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I Tried Every Bottle of Sangria I Could Get My Hands On — These Are the Best Red and White Options

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Credit: Sarah Crowley

If you’re making up for lost time with a packed summer social calendar, shortcuts that’ll make hosting easier are probably very appealing. Bottled sangria could seem like an easy way to cross “drinks” off your list without cutting up a bunch of fruit and unearthing your only decent looking pitcher. The only problem is that most bottled sangrias are very, very sweet. As in, way too sweet.

And so I bought every bottle I could possibly find in order to give you the absolute best recommendation. With that, here are my two winners — along with a few of my best tips.

Credit: Diane McMartin

The Best Bottle of White Sangria: Lolea Sparkling White Sangria No. 2

My pick for white/rosé category is Lolea Sparkling White Sangria No. 2 . It comes in an adorable bottle that has one of those swing tops, so you can reuse it, which I definitely plan on doing. Most of the white and rosé sangrias I tried had a strong artificial peach aroma and flavor to them (like peach rings or peach-scented air freshener), that reminded me a lot of college. With its polka-dotted packaging, refreshing hint of fizz, and more believable peach flavors, Lolea’s vibe is definitely more “bougie brunch” than “crowded house party.” Made in Spain from Macabeo and Airen, Lolea also tasted the most like there was some legit wine underneath the other sweet, fruity, and floral flavors.

Buy : Lolea Sparkling White Sangria No. 2 , $14.99 at Drizly

Credit: Diane McMartin

The Best Bottle of Red Sangria: Eppa SupraFruta Organic Red Sangria

The award in the red category goes to Eppa SupraFruta Organic Red Sangria . The name is apt because the aromas are indeed very fruity. It’s made in California with organic pomegranate, blueberry, acai, and blood orange juices and wine from organically grown grapes. The orange and blueberry aromas were front and center here, and despite the fact that it’s made in California, the wine aromas reminded me of a lot of inexpensive Spanish red wines I’ve known and enjoyed too much. Some of the other red sangrias I tried veered into this weird, Christmas candle aroma — I think because they were trying to include that cinnamon stick that appears in a lot of red sangria recipes. But those kinds of spices can become overwhelming very quickly, as anyone who’s ever set foot in a Bath and Body Works after September knows. Eppa stays firmly in the fruit world, and I think that is smart.

Buy : Eppa SupraFruta Organic Red Sangria , $9.99 at wine.com

Credit: Diane McMartin

Some Notes About Bottled Sangria

• If you can’t find either of the winners from above, go with a red sangria. While shopping for this taste test, I found way more bottles of red than white. Upon an in-store tasting of some strawberry moscato sangrias, I realized why — I think it’s a lot harder to make a decent white or even rosé sangria. So if you can’t find the winners of my taste test, stick to a red option. You’re more likely to end up with something you like.
• Chill your sangria and doctor it up a bit. Both of my winners should be chilled ahead of time. Additionally, I think these are best over ice with a squeeze of citrus. Adding some acidity and real fruit flavor really helps fill out the rest of the fruit picture and make these beverages taste a little fresher.

Credit: Leela Cyd

My Top Tip for Making Your Own Sangria at Home

If you’re making your own sangria and shopping for wine to use, I recommend unoaked Tempranillo or Garnacha for red sangria, and Sauvignon Blanc or Picpoul for white . Go easy on the brandy or whatever spirit your recipe calls for (otherwise it’s that lethal combination of being strong and easy to drink), and go really easy on spices like cinnamon. I would leave out the apples a lot of sangria recipes call for because I find they get mealy and gross fast. And if you’re making white sangria in the summer, throwing in a handful of mint and/or basil is delightful.

Summer Sangria Recipes from Kitchn

Now, when it comes to learning how to act normally at a party again, I’m still a little lost myself, so I can’t help you. But at least we’ve got the fun, fruity drinks covered!

Do you have a go-to when it comes to sangria? Tell us in the comments below!

Diane McMartin

Contributor

Diane is a wine consultant, educator, and author of This Calls For A Drink. She is a graduate of the Culinary Institute of America's Wine and Beverage Certificate Program and a Certified Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers.

Source : food