Sangria is the perfect summer drink packed with fruity flavors and a touch of alcohol. The refreshing blend of wine, fresh fruit, and citrus make it a perfect beverage for any occasion, from weekend summer picnics to large family gatherings.
Whether you’re hosting a summer party, a backyard BBQ, or just enjoying a quiet evening at home, sangria is a great choice. But what to serve with sangria to make it even better?
The good news is sangria can be served with a variety of dishes, and this post will give you ideas on how to perfectly pair sangria with food to enhance your dining experience.
22 Sides to serve with Sangria
1. Charcuterie Board
Charcuterie boards are perfect appetizers to pair with any drink, and sangria is no exception.
Charcuterie boards include a variety of cheese, salami, crackers, and fruits that pair well with the sweet and citrus flavors in sangria.
To make it further more exciting, you can add berries, olives, nuts, and fig jam to enhance sangria’s complex flavors.
Discover More: Top Salads to go with charcuterie Board
2. Seafood Paella
Paella is a classic Spanish dish that goes well with sangria. This dish is typically made with rice, seafood, and vegetables simmered in a broth.
The flavors in sangria and the lightness of the seafood and vegetables perfectly complement each other.
The acidity in sangria cuts through the richness of the seafood, creating a well-balanced meal.
3. Grilled Chicken Skewers
Grilled chicken skewers are easy to cook and an excellent option for pairing with sangria. The smoky and tender chicken pairs perfectly with the fruity flavors of sangria.
You can also add vegetables such as bell peppers, tomatoes, and onions to create vibrant colors and presentable skewers.
4. Spicy Tacos
Tacos are perfect for a party, and when paired with sangria, it takes the fiesta to a whole new level. Spicy tacos are the best choice, as the heat in the tacos pairs well with the sweetness of the sangria.
Chicken or beef tacos with a dash of lime juice work exceptionally well with the citrus notes in the sangria.
5. Spanish Tortilla
A Spanish tortilla is a potato omelet traditionally made with eggs, onions, and potatoes. This dish is an excellent breakfast idea for pairing with sangria.
The flavors in the tortilla complement the refreshing elements in the sangria, making it great for a brunch gathering.
6. Tapas
Sangria and tapas go together like peanut butter and jelly. Tapas are small, savory dishes that are ideal for sharing with friends over a glass of wine.
Some great options are stuffed mushrooms, olives, patatas bravas (spicy potatoes), and croquettes. Serve these dishes alongside your pitcher of sangria for a perfect evening of snacking and sipping.
7. Grilled Meats
Sangria is the perfect complement to grilled meats. The fruity and slightly sweet flavors of the drink offset the rich, savory flavors of grilled meats like steak, chicken, and pork.
Try marinating your meat in a little bit of red wine and citrus to enhance the flavors even more.
8. Seafood
For a light and refreshing pairing, try serving sangria with seafood dishes like ceviche, grilled shrimp, or fish tacos.
The acidity in the wine helps cut through the richness of the seafood, creating a balance of flavors that is hard to beat.
Explore More: Delicious Side Dishes to Complement Fried Shrimp
9. Cheese
Cheese and wine is a classic pairing, and it works just as well with sangria. Try serving a variety of cheeses like manchego, goat cheese, and brie alongside your pitcher of sangria.
The combination of flavors is sure to impress your guests.
10. Fruit
Fresh fruit like strawberries, oranges, and berries not only add flavor and color to your drink, but they also make a great snack.
You can also serve fruit-based desserts like fruit tart or fruit salad to complement the fruity flavors of the wine.
11. Patatas Bravas
Patatas Bravas is a traditional Spanish tapa dish; patatas bravas are crispy fried potatoes with a spicy tomato sauce.
Perfect for pairing with sangria, they’re easy to prepare and sure to be a hit at your next gathering. (Recipe)
12. Paella
Paella is a classic Spanish rice-and-seafood dish that is the perfect accompaniment to sangria. Try making it with shrimp, mussels, chorizo, and saffron for an extra special meal.
