Easy White Sangria Recipe

There’s nothing quite like a refreshing glass of sangria to help you wind down and enjoy the moment. White sangria, in particular, is an excellent option for those hot summer days when you’re craving something cool and light.

White Wine Sangria in pitcher on table

With its fruity flavors and delicious aroma, white sangria is the perfect way to celebrate with friends and family. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting a barbecue in your backyard, white sangria is sure to be a hit at any summer gathering.

Sangria is a traditional Spanish drink consisting of wine, fruit, and spirits. It has become increasingly popular worldwide, with many variations including white sangria. 

Origins of Sangria

The term “sangria” originates from the Spanish word “sangre,” which means blood. Sangria often contains red wine, which gives it a deep red color reminiscent of blood.

However, as the beverage has evolved over time, white wine has become a popular base for creating lighter and more refreshing versions of this classic drink. Sangria originated in southern Spain and Portugal during the Middle Ages when water was often unsafe to drink.

Wine was a safer alternative as the alcohol acted as a disinfectant. Initially, sangria only contained red wine, but over time it evolved to include other ingredients such as brandy, soda, fruit juices, and fresh fruit. 

How Do You Make White Sangria? Any Way You Want

There is no one, true recipe for sangria. If you let fruit infuse wine for a few hours, you’ve got sangria. But which fruit? Which wine?

This recipe includes apricot brandy and Southern Comfort for additional flavor. You can get creative and add whatever you like, as long as all the flavors complement one another.

Choosing the Wine for Traditional White Wine Sangria

A good white sangria starts with a fruity, acidic crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Albariño. These wines not only provide a refreshing taste but also complement the fruit flavors added to the mix.

Choosing the Fruits to Make Sangria

It’s hard to go wrong with choosing fruits that are in season. The main flavors are typically peach, citrus, strawberry and apple, but you can try what you like.

Consider which fruits might tend to take over. For example, blueberries, blackberries, cranberries and even pear have strong flavors that tend to overwhelm the rest of the drink.

Choosing Other Liquors

You can add any liqueur or liquor with fruity notes. It’s best if those notes are subtle, so they don’t overpower the wine’s flavor.

In this version, we recommend apple brandy – Laird or Applejack, preferably – and Southern Comfort. But you can use apricot brandy, peach schnapps, apple schnapps, cinnamon whiskey, etc.  

The possibilities are endless. You may need to road test a few times to find out the exact combination you love. And remember – you can always add an additional spirit or even a soda like ginger ale to glasses after you’ve made the sangria pitcher.

Tips and Tricks for Improving the Flavors of Your White Sangria

White sangria is a refreshing and delicious drink that is perfect for any occasion. The key to making a great white sangria is to balance the flavors so that each ingredient shines through. Here are some tips and tricks to help you perfect it:

Sweeten with simple syrup, honey or agave syrup. Honey and agave are great if you want to avoid refined sugar and add some more flavor.

Plan ahead for infusion time. The ingredients need time to meld together and improve the overall flavor profile of your white sangria recipe; it’s best to let it sit at least three hours before serving time.

If you’d like is bubbly, add sparkling water or a soda like ginger ale or Sprite. Sparkling water adds no sugar while soda does.

The Perfect Food Pairings for Traditional White Sangria

When it comes to enjoying a glass of refreshing white sangria, the food pairing possibilities are endless. While the fruity and sweet flavors of the sangria can stand on their own, pairing with the right foods can elevate your drinking experience to a whole new level. 

Fruit platter: A fruit platter is always an excellent option when it comes to pairing with white sangria, as both the drink and the fruits complement each other perfectly. Use fresh seasonal fruits like strawberries, peaches, oranges and apples.

Charcuterie board: A charcuterie board is another great option that provides a range of flavors and textures that pair well with white sangria. Include meats like prosciutto or salami along with cheeses such as brie or blue cheese to balance out the sweetness of your drink.

Seafood dishes: For those who love seafood, white sangria pairs well with many different dishes like shrimp cocktail or grilled fish. The acidity in the wine complements the seafood while also refreshing your palate between bites.

Tapas style dishes: Lastly, tapas-style dishes like olives, almonds or stuffed peppers work incredibly well when paired with your refreshing white sangria recipe. The small bites keep things light while allowing you to savor each flavor in turn.

Bringing Your White Sangria Recipe to Life with Creative Presentation Ideas

Presentation is key when it comes to impressing your guests with your white sangria recipe. Just the fruit in the glass is enough to make it special, but you can take things a step further if you like.

Fruit Skewers: A great way to dress up your white sangria is to add fruit skewers to each glass. These skewers can be made up of any combination of fresh fruit. Thread the fruit onto a wooden skewer and place it across the top of each glass.

Edible Flowers: Adding edible flowers like lavender or rose petals not only makes your drink look beautiful but also adds a subtle floral flavor to your white sangria.

Serve in Mason Jars: Serving your white sangria in mason jars gives a rustic feel that is perfect for backyard barbecues or casual gatherings. 

Enjoy Your Easy White Sangria

You’re going to love how refreshing and versatile white sangria is. It’s such a great drink that can be enjoyed on any occasion. Experiment with different fruits, spices, and liquors to create your own unique twist on this classic drink. 

White Wine Sangria in pitcher on table

Easy White Wine Sangria Recipe

Yield: 1 pitcher
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

There’s nothing quite like a refreshing glass of sangria to help you wind down and enjoy the moment. White sangria, in particular, is an excellent option for those hot summer days when you’re craving something cool and light.

Ingredients

  • 1 lime, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 peach, sliced
  • 1 cup strawberries, sliced
  • ½ apple, sliced
  • ½ cup apple brandy
  • ¼ cup Southern Comfort or other bourbon
  • 1 bottle of white wine
  • Simple syrup (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a large pitcher, combine the lime slices, lemon slices, peach slices, strawberry slices and apple slices.
  2. Add the apricot brandy, Southern Comfort or bourbon, and white wine to the pitcher.
  3. Stir everything together.
  4. If you prefer a sweeter sangria, add simple syrup to taste.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 3 to 4 hours or overnight.
  6. When ready to serve, take fruit from the pitcher and place it in glasses.
  7. Pour the sangria over the fruit and enjoy!

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Last Updated:

January 16, 2024