.
4. Serve
Pour over fresh ice in individual glasses. Garnish with extra fruit and a sprig of mint. Cheers!
Why It’s Perfect for Patriotic Holidays
Stars & Stripes Sangria isn’t just delicious—it’s themed and thoughtful, making it a go-to choice for:
🎇 4th of July celebrations
🎖️ Memorial Day cookouts
🇺🇸 Labor Day weekend parties
🏡 Backyard BBQs and family reunions
It’s colorful, light enough for daytime sipping, and easy to make in large batches—everything a great party drink should be.
Hosting Tips: Sangria Success for a Crowd
🥂 Make It Ahead
Mix the base 1 day in advance. Store in the fridge and add fresh fruit + mint just before serving for best texture and appearance.
🧊 Ice Strategy
Use frozen fruit in place of some ice to keep the sangria cold without diluting it. Frozen blueberries and strawberries are perfect for this.
🍸 DIY Sangria Bar
Offer a sangria station with:
Red wine base
Sparkling water or prosecco (for topping)
Different fruits and herbs
Optional extras like vodka or flavored syrups
Let guests customize their glass—it’s interactive and fun!
Variations to Try
Sangria is endlessly flexible. Here are some Stars & Stripes-inspired twists:
1. White Wine Version
Use Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc in place of red. Add apples and raspberries for a more “white & red” aesthetic.
2. Sparkling Sangria
Top with club soda, lemon-lime soda, or even sparkling rosé just before serving.
3. Rosé Sangria
Use a dry rosé wine for a more floral and summery twist.
4. Boozier Punch
Add 1/4 cup vodka or raspberry liqueur for an extra punchy mix.
5. Zero-Proof (Mocktail) Sangria
Swap red wine for:
Grape juice
Black tea
Cranberry juice
Use all the same fruits and juices. Still festive, fruity, and family-friendly.
Food Pairings: What to Serve With It
The bold, fruity, and slightly tart notes of sangria pair well with a range of summer favorites:
🍔 Grilled Mains
BBQ chicken
Burgers with cheddar or blue cheese
Grilled sausages or veggie skewers
🧀 Appetizers
Cheese boards with brie, manchego, and gouda
Prosciutto-wrapped melon
Caprese skewers with cherry tomatoes and basil
🍓 Desserts
Berry shortcake
Red velvet cupcakes
Cherry pie or cobbler
How to Store Leftover Sangria
Have extras? Lucky you!
Storage Tips:
Refrigerate sangria in an airtight pitcher or container
Best enjoyed within 2–3 days
Remove fruit after day 2 to prevent bitterness
Pro tip: Use leftover sangria to make ice pops or add to a smoothie for a boozy brunch treat.
Sangria FAQs
Can I use boxed wine?
Absolutely! Sangria is a perfect use for affordable wine—just make sure it’s dry and decent quality.
Do I have to use brandy?
Nope! You can sub with:
Rum
Vodka
Bourbon (for a Southern twist)
Can I make it sugar-free?
Yes—skip the orange liqueur and simple syrup. Use fresh-squeezed juices and naturally sweet fruit instead.
Final Thoughts
The Stars & Stripes Sangria is everything we love about summer: fresh fruit, bold flavors, vibrant colors, and relaxed vibes. It’s as easy to make as it is to love—and whether you’re serving it at a festive holiday bash or a quiet evening on the porch, it delivers patriotic punch in every sip.
So grab a pitcher, gather your favorite people, and let this colorful cocktail set the tone for your summer celebrations. Here’s to sipping in style—cheers to freedom, fun, and fruity wine!
📌 Save the Recipe
Stars & Stripes Sangria 🇺🇸🍷
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Chill Time: 2–4 hours
Servings: 6–8
Ingredients:
1 bottle red wine (Cabernet Sauvignon)
1/2 cup brandy
1/4 cup orange liqueur
1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup cranberry juice
1/2 cup sliced strawberries
1/2 cup blueberries
1/2 cup orange slices
Ice
Mint sprigs for garnish
Instructions:
In a pitcher, mix red wine, brandy, orange liqueur, orange juice, cranberry juice, and ice.
Add sliced fruit and stir gently.
Chill for 2–4 hours in the refrigerator.
Serve over ice, garnish with mint, and enjoy!