Frida Kahlo-Inspired Sangria Recipe for Parties

This tequila sangria recipe draws inspiration from Frida Kahlo and the fruits often found in her still life paintings — pineapple, melons, and oranges — blended with a Spanish red wine and a splash of tequila. It’s an easy, versatile sangria ideal for entertaining and can be adapted with your favorite seasonal fruits and wine.

This Frida-inspired sangria combines Spanish red wine, orange liqueur, fresh orange juice, and a mix of fruit: pineapple, honeydew, watermelon, plus sliced oranges and limes. A generous splash of Exotico Reposado tequila adds depth and warmth.

On a recent trip to Mexico City, visiting La Casa Azul — Frida Kahlo’s museum and former home — was unforgettable. The rooms, gardens, personal items, and her paintings felt like stepping into her world. Frida often painted fruit from her garden or the local market, arranging them on a bedside table. Her famous watermelons and other still lifes provided the visual inspiration for this sangria.

If you prefer a lighter, fizzy drink, top each glass with sparkling water, ginger ale, or a light soda just before serving to mellow the strength of the tequila and wine.

What is Sangria?

Sangria is a refreshing punch made from red wine and chopped fruit, often with additional spirits or flavorings. It’s a convivial beverage meant to be shared.

Customize with seasonal fruit

This recipe highlights fruits featured in Frida’s still lifes — pineapple and melons — but you can substitute any in-season fruit for variety and sweetness. Good alternatives include:

• Apples
• Pears
• Mangoes
• Papaya

Best wine for red sangria

Garnacha (Grenache) or Tempranillo are excellent choices for authentic Spanish sangria. Pick an affordable bottle (under $20) that you enjoy drinking on its own — wine is the base, so it should taste good by itself.

Mexican twist: tequila instead of brandy

This version uses tequila in place of the more traditional brandy for a Mexican spin on classic sangria. Reposado tequila works especially well because of its mellow flavors — hints of vanilla, caramel, and spice — which complement the fruit and red wine.

One of Frida Kahlo’s humorous quotes about tequila captures the spirit of this drink: “Doctor, if you let me drink this tequila, I promise I won’t drink at my funeral.” This sangria celebrates that bold, joyful energy.

How to make sangria

1. Add chopped watermelon, honeydew, pineapple, and orange juice to a large pitcher and stir to combine.
2. Pour in the red wine, tequila, and orange liqueur, then stir again until everything is well mixed.
3. Refrigerate the sangria for 1 to 4 hours, or overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Serve over ice and, if desired, top each glass with sparkling water or a light soda for a fizzy finish.

For best results, let the sangria sit at least one hour so the fruit infuses the liquid. If you’d like a sweeter or lighter finish, add a splash of soda when serving.

Frida Sangria (Recipe details)

Photography by Jenna Sparks.

This post is in partnership with Exotico. Thank you for supporting the brands I partner with — collaborations make it possible to create more unique recipes and content. All opinions are my own.