Last Updated on March 28, 2024
While sangria may be seen as a quintessential summer drink, in Florida, it’s always a good time for a refreshing and fruity glass of sangria.
Sangria is an alcoholic beverage originating in Spain and Portugal. Florida’s sangria often reflects the state’s vibrant and diverse culture, incorporating a mix of traditional Spanish elements and local Floridian flair.
Best Sangrias in Florida
We have compiled a list of our 7 favorite glasses of sangria + additional places recommended by our readers and social media followers throughout Florida.
NOTE: These are in no particular order. We focused on the best in each region of Florida … and our regions bounce around the Sunshine State.
Cactus Flower Cafe – Pensacola, Navarre, Pace
The owners of the original Cactus Flower Cafe in Pensacola first owned a neighborhood video store before opening their restaurant.
They pride themselves on their food. It’s made with love, in a healthier way, and all from scratch every day.
Make sure to order a glass of their delicious sangria, which is freshly made, sweet, fruity, and refreshing. They also have daily specials.
Don’t miss their Chicken Tortilla Soup! We’ve experienced nothing, but stellar service and great food.
Cactus Flower Cafe Addresses:
- Pensacola Location: 3425 N 12th Ave, Pensacola, FL 32503
- Navarre Location: 8725 Ortega Park Drive, Navarre, FL 32566
- Pace Location: 4865 US Highway 90, Pace, Florida 32571
While you’re in the area, don’t miss some of our favorite things to do around Pensacola: Experience Authentic Pensacola (& Pensacola Beach).
Columbia Restaurants – Ybor City, Sarasota, St. Augustine, Clearwater, and Celebration
While you’re visiting Ybor City, make sure to stop by the original Columbia Restaurant for an authentic dinner and sangria in Florida’s Oldest Restaurant.
Columbia was first founded by Casimiro Hernandez Sr in 1905 and began as a small 60-seat cafe that served Cuban Coffee and Sandwiches for the local cigar workers.
To this day, the restaurant is still in the same family and is currently in its 5th generation.
This is our go-to place for sensational sangria, sandwiches and salads (i.e., Cuban Sandwich and the 1905 salad).
If you aren’t in Ybor City, they also have locations in St. Augustine, Sarasota, Clearwater Beach, and Celebration.
Columbia Restaurant Locations:
- Celebration – 649 Front St, Celebration, FL 34747
- Ybor City – 2117 E 7th Ave, Tampa, FL 33605
- Sarasota – 411 St Armands Cir, Sarasota, FL 34236
- St. Augustine – 98 St George St, St. Augustine, FL 32084
- Clearwater – 1241 Gulf Blvd, Clearwater, FL 33767
While in the Tampa area, check out some of our favorite things to do: Our Top 10 Authentic Things to Do in Tampa, Florida.
El Siboney Restaurant – Key West
El Siboney is a family-friendly Cuban restaurant in Old Town Key West that offers the best in authentic Cuban dishes at budget-conscious prices.
Their patrons come back time and time again to order their favorite dishes and delicious sangria.
They are located off the beaten path at the corner of Catherine Street and Margaret Street in Key West.
The customers consist of primarily local residents and visiting customers in the know.
El Siboney Restaurant Address: 900 Catherine St, Key West, FL 33040
Check out some of our favorite things to do in Key West: Enjoy a Fun-Filled Weekend In Authentic Key West.
Florida Cracker Tap Room – Brooksville
Located in Brooksville, The Florida Cracker Taproom is next door to the Florida Cracker Kitchen.
Owned by brothers Blair and Ethan Hensley, they’re known for serving up the classics like Brooksville blueberry pancakes, the Cracker omelet, smoked mullet dip, and Okeechobee gumbo. Yum!
Their sangria is authentically Florida. It’s garnished with local raw honey and a Turbinado sugar rim. It’s delicious!
In case you didn’t know, Brooksville is part of “Florida’s Adventure Coast” along with Weeki Wachee and their famous mermaid.
Florida Cracker Tap Room Address: 962 E Jefferson St, Brooksville, FL 34601
Read this article before venturing out: Exploring Florida’s Adventure Coast, Brooksville – Weeki Wachee.
LaLa’s Sangria Bar – Tampa
As the name suggests, LaLa’s Sangria Bar in Tampa, serves up delicious sangria, as well as salads, tapas, and flatbreads.
With a name like “Sangria Bar”, you know that the sangrias better be fantastic. In the case of LaLa’s, they are!