13. Garlic Shrimp
Garlic Shrimp is a succulent garlic shrimp that is incredibly easy to make but still adds an impressive touch of sophistication to your spread.
They’re also great for mopping up all that delicious sangria!
14. Pisto Manchego
Pisto Manchego is a hearty vegetable stew from La Mancha is made with tomatoes, peppers, aubergines and courgettes in an olive oil gravy – it’s delicious served as an appetizer or main course paired with some crusty bread and a glass of red or white sangria depending on your tastes!
15. Grilled Vegetables & Halloumi Cheese
Toss together some baby courgettes, peppers, onions and mushrooms lightly dressed in olive oil before grilling them until they’re golden brown on the outside and tender on the inside; throw in some thick slices of halloumi cheese for added goodness and flavor too!
16. Gazpacho
Gazpacho, a chilled tomato soup is the perfect summertime dish when served alongside refreshing glasses of cold white or rosé sangria – just make sure you blend everything together really well so that you get a smooth consistency each time!
17. Albondigas en Salsa de Tomate
Meatballs simmered in a rich tomato sauce may not sound like much, but these albondigas en salsa de tomate are both hearty yet light enough for summer nights spent sipping sangrias.
Plus, they only take about 30 minutes from start to finish, so they’re ideal if you don’t have much time on your side either!
18. Berenjenas con miel y almendras (Eggplant with Honey & Almonds)
Eggplants cooked in honey syrup seasoned with rosemary sprigs are often served as a dessert but can also double up as appetizers when paired nicely with glasses of cold white sangria – plus, they look fantastic thanks to their almost caramelized appearance too!
19. Quesadillas de Queso y Huitlacoche (Cheese & Corn Smut Quesadillas)
The Mexican variation on quesadillas uses huitlacoche instead of mushrooms which gives them an intense earthy flavor that goes perfectly alongside sweet red wines such as those found in many popular brands of sangrias today!
20. Pinchitos Morunos (Marinated Pork Skewers)
Season pork loin cubes before skewering them along with some fresh vegetables such as bell peppers, then seasoning them one more time before grilling them over hot coals; this creates juicy morsels that taste amazing when paired with fruity Sangrias!
21. Gambas al Ajillo (Garlic Shrimp)
Another classic Spanish dish that pairs wonderfully well with either white or red Sangrias; simply pan fry peeled prawns after marinating them briefly in garlic butter before finishing off by pouring over some brandy flambéed over high heat for added depth of flavor! (Recipe)
22. Tortilla Española (Spanish Omelette)
An egg-based omelet filled generously with potatoes and onions is the perfect way to soak up all that vino tinto during long evenings spent around good company.
serve it warm straight outta the skillet, accompanied by plenty more chilled Sangrias afterward!
23. Ensalada Mixta (Mixed Salad)
Highlighting ingredients such as tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, radishes, carrots, lettuce, hearts, olives, capers, and croutons, this colorful salad will provide ample crunch while helping cool down your palate between courses, especially if enjoyed alongside generous pourings of crisp rosé Sangrias!
What cheese goes with sangria?
Sangria is a refreshing drink that is loved by many during the summer months. The sweet and fruity drink is commonly served at parties and gatherings and is often paired with finger foods such as cheese.
When it comes to selecting the cheese that pairs best with a glass of sangria, there are several options to consider. These are the top 5 best cheeses to enjoy with sangria:
1. Manchego
Manchego is a Spanish cheese and is a popular choice for pairing with sangria. Its nutty and buttery flavor pairs perfectly with the fruity and sweet notes in the drink.
2. Cheddar
Cheddar is a classic cheese that goes with just about anything; cheddar is a great choice for those who prefer a sharper taste with their sangria.
3. Brie
Brie soft and creamy cheese pairs well with sangria due to its mild flavor and buttery texture.
4. Gouda
The nutty and tangy notes of gouda make it a great choice for pairing with sangria. Its robust flavor holds up well against the fruitiness of the drink.
