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Olive Garden Sangria

This copycat Olive Garden Sangria combines red wine, fruit juices, brandy, and fresh fruit for a refreshing summer cocktail that tastes even better after chilling overnight.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Drinks and Beverages
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories: 180
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1 bottle 750 ml fruity, medium-bodied red wine (Pinot Noir or Merlot)
  • 1 cup fresh or high-quality bottled orange juice
  • 1 cup cranberry juice cocktail
  • 1/4 cup brandy or cognac
  • 1 large orange sliced into thin rounds
  • 1 Granny Smith apple cored and sliced into thin wedges
  • 1 lemon sliced into thin rounds
  • 1/2 cup fresh raspberries
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 cup sparkling water or club soda added just before serving
  • Ice as needed for chilling

Equipment

  • Large pitcher or beverage dispenser
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • Spoon or bar stirrer for mixing
  • Wine glasses or goblets
  • Cocktail strainer (optional)

Method
 

  1. Choose a large glass pitcher or beverage dispenser that holds at least 2 quarts.
  2. Rinse the orange, lemon, and apple under cool water, pat dry, slice the orange and lemon into thin rounds, and core and slice the apple into thin wedges.
  3. Pour the entire 750 ml bottle of red wine into the pitcher.
  4. Add 1 cup of orange juice and 1 cup of cranberry juice cocktail to the wine and stir gently to combine.
  5. Measure out 1/4 cup of brandy or cognac and stir it into the mixture.
  6. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar over the liquid and stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.
  7. Add the orange slices, lemon slices, apple wedges, and fresh raspberries to the pitcher and stir gently to distribute the fruit.
  8. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
  9. Just before serving, stir in 1 cup of sparkling water or club soda, fill glasses with ice, pour the sangria ensuring each glass gets fruit, and serve immediately.

Notes

Sangria improves after chilling overnight and can be stored covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; add sparkling water just before serving to maintain carbonation.