Let’s take your happy hour to new heights with my unforgettable Strawberry Sangria. Imagine a pitcher glistening with jewel-like strawberries, zesty citrus slices, and a refreshing splash of sparkling soda. Every sip tastes like summer itself: fresh, fruity, and just the right balance of sweet and tangy. Whether you’re planning a backyard brunch, a poolside party, or a simple evening unwind, this sangria guarantees smiles all around. With bright flavors and the prettiest presentation, it’s a showstopper you’ll crave all season long.
Ingredients You’ll Need
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For the Sangria:
- 1 bottle dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 1 orange (sliced)
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- 1 1/2 cups club soda or lemon-lime soda (chilled)
For Serving:
- ice
- fresh mint for garnish (optional)
How to Make Strawberry Sangria
Step 1: Mix the Base
Start by grabbing your largest, prettiest pitcher and pouring in the dry white wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and simple syrup. Give it all a gentle stir to blend the spirits and syrup—this forms the flavor-packed foundation of your Strawberry Sangria.
Step 2: Add the Fresh Fruit
Now for the fun part: add your sliced strawberries, orange rounds, and lemon slices right into the pitcher. As soon as the fruit hits that liquid, you’ll start seeing those gorgeous colors swirl together. The fruit does more than look pretty: it infuses every glass with bursts of natural flavor.
Step 3: Chill and Infuse
Once all your layers are in, cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This step is key! The chilling time lets all those bright flavors mingle and the fruit to soak up that sweet, tangy wine mixture, turning it into true liquid gold.
Step 4: Top with Bubbles
Right before serving, stir in the chilled club soda or lemon-lime soda for that irresistibly refreshing fizz. It lightens up the sangria and makes each sip sparkle—don’t skip this final flourish!
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Fill up glasses with ice, pour in the vibrant sangria, and make sure every serving gets some fruit pieces for nibbling. Garnish with extra strawberry slices, citrus, or a sprig of fresh mint if you’re in the mood for something gorgeous. Cheers!
How to Serve Strawberry Sangria
Garnishes
When it comes to serving Strawberry Sangria, a handful of eye-catching garnishes can make every glass sing. Extra strawberry slices, a cheerful citrus wheel, or a sprig of fresh mint add color and a burst of aroma right at the rim. If you want to get playful, try a skewer of mixed fruit perched on each glass—it turns happy hour into a mini celebration.
Side Dishes
Pair your sangria with tapas-style fare for the ultimate Spanish-inspired experience. Light bites like manchego cheese, marinated olives, roasted almonds, or crostini with herbed goat cheese all taste amazing with the bright, fruity flavor of this sangria. You can’t go wrong with fresh summer salads or simple grilled seafood on the side, either.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your party up a notch by serving Strawberry Sangria in a stunning glass pitcher or a drink dispenser with a spigot—watch everyone come back for seconds. For a fun twist, try individual mason jars or stemless wine glasses with fruit at the bottom. Add festive paper straws or edible flower petals for a splash of whimsy and lots of compliments.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Strawberry Sangria left (lucky you!), just store it right in the pitcher, covered, in the fridge. The flavors keep getting better as the fruit continues to marinate, but try to enjoy it within 24-36 hours for the freshest taste and best texture.
Freezing
To make sangria slushies, pour leftovers into ice cube trays, freeze, then blend them up when you’re ready for a chilly treat. Just keep in mind that freezing will soften the fruit, so it’s best to remove the citrus slices before freezing for the best consistency.
Reheating
Sangria is always enjoyed cold, so no reheating is required. If your batch has been sitting out for a while, pop it back in the fridge or add some fresh ice before serving to maintain that refreshing chill.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Drinks
Absolutely! While dry white wine gives the cleanest flavor, you can easily swap in rosé for a blush-pink twist or even a fruity red for something richer. The key is to choose a wine you actually enjoy sipping on its own.
Is it possible to make Strawberry Sangria alcohol-free?
Yes, you can definitely make a delicious mocktail version. Just substitute non-alcoholic white wine or sparkling grape juice for the wine, and skip the brandy and orange liqueur. Add a splash more soda and a little extra citrus for brightness.
How far in advance can I make Strawberry Sangria?
You can prep your Strawberry Sangria up to a day ahead, storing it in the fridge before adding the club soda or lemon-lime soda. Just wait to add the bubbles until you’re ready to serve for the freshest fizz.
What’s the best way to adjust the sweetness?
It’s easy to tailor the sweetness to your liking: use more or less simple syrup, and choose between club soda (for less sweet) or lemon-lime soda (for a sweeter, fruitier experience). Taste as you go, and make it yours!
Can I add other fruits to this sangria?
Definitely! Stone fruits like peaches or nectarines, raspberries, blueberries, or even a handful of pineapple chunks are all fabulous additions. Mix and match with what’s freshest or what you love most for a signature sangria every time.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a pitcher drink that brings a spark of joy to any occasion, you simply can’t beat this Strawberry Sangria. It’s vibrant, easy to make, and utterly crowd-pleasing—one sip, and you’ll see why I reach for this recipe again and again. Gather your friends, pour yourself a glass, and savor every sun-kissed sip!
Print
Strawberry Sangria Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Drinks
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Spanish-Inspired
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Description
Enjoy a refreshing and fruity twist on classic sangria with this Strawberry Sangria recipe. Made with white wine, brandy, and fresh strawberries, this Spanish-inspired drink is perfect for summer gatherings and parties.
Ingredients
For the Sangria:
- 1 bottle dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
- 1/4 cup simple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries (hulled and sliced)
- 1 orange (sliced)
- 1 lemon (sliced)
- 1 1/2 cups club soda or lemon-lime soda (chilled)
For Serving:
- ice
- fresh mint for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and simple syrup.
- Just before serving, stir in the chilled club soda or lemon-lime soda.
Add the sliced strawberries, orange, and lemon. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
Serve over ice in glasses, garnished with extra fruit and mint if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute rosé for white wine for a pink twist.
- For a less sweet version, omit the simple syrup and use club soda instead of soda pop.
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