If you’re on the lookout for a drink that captures that perfect balance of festive flair and simple elegance, look no further than the Perfect Blood Orange Pomegranate Sangria. This delightful concoction is a fruity celebration in a glass, combining the tart brightness of blood oranges with the jewel-like sweetness of pomegranate seeds, all beautifully melded with rich red wine and a splash of orange liqueur. Whether you’re entertaining friends or winding down on a cozy evening, this sangria is one of those rare recipes that feels fancy but is incredibly easy to pull off, making it a must-try addition to your beverage repertoire.

Perfect Blood Orange Pomegranate Sangria Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Crafting the Perfect Blood Orange Pomegranate Sangria requires just a handful of simple, fresh ingredients—each one playing a crucial role in building its vibrant flavor and irresistible look. From juicy fruit slices to a smooth bottle of merlot, everything works together to create a truly refreshing and visually stunning drink.

1 bottle Merlot (750 ml): A medium-bodied red wine that provides the perfect rich base without overpowering the fruit flavors.
1 cup pomegranate juice: Adds a deep, tangy sweetness and enhances the sangria’s stunning ruby color.
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds: Little bursts of sweetness and color that make every sip exciting.
2 blood oranges, cut into slices: Bring a striking color and tart citrus punch to the mix.
2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional): Used to balance tartness, easily adjusted to your personal sweetness preference.
1/2 cup orange-flavored liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec): Provides a fragrant orange depth and smooth finish.
1 cup sparkling water (for serving): Adds a refreshing fizz that elevates the sangria’s lightness right before pouring.
Ice cubes: Keeps the sangria chilled without diluting flavor too quickly.
Reserved blood orange slices: Perfect for garnish and an elegant final touch.

How to Make Perfect Blood Orange Pomegranate Sangria

Step 1: Prepare the Fruit

Start by washing your blood oranges thoroughly and slicing them into thin rounds. Set aside a few of the prettiest slices for garnish later. Next, separate the pomegranate seeds if they aren’t already prepared—these ruby gems are what make the sangria so playful and visually captivating.

Step 2: Combine Fruit and Wine

Place the majority of the sliced blood oranges and pomegranate seeds into a large glass pitcher. Pour the full bottle of Merlot over the fruit, allowing the wine to soak up the fresh citrus and berry notes. This step forms the rich foundation of your sangria.

Step 3: Add Juice, Liqueur, and Sweetener

To the pitcher, add your pomegranate juice, orange-flavored liqueur like Cointreau or Triple Sec, and the optional sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar and ensure all the flavors begin to mingle. This is a great moment to taste the mix and adjust sweetness according to your preference—remember, the balance here is key to hitting that signature tangy yet smooth spot.

Step 4: Chill the Sangria

Cover your pitcher and refrigerate your sangria for a minimum of 2 hours, though overnight resting is even better. This chilling period lets the flavors beautifully blend, with the blood oranges slightly infusing the wine and the pomegranate seeds adding bursts of fruity sweetness.

Step 5: Serve the Sangria Over Ice

When you’re ready to enjoy, fill your glasses with ice cubes to keep things cool without watering down the flavor. Pour the chilled sangria along with some of the soaked fruit for a colorful, aromatic treat in every glass.

Step 6: Add Fizz and Garnish

Just before serving, top off each glass with a splash of sparkling water to bring a crisp, refreshing fizz. Finish by garnishing with the reserved blood orange slices which add an elegant touch and a bit more citrus aroma. The resulting drink is an irresistible crowd-pleaser!

How to Serve Perfect Blood Orange Pomegranate Sangria

Garnishes

The reserved blood orange slices are classic, but don’t hesitate to add a few pomegranate seeds or even a sprig of fresh mint to elevate the visual appeal and aroma. These small touches make each glass feel thoughtfully crafted and perfectly festive.

Side Dishes

This sangria pairs beautifully with Spanish-style tapas, like a manchego and serrano ham board, or scrumptious grilled meats such as pork tenderloin or chorizo. Lighter options like bruschetta or stuffed olives highlight the sangria’s fruity notes without overpowering its delicate balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, serve your Perfect Blood Orange Pomegranate Sangria in a large, clear pitcher that shows off the vibrant fruit slices and jewel-like pomegranate arils. Alternatively, use individual mason jars for a rustic-chic vibe that lets your guests personalize their drinks—in a word, irresistible!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Your sangria will keep well refrigerated for up to three days, and in fact, it often tastes even better after more time for the flavors to develop. Just keep the sparkling water separate and add it fresh to each glass when serving to maintain that delightful fizz.

