Ingredients

   
1 bottle young, fruity red wine (garnacha or pinot noir), chilled
720g lemon or orange soda, chilled
1 orange, sliced
1 lemon, sliced
180g sweet vermouth (optional)
  Ice cubes

Steps

  1. Pour red wine into a large pitcher.

  2. Add the soda, leaving space for citrus.

  3. Add lemon and orange slices and vermouth (if using). Stir gently to avoid losing carbonation.

  4. Pour into ice-filled glasses and serve immediately.

Analysis

Total drink: ~1650g (full pitcher: 750ml red wine, 720g lemon/orange soda, 180g sweet vermouth)

Component Amount % of drink
Alcohol (ethanol) ~99g 6.0%
Sugar ~100g 6.1%
Water + dilution ~1451g 87.9%

A sessionable summer pitcher — ~6% ABV, about half the strength of the wine it starts from. The soda roughly matches the wine by volume, halving the alcohol and supplying most of the ~6% sugar. Simpler and lighter than sangria (no fruit maceration, no brandy); the optional vermouth adds depth without much more booze. Per glass it’s barely stronger than a shandy.

Notes

  • Use a young, fruity red wine that’s drinkable on its own — nothing complex or expensive.
  • If you can’t find lemon Fanta, use a mix of lemonade and soda water.
  • Vermouth is not traditional but adds depth. About 30g per glass.
  • Don’t prepare in advance — serve immediately to keep carbonation.