The 5 Best Sangria Pitchers of 2024
With its roots in Spain, sangria is a refreshing way to enjoy wine when the weather is hot, and the best sangria pitchers can elevate this refreshing beverage. Sangria can be an excellent make-ahead drink for summertime parties and casual get-togethers. It can be a vibrant centerpiece all on its own when presented in the right pitcher, packed with tempting fruit and plenty of ice.
Sangria is high on the list of Sommer’s favorite things to sip, so she’s created several fabulous sangria recipes. “There’s nothing quite like snacking on boozy watermelon balls at the bottom of your sangria glass,” says Sommer. “Or boozy blackberries and raspberries, for that matter.”
So what makes a quality sangria pitcher? Sommer and I plunged into the pitcher market to find the best sangria pitchers available. If you’re looking for the right pitcher to serve sangria and similar punches at your next fiesta, we researched popular options and compiled our favorites, including one that’s almost identical to Sommer’s go-to sangria pitcher.
Our Sangria Pitcher Top Picks:
- Sommer’s Top Pick: Dos Sueños Mexican Hand Blown Glass Pitcher – $42.99 at Amazon
- Best Large: Karafu 100 Ounce Pitcher with Lid – $29.99 at Amazon
- Best Glass Set: Libbey Acapulco Glass Pitcher Set – $34.99 at Target
- Best Infuser: Grosche RIO Sangria Pitcher & Water Infuser Carafe – $34.99 at Target
- Best Design: Mud Pie Sangria Glass Pitcher – $44.95 at Amazon
Reviews of The Best Sangria Pitchers
1. Sommer’s Top Pick: Dos Sueños Mexican Hand-Blown Glass Pitcher
When making sangria, Sommer uses her classic (non-branded) Mexican glass pitcher with a blue rim around the top that’s almost identical to this piece from Dos Sueños. This type of hand-blown glass has been made in Mexico for centuries, most famously in the town of Puebla.
We love this similar option because it’s handmade from recycled glass and can be washed in the dishwasher. Like most pitchers on this list, you can also use it to serve just about any chilled drink, from perfect mojitos to lavender lemonade. The beautiful blue rim and handle help it stand out on the table or display shelf, and matching glasses in various shapes are also available.
What Sommer Says:
“We’ve owned our pitcher for at least 20 years. It’s heavy and sturdy, but looks great with sangrias and margaritas in it.”
Specs:
- Material: Glass
- Weight: 5.3 pounds
- Capacity: About 84 ounces
Pros:
- Durable
- Dishwasher safe
- Elegant
Cons:
- Higher price than other options
Buy the Dos Sueños Mexican Hand Blown Glass Pitcher:
Best Large Sangria Pitcher: Karafu 100 Ounce Pitcher with Lid
This large pitcher features an attractive hobnail texture but is still transparent enough to show off your sangria’s vibrant colors. It’s ideal for parties, and the lid means you can make cocktails ahead of time and set them out with the confidence that nothing unwanted will fall (or fly) in. The stainless-steel lid has a strainer, but if you want some fruit in your glass, you can remove it when it’s time to serve the sangria. It’s made from borosilicate glass, which means it’s less breakable than regular glass.
Specs:
- Material: Glass
- Weight: 1.4 pounds
- Capacity: 100 ounces
Pros:
- Can also hold hot liquids
- Affordable
- Includes lid
Cons:
- Handwash recommended
- Lid is not airtight
What Others Are Saying
The Karafu Pitcher with Lid has a star rating of 4.5 out of 5 from over 3,600 reviews on Amazon.
Buy the Karafu 100 Oz Pitcher with Lid:
Best Glass Set: Libbey Acapulco Glass Pitcher Set
The set of two sturdy pitchers is best for serving a bigger crowd, and it also allows you to offer two different styles of sangria (like Sommer’s favorite red sangria or her sparkling white sangria, for example) or another beverage option. They’re also great if you prefer a colorless, clear look. The round body of each pitcher is a nice shape for showing off the fruit slices in your mixed drink, while a pinched mouth makes it easier to pour. The pitchers are also made in Mexico by the leading glassware maker, Libbey.
Specs:
- Material: Glass
- Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.9 x 8.7 inches each
- Capacity: 89 ounces each
Pros:
- Clear glass can match any table setting
- Good value
- Good for parties
Cons:
- Handwash only
Buy the Libbey Acapulco Glass Pitcher Set:
Best Infuser: Grosche RIO Sangria Pitcher & Water Infuser Carafe
Some people prefer their sangria without the added fruit in their glass. If that’s you, this pitcher’s unique lid is designed to hold back any berries and slices as you pour, and then gently closes on its own using gravity when you set it back down. You can also use this pitcher to infuse water with citrus or herbs, or to make fresh iced tea.
