Sparkling Lambrusco Sangria Recipe for Summer Gatherings

This Lambrusco Sangria is fruity and layered with bright citrus notes. This sparkling Lambrusco punch feels light and juicy enough for summer while still offering depth for fall and winter. It’s a versatile, endlessly sippable Italian sangria you’ll reach for all year.

a large pitcher full of sangria with figs, oranges, and more fruit scattered around the table

Why You’ll Love This Lambrusco Sangria

If you’ve seen other recipes here, you know Lambrusco is a favorite. Using a dry Lambrusco as the red wine base makes a sparkling sangria that’s both fruity and complex. The blend of dry-yet-fruity sparkling wine, orange liqueur, fresh orange juice and seasonal fruit creates a balanced drink that’s bright and effervescent in warm months and rich enough for cooler nights.

This sangria is simple to adapt: swap fruit or add warming spices like cinnamon in winter, or lighten it with extra citrus and ice in summer. Lambrusco is the secret that keeps the flavor interesting no matter the season.

Ingredients

These ingredients are straightforward and easy to customize. Start with the list below and adjust to taste or seasonality.

lambrusco, orange liqueur, fruit, and a large pitcher
  • Dry Lambrusco, chilled
  • Orange liqueur (such as Cointreau or triple sec)
  • Freshly squeezed orange juice
  • Fruit: sliced orange, quartered figs, thinly sliced apple

How to Make Sangria

squeeze orange juice into the large pitcher of slices fruit and then add the liqueur on top of it

In a large pitcher combine the chilled Lambrusco, orange liqueur, freshly squeezed orange juice, orange slices, quartered figs, and the thin apple slices. Stir gently to combine without losing too much sparkle. Chill the sangria for 30–60 minutes to let the flavors meld, then serve over ice.

adding lambrusco to the pitcher and stirring it

FAQs

What is sangria made of?

Sangria is a wine-based punch typically made from red wine, a spirit or liqueur, and a variety of fresh fruit. Many recipes include fruit juice, sparkling water, or a touch of sweetener depending on taste.

Can the Lambrusco be at room temperature?

It’s best to use Lambrusco chilled. To keep the sangria cold without diluting it, freeze orange juice into ice cubes and use those in place of plain ice.

What kind of Lambrusco should I use?

For sangria, choose a dry Lambrusco (secco or semi-secco) since the drink already gets sweetness from orange juice and the fruit.

a large pitcher of sangria with two full glasses in front garnished with sliced fruit and a golden spoon stirring one

Serving Suggestions

Lambrusco pairs well with many foods. Try these pairings to complement the sangria:

  • An appetizer like a shrimp platter or a peach burrata salad—seafood, cheese and fruit all work well with Lambrusco.
  • Seafood mains such as Mediterranean-style salmon or a New England-style clambake.
  • Creamy dishes like mushroom gnocchi or cheesy pasta, which balance the wine’s acidity and bubbles.
  • Finish with a fresh fruit dessert, such as a peach-cherry crisp, to echo the sangria’s flavors.

More Sangria Recipes To Try

  • Caramel Apple Sangria
  • Apple Cider Sangria
  • Rosé Sangria with Peaches and Raspberries
  • Sparkling Strawberry Champagne Sangria
  • Sanderson Sister Black Sangria

If you try this Lambrusco Sangria, tag me on social media and let me know how it turned out—I love seeing your creations.

a large pitcher full of sangria with figs, oranges, and other fruits scattered around

Lambrusco Sangria

Recipe By
Elizabeth Van Lierde
Prep:
5 mins
Total:
7 mins
Servings:
6 -8 glasses
This Lambrusco Sangria is fruity and complex with bright citrus flavors. Sparkling enough for summer, yet layered enough for cooler months—the perfect all-season punch.

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle dry Lambrusco, chilled
  • 4 oz orange liqueur
  • 6 oz freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1–2 oranges, sliced
  • 5–6 figs, quartered
  • 1 apple, thinly sliced

Instructions

  • In a large pitcher add Lambrusco, orange liqueur, orange juice, orange slices, figs, and apple slices. Stir gently until combined. Chill 30–60 minutes. Serve over ice.

Nutrition

Calories: 70 kcal | Carbohydrates: 18 g | Protein: 1 g | Fat: 0.3 g | Sugar: 14 g

Disclaimer: Nutritional values were estimated using a third-party tool and are provided as an approximation.
Course: Drinks
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: lambrusco sangria, red wine sangria, sangria

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a large pitcher full of sangria with figs, oranges, and other fruits scattered around