5. Goat cheese
With its tangy and slightly salty flavor, goat cheese is a versatile cheese that goes well with many drinks, including sangria.
What is sangria? What does sangria taste like?
Sangria is a popular Spanish beverage made from red wine, chopped fruit, and a mixture of other ingredients. Traditionally, it is served cold during the summer months as an accompaniment to meals.
The exact flavors of sangria vary greatly depending on the personal preference of the person making it and the region in which it originated.
Generally, however, sangria has a sweet and fruity flavor with citrus notes from either lemons or oranges. While most versions include brandy as an ingredient, some recipes also call for additional liquors, such as vodka or rum, to add complexity.
To finish off the drink, many people like to add fresh herbs like mint and thyme for extra aromatic notes.
Whether you decide to make your own sangria or simply buy it at a store, one thing is certain: it’s sure to make any meal just that much more enjoyable.
What are the best flavors to go with sangria?
The best flavors to go with sangria are typically citrus-based. Some popular combinations include orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit juices or frozen fruit like strawberries, pineapple and mangos.
You can also incorporate other liquors like brandy, triple sec or peach schnapps to add a kick. If you prefer something on the sweeter side, try adding apple cider or cranberry juice for extra zing.
Garnish your drink with slices of oranges, lemons and limes for an attractive presentation. Experimenting with different flavor combinations will help you find your perfect sangria recipe!
How do you jazz up sangria?
There are so many ways to jazz up sangria! One of the easiest and most popular methods is to add various fruits, such as oranges, apples, peaches or berries. Citrus juices like orange or pineapple can also be added for a tangy flavor twist.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding some herbs like mint or basil for an extra layer of flavor.
Another great way to liven up your sangria is to spice it with cinnamon sticks, star anise pods or cloves.
Finally, you can experiment with different types of liquors for a boozy kick – brandy and dark rum work especially well in red wine-based sangrias. Enjoy creating your own unique blend! Happy sipping!
How do you display sangria on a platter?
To display sangria on a platter, start by freezing seasonal fruit like oranges and lemons in water and then adding them to the sangria.
Place the frozen fruit along with fresh fruits, such as berries, apples, peaches, pears, etc., in a decorative pattern.
Add sprigs of fresh mint or other herbs for an extra touch of decoration.
Finally, fill shot glasses or wine glasses with additional sangria and place them around the outside of the platter for guests to help themselves. This will create a beautiful presentation that will impress your guests! Enjoy!
What dessert goes well with sangria?
If you’re looking for a sweet accompaniment to your favorite sangria, look no further. These seven desserts are the perfect match for the fruity and refreshing flavors of this classic Spanish drink.
1. Churros
Churros doughnut-like treats pair perfectly with the cinnamon and sugar notes in a red sangria. Dip them in chocolate sauce for an extra indulgent experience.
2. Tres Leches Cake
Tres Leches Cake is a light and moist cake soaked in three different kinds of milk and is the perfect contrast to the bold flavors of sangria. The creamy texture and sweet taste make it a great way to end a summer meal.
3. Flan
The caramel flavor of this classic dessert is a perfect match for the warm spices in a red sangria. Enjoy this silky custard with a glass of chilled sangria on a warm summer evening.
4. Fruit Tart
Topped with fresh fruit, this light and refreshing dessert is the ultimate way to finish a sangria-filled night.
The tangy flavors of the fruit pair perfectly with the sweet and refreshing notes in the drink.
5. Lemon Sorbet
A simple and refreshing dessert that cleanses the palate and acts as a perfect palette cleanser between glasses of sangria.
6. Chocolate Mousse
The creamy, decadent texture and rich chocolaty flavor of this dessert pair beautifully with a full-bodied red sangria.
7. Apple Pie
The warm spices in apple pie are an excellent complement to the bold, fruity flavors in sangria. Serve it warm with a dollop of vanilla ice cream for a comforting and delicious dessert.
Wrap Up on What to serve with Sangria
Sangria is a great drink for any occasion, and the right food pairing can take it to the next level.
