This is my favorite kind of party pitcher—fruit-forward, make-ahead, and beautifully balanced. Bourbon adds warmth to classic red-wine sangria, while fresh apples, oranges, and strawberries bring bright, juicy flavor. Mix, chill, and finish with bubbles just before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Bourbon Sangria

• Batch-friendly pitcher cocktail for easy entertaining

• Juicy fruit + bourbon depth with a light, bubbly finish

• Make ahead and pour when guests arrive

Ingredients for Bourbon Sangria

• 1/2 cup Kentucky bourbon

• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or 1/4 cup simple syrup; see note)

• 1/2 cup small apple wedges (Honeycrisp preferred)

• 1/2 cup small orange wedges

• 1/2 cup sliced strawberries

• 1 (750 ml) bottle Pinot Noir (or other medium-bodied red)

• 1/4 cup orange liqueur (triple sec or Cointreau)

• 1 1/2 cups orange juice, no pulp

• 1 (8.45 oz) bottle club soda or sparkling water, well-chilled (see note)

Yield: About 6 servings.

How to Make Bourbon Sangria (Step-by-Step)

1. Macerate the fruit. In a large glass pitcher, stir bourbon and sugar until dissolved. Add apples, oranges, and strawberries; stir. Refrigerate at least 1 hour (up to 12) to infuse.

2. Add wine & citrus. Stir in Pinot Noir, orange liqueur, and orange juice. Chill 1–2 hours more for best flavor.

3. Finish with bubbles. Just before serving, gently stir in club soda.

4. Serve. Spoon a little soaked fruit into stemless wine glasses (ice optional), pour sangria, and top with an extra splash of club soda if desired. Cheers!

 Pro Tips

• Sugar swap: If you prefer, use 1/4 cup simple syrup instead of sugar for instant dissolve.

• About the bubbles: Club soda or sparkling water keeps flavors clean; tonic water adds bitterness—use only if you enjoy that profile.

• Make-ahead: Mix through Step 2 up to 24 hours ahead; add bubbles at serving.

Variations

• Maple-Bourbon Sangria: Replace sugar with 2–3 tbsp maple syrup; add a cinnamon stick while macerating (remove before serving).

• Very Berry: Add 1/2 cup blueberries or raspberries with the fruit.

• Citrus Twist: Use blood oranges when in season; garnish with orange wheels.

• Lighter Rosé: Swap Pinot Noir for dry rosé; keep bourbon the same.

Pairing Ideas

Serve alongside Pecan Cheese Wafers, Pigs in a Blanket and our best selling Pimento Cheese for an effortless spread.