Each pitcher is hand-blown by glass artisans, so each item is a little unique. We also like that a portion of every Grosche product sold is donated to The Safe Water Project, a nonprofit that brings clean drinking water to communities in need.
Specs:
- Material: Glass
- Weight: 2.6 pounds
- Capacity: 34 ounces
Pros:
- Dishwasher safe
- Lid included
- Slim design fits in many refrigerator doors
Cons:
- Smaller capacity
- Not recommended for hot beverages
Buy the Grosche RIO Sangria Pitcher & Water Infuser Carafe:
Best Design: Mud Pie Sangria Glass Pitcher
For a charming reminder of how to mix sangria, this colorful pitcher from Mud Pie has an illustrated recipe printed right on the side. Plus, it comes with a spoon to help you stir it all up and scoop fruit, stamped with the reminder that “sangria is calling, and I must go.”
At 67 ounces, it’s a medium-capacity pitcher that’s perfect for small gatherings, but you may need to make refills if you’re hosting a bigger party. The unique design also makes the pitcher a bit less versatile overall (guests might be a bit disappointed to be served ice water from this one!).
Specs:
- Material: Glass
- Weight: 4.2 pounds
- Capacity: 67 ounces
Pros:
- Unique design
- Spoon included
- Wide mouth makes mixing easy
Cons:
- Handwash only
- Expensive
- Less versatile
Buy the Mud Pie Sangria Glass Pitcher:
Other Sangria Pitchers We Recommend
Prodyne Big Fruit Infusion Pitcher
A plastic pitcher may give you peace of mind if you’re entertaining around the pool or worried about a particularly rowdy crowd. Although it lacks the decorative elements of some others, this plastic option features an infuser for those who don’t want fruit in their cup. However, you can also easily make sangria without the infuser if you prefer the booze-soaked fruit. The Prodyne Big Fruit Infusion Pitcher is available at Target for $34.89.
Colorful Flor Ceramic Sangria Pitcher
Sommer recommends a clear pitcher for sangria, but if a ceramic vessel is more your style, this one is designed with sangria in mind. It’s handpainted with a floral design and the word “sangria.” Made from traditional pottery from Spain, the mouth’s shape helps keep bigger chunks of fruit in. The Flor Ceramic Sangria Pitcher is available at Amazon for $59.95.
Threshold Glass Tall Pitcher with Handle
If you’re on a budget, it’s hard to beat this simple glass pitcher. It has a generous capacity of 90 ounces and a sleek, tall profile. It’s versatile and perfect for serving any iced drink. Just keep in mind that it’s handwash only, and can only be used for cold drinks (hot liquids can cause it to crack). The Threshold Glass Tall Pitcher with Handle is available from Target for $13.
This handmade set of four from Pottery Barn makes a great housewarming gift! Each dish is a little unique (and the items are sold separately so they add up), but are all dishwasher and microwave-safe. Options include a highball glass set, stemless wine glasses, double old-fashioned glasses, and a 2.5-quart sangria pitcher. The Baja Recycled Glassware Set (pitcher and 4 glasses) is available at Pottery Barn for $118.
Why You Can Trust Us
Sommer Collier is a professional recipe developer, food stylist, and food writer. She loves to travel and help home cooks learn how to make global fare. Sommer has perfected a number of her own sangria recipes for A Spicy Perspective. The red wine sangria recipe is her personal favorite, but her rosé sangria, which has a light, tangy finish, is the fan favorite among readers.
Margaret Badore is a journalist who wants to help readers find the best products to avoid wasting time and money. She has written about food and drinks for a wide range of publications, including Civil Eats and Tales of the Cocktail. She loves eating boozy fruit from a cold glass of sangria on a hot day.
To make this list, we leveraged our personal experience making and drinking cocktails and deeply researched the market to pick the best sangria pitchers. We factored in different sizes, material types, ease of cleaning, price, customer satisfaction, and design elements to determine the best sangria pitchers currently available.
What to Know About Sangria Pitchers
What to Consider Before Buying a Sangria Pitcher
Before buying a new sangria pitcher, know that you can make and serve sangria in just about any large pitcher or punch bowl, so a dedicated sangria pitcher isn’t necessary. However, if you make this drink often and want to find the perfect vessel to add an aesthetic appeal, a few things can make hosting guests easier.