From tapas to grilled meats to seafood, cheese, and fruit, there are so many great options to choose from.
The key is to find a balance of flavors and textures that complement the drink without overpowering it.
So the next time you make sangria, try pairing it with one of these delicious dishes and see how it elevates the experience!
FAQs
How much sangria per person?
When serving sangria, it is important to plan for about one drink per person. This amount can vary depending on the size of the gathering and how long the event is expected to last.
To be safe, plan for 1-2 glasses per person for a casual gathering or up to three drinks if you’re hosting a more formal occasion.
When making a large batch of sangria, remember to factor in variations in taste; some people may prefer stronger drinks than others.
If you are uncertain about your guests’ preferences, consider setting out different types of sangria with various levels of sweetness, fruitiness, and alcohol content so each guest can choose their own perfect drink.
Additionally, make sure that there is plenty of non-alcoholic beverage options available for those guests who prefer not to drink. With the right planning and selection of drinks, your sangria party will be a hit!
What snacks are good with sangria?
There are so many delicious options to pair with a refreshing glass of sangria!
A few classic favorites include olives, almonds, and cured meats. For something more substantial, try adding cubes of Manchego cheese or slices of jamon serrano ham.
If you’re looking for something sweeter, opt for seasonal fresh fruit like strawberries, peaches, and oranges; dried fruits such as dates and figs; or Spanish-style churros sprinkled with sugar or cinnamon.
You can even add some crunchy croutons or marinated vegetables like artichoke hearts.
What is the best combination for sangria?
Sangria is an incredibly versatile drink, and there are a variety of flavors you can mix together to make the perfect sangria.
The best combination for sangria depends on personal preference, but some classic flavor combinations include:
-Citrus fruits (orange, grapefruit, lemon, lime) with red or white wine
-Berries (strawberries, raspberries, blackberries) with white or rose wine
-Peaches and nectarines with champagne or sparkling wine
-Apples and pears with brandy and citrus liqueur
-Spices including cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, cloves and star anise with red or white wines.
What food goes with red sangria?
The best food pairings for red sangria are salty snacks, charcuterie boards, cheeses, fresh fruits, and vegetables. Olives, nuts, roasted peppers, cured meats like chorizo or prosciutto, and aged cheeses like Manchego are all great choices to complement the sweet-tart flavor of red sangria.
If you’re feeling adventurous, consider adding a hint of spice with some Mexican favorites such as chile con queso or guacamole.
For a light appetizer or side dish paired with red sangria, try grilled shrimp skewers or watermelon salad with feta cheese and mint. Serve them up alongside your favorite bottles of red sangria for a delicious flavor combination.
For a heartier meal, consider roasted chicken with potatoes or pork tenderloin marinated in red wine and herbs. These dishes will bring out the fruity undertones of the sangria perfectly, making for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Finally, finish off your meal with something sweet, like grilled peaches or apricots, served over ice cream or a simple slice of cake. Each of these dishes will pair wonderfully with a glass (or two!) of refreshing red sangria!
What pairs well with white sangria?
White sangria pairs well with a variety of fruits, such as apples, oranges, lemons, limes, peaches and berries.
These fruits can be added to the sangria individually or in combination for a delicious and refreshing summer cocktail.
Other tasty options for pairing with white sangria include herbs like mint, basil and rosemary; spices like cinnamon and nutmeg; and other flavors like elderflower, ginger beer or citrus juice.
For an extra touch, try adding edible flowers such as lilac petals or lavender buds for a sweet surprise!
Do you eat fruits in sangria?
Yes, fruits can be added to sangria for extra flavor and texture. Fruits like strawberries, apples, oranges, peaches, pineapples, kiwis and even grapes can be used to make a delicious sangria.
Mixing these flavors together creates an interesting and unique taste that your family and friends will love.
If you are feeling adventurous, you can also add other ingredients, such as brandy or liqueur, to give the sangria a different twist.
So go ahead and experiment with different fruits to create a tasty sangria that everyone will enjoy! Cheers!