LaLa’s has 6 sangria flavors to choose from including:
- Tropical Paradise
- Strawberry Basil Lemonade
- Peach Mango
- Blueberry Lemon Thyme
- Orange Hibiscus
- House Red
LaLa’s Sangria Bar Address: 203 N. Meridian Ave, Tampa, FL 33602
While in the Tampa area, check out a few of our favorite things to do: Our Top 10 Authentic Things to Do in Tampa, Florida.
Patio Tapas and Beer – Boca Raton and Coral Springs
While in the Boca Raton area, grab a glass of sangria at Patio Tapas & Beer.
Owner and chef Bryant Fajardo was a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu in Los Angeles. He learned about the restaurant industry from some of the best chefs around.
Patio incorporates sangria into their cocktails including the Pick Me Up (sangria and red bull) and Sparkling Sangria (sangria and cava).
If you prefer just a glass of plain sangria, try their homemade house red. It’s delicious!
Happy Hour is Tuesday to Friday from 3:00 pm – 7:00 pm with great Drink and Tapas specials.
Patio Tapas & Beer Addresses:
- Boca Raton Address: 205 SE 1st Ave., Boca Raton, FL 33432
- Coral Springs Address: 9651 Westview Dr, Coral Springs, Florida 33076
Seafood Seller and Cafe – Crystal River
Seafood Seller & Cafe in Crystal River is known for its amazing Cajun food and fresh seafood fresh off the boat.
The owners pride themselves on the quality of every meal that is served.
They are known throughout the community as a happy and hard-working family.
Pair their fresh seafood with a glass of homemade house sangria and you’ll understand their customers’ loyalty.
Seafood Seller & Cafe Address: 300 SE US Hwy 19, Crystal River, FL 34429
Don’t miss some of our favorite things to do in Crystal River: Discover New Adventures in the Manatee Capital of the World.
Sangria Spots Recommended by Authentic Florida Readers and Social Media Followers
- Table 23 – 1215 Thomasville Rd, Tallahassee, FL 32303
- Schooners – 5121 Gulf Dr, Panama City Beach, FL 32408
- The Top – 30 N Main St, Gainesville, FL 32601
- Rumba Cuban Cafe – 1265 Airport Pulling Rd, S Naples, FL 34104
- Bolivar Restaurant, Bar, and Lounge – 841 Washington Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139
- Luso Grille – 10511 SW Village Center Dr, Port St. Lucie, FL 34987
- Spanish River Grill – 1518 S Dixie Fwy, New Smyrna Beach, FL 32168
- Jaleo by José Andrés at Disney Springs – 1482 E Buena Vista Dr, Orlando, FL 32830
If we missed your favorite establishment great sangria, let us know in the comments below.
Typical Florida Sangria
- Base Wine: A light and fruity white or rosé wine is commonly used, reflecting the warm climate of Florida. These wines provide a refreshing and less heavy base compared to the traditional reds.
- Citrus Fruits: Given Florida’s fame for citrus, oranges, lemons, and limes are essential. These fruits not only add a tangy zest but also pay homage to the state’s rich citrus industry.
- Tropical Fruits: To bring in a tropical twist, ingredients like mango, pineapple, and passion fruit are often added. These fruits give the sangria a sweet, lush flavor that’s reminiscent of Florida’s tropical climate.
- Berries: Strawberries and blueberries, which are also grown in Florida, might be included for a burst of color and sweetness.
- Sweeteners and Spirits: Local honey or cane sugar can be used to sweeten the mix. A splash of a Florida-made rum or orange liqueur can be added for an extra kick, aligning with the state’s penchant for spirits.
- Herbs and Spices: Fresh mint or a hint of cinnamon can be included to add depth and complexity to the flavor profile.
- Presentation: Served chilled, often in a large, clear pitcher or bowl to showcase the colorful fruit mix. It’s not uncommon to see sangria served in mason jars or glasses garnished with a slice of orange or a sprig of mint for a quintessentially Floridian touch.
This blend of local fruits, sweeteners, and spirits, served in a laid-back yet elegant manner, embodies the essence of Florida in a liquid form.
Best Ready To Drink Sangria Recommendations
- Jose Cuervo Red Sangria
- Lolailo Sangria
- Carlo Rossi Sangria
- Sol de Espana Sangria
- Franzia Fruity Red Sangria
- Mija Red Sangria
Looking for an Easy Sangria Recipe?
If you want to make your own sangria, try the recipe below.
Check out some of our other Authentic Florida articles:
Hi! Just want to leave a memory from yesteryear about a great Miami restaurant with great sangria: The original La Tasca, which was located on Flagler Street and 27th Avenue. Great gatherings with my family and friends.
Hi Sylvia! Thanks for sharing this with us. We love to hear fond memories of yesteryear. Wishing you all the best in 2024. Melanie