Material:
Traditionally, sangria is served in a glass or glazed ceramic pitcher. For the iconic sangria experience, consider getting a handmade glass pitcher with a colorful rim and matching glasses. This style of glassware is famously made in Puebla, Mexico, where the tradition of glass blowing goes back over 500 years.
A pinched spout can help hold fruit and ice back in the pitcher, although most people enjoy sangria with fruit in their glass. Sommer recommends looking for a large pitcher made from sturdy glass that’s not too delicate, in any pretty shape that appeals to you.
“Sangria pitchers should be clear glass so you can see all the fruit floating in the mix,” she says.
Of course, you can also find pitchers made from metal and plastic, which have the advantage of being less breakable. Ceramic pitchers are another classic option that can add a decorative element. Any of these materials will work just fine, but glass or ceramic are less likely than plastic or metal to transfer any traces of flavor to your drinks.
Size:
There are a range of different sizes of pitchers on the market, so consider how many people you’re planning to serve. A smaller 1-liter pitcher could work well for couples, but you’ll want a bigger option (Sommer suggests 2 liters or larger) if you plan to make sangria for your next party. Keep in mind that handmade glassware may not have exact capacity measurements.
Accessories:
A lid can be helpful when storing sangria in the fridge overnight, but if the pitcher you like doesn’t have one, you can always cover it with plastic wrap or a reusable bowl cover.
Some pitchers have built-in strainers or infusers, which keep fruit from getting in the cup. These can make clean-up easier by containing all fruit in one place, but most people enjoy eating the wine-saturated fruit right from their glass, so these additional features are just a matter of preference and aren’t a must-have.
Matching glasses can help elevate the drink’s presentation, but you can also pull the look together with a practical wooden serving tray or, if you’re worried about spills, a clear acrylic tray that makes cleanup simple.
“Matching glasses are a nice feature,” says Sommer, “but they’re not necessary.”
How to Clean a Sangria Pitcher
Nearly all sangria pitchers should be washed by hand with warm water and dish soap. You can use a bottle brush if you have trouble reaching the bottom with a sponge.
A few manufacturers do make pitchers that are dishwasher safe (like our top pick), but if you’re not sure, it’s better to err on the side of caution and clean it by hand.
What is Sangria?
Sangria is a wine-based drink that’s infused with fruit and served cold. There are many variations and recipes, but typically fruits such as oranges, apples, grapes, and strawberries are steeped in red wine (Sommer recommends soaking the fruit for at least an hour before serving sangria to guests).
Many recipes may call for club soda or a citrus-forward soda like Sprite, and some also include fruit juice or a sweet liqueur (or both!). Some of the fruit is typically served in a glass, along with the cocktail and ice.
Can You Make Sangria in a Plastic Pitcher?
Yes, you can absolutely make sangria in a plastic pitcher if that’s what you have on hand or if you’re worried about glass breaking. We still recommend using a clear plastic pitcher to see the fruit.
How Many Glasses Are in a Pitcher of Sangria?
A pitcher that’s 1 liter or 34 ounces will hold about 4 glasses worth of beverage. A 3-liter or 100-ounce pitcher will hold enough for about 12 glasses.
What Type of Glass Should You Serve Sangria In?
The best way to serve sangria is in a wine glass or a glass with a stem. This will keep the warmth of your hand from touching the glass too much and melting the ice!
What is the Best Wine to Use for Sangria?
“Spanish wines like tempranillo and Rioja are traditional and offer the most authentic flavor, but any fruit-forward wine will work,” says Sommer. “For white sangria, you can try a sweet white wine like moscato or riesling.” However, similar to the best sangria pitchers, the best wine to use for this beverage is often a matter of personal preference.
The Best Sangria and Other Pitcher-Perfect Cocktail Recipes
A good pitcher can be used for all kinds of delightful drinks. Here’s some recipe inspiration for showing off your sangria pitcher:
- Rose Sangria
- Sparkling White Sangria
- Red Sangria
- Spicy Michelada
- The Best Margarita
- Frozen Strawberry Margarita
Prices were accurate at the time of publication.
I was looking for a new sangria pitcher and this is so helpful! Thank you so much for sharing!
These pitchers are definitely a must try! They make drink more beautiful and refreshing!
I need a new one right now but I had no idea where to start looking, this really helped give me some ideas and narrow down my list.