Freezing

Since sangria relies heavily on fresh citrus and sparkling water for its signature freshness, freezing is not recommended. The texture of the fruit and the carbonation will not hold up well, leading to a flat and watery experience once thawed.

Reheating

Sangria is best served chilled, so reheating is generally unnecessary and would detract from its refreshing qualities. Instead, prepare a fresh batch or give leftovers a gentle stir and fresh ice when serving again.

FAQs

Can I use other types of wine for this sangria?

Absolutely! While Merlot is a favorite for its smooth richness, you can experiment with Cabernet Sauvignon, Tempranillo, or even a light rosé or white wine if you want a different flavor profile. Just keep in mind the flavor balance and choose something you’d enjoy drinking on its own.

Is it necessary to add sugar?

Sugar is optional and depends on how sweet your fruit and juice already are. Taste your mixture before chilling, and if you prefer a sweeter sangria, add a little sugar accordingly. You can also swap granulated sugar for honey or agave nectar if you like.

How far in advance can I make it?

You can prepare your sangria hours ahead or even the day before your event. In fact, letting it sit longer in the fridge allows the flavors to marry beautifully. Just add sparkling water right before serving to keep the fizz intact.

What if I don’t have orange liqueur?

If you don’t have Cointreau or Triple Sec, don’t worry! Brandy or rum can be great substitutes. If none of those are on hand, just add a little extra orange juice—it will still taste delicious and fruit-forward.

Can I make a non-alcoholic version?

Yes! Replace the wine and orange liqueur with pomegranate juice, orange juice, and a splash of sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling wine. Add the fruit as usual for a refreshing mocktail that’s just as festive and flavorful.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend the Perfect Blood Orange Pomegranate Sangria enough if you’re seeking a vibrant, crowd-pleasing drink that’s both stunning and straightforward to make. The way the tart blood oranges mingle with sweet pomegranate and velvety wine is pure magic. Whether for a holiday gathering or a casual night in, this sangria is guaranteed to brighten your glass and lift your spirits. Give it a try, and get ready to impress everyone with your new favorite go-to sangria recipe!

Perfect Blood Orange Pomegranate Sangria Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 11 reviews

Author: Naomi
Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (includes chilling time)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Halal

Print Recipe

Description

This Perfect Blood Orange Pomegranate Sangria is an easy-to-make, festive cocktail that combines the tartness of blood oranges with the sweet bursts of pomegranate seeds, complemented by a smooth Merlot wine base. Perfect for entertaining, it improves with time as flavors meld together, making it ideal for parties or relaxed evenings.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Sangria Mixture:

1 bottle Merlot (750 ml)
1 cup pomegranate juice
1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (arils)
2 blood oranges, sliced into thin rounds
2 tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
1/2 cup orange-flavored liqueur (such as Cointreau or Triple Sec)

For Serving:

1 cup sparkling water to top off
Ice cubes
Reserved blood orange slices for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Fruit: Wash the blood oranges thoroughly and slice them into thin rounds. Set aside a few attractive slices to use later as garnish. Separate the pomegranate seeds (arils) if not already done.
Combine Fruit and Wine: Place the sliced blood oranges (except those reserved for garnish) and pomegranate seeds into a large glass pitcher. Pour in the full bottle of Merlot over the fruit.
Add Juice, Liqueur, and Sweetener: Add the pomegranate juice, orange-flavored liqueur, and granulated sugar (if using) to the pitcher. Stir thoroughly to dissolve the sugar and ensure the liquid combines with the fruit flavors. Taste and adjust sweetness as desired.
Chill the Sangria: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours or up to 24 hours to let the flavors meld and infuse fully. The longer it rests, the better the flavor.
Serve the Sangria Over Ice: When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the chilled sangria, including the fruit, into each glass.
Add Fizz and Garnish: Top each glass with a splash of sparkling water to add a refreshing fizz. Garnish with the reserved blood orange slices for a beautiful presentation.

Notes

Let the sangria chill for at least 2-4 hours or overnight for the best flavor melding.
Add sparkling water just before serving to maintain fizz and freshness.
Adjust sugar to taste according to the sweetness of your fruit and juices.
Avoid adding too much ice to prevent dilution of flavors.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; the flavor will improve over time.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Cocktail, Beverage
Method: No-cook, mix and chill
Cuisine: Spanish-inspired