Looking for the perfect summer cocktail? This white wine sangria recipe is fresh, fruity, and irresistibly easy to make. Combine crisp white wine, raspberry vodka, lemon slices, and juicy berries in one pitcher, and you’ve got the ultimate backyard BBQ or patio party drink. Chill, top with club soda, and enjoy sunshine in a glass.
Table of Contents
- Why I Love This White Wine Sangria
- Which White Wine to Choose for Sangria
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Substitutions & Variations
- How to Make White Wine Sangria
- How to Store and Make Ahead
- Other Easy Summer Cocktails to Try
- More Easy White Wine Sangria Variations
- Final Thoughts
Summer has officially arrived, and we’ve been busy getting our backyard garden and entertaining spaces ready. From cleaning the grill to refreshing the outdoor table setting, it’s that wonderful time of year when everything feels a little more joyful—and a little more delicious.
As a recipe developer and someone who thrives in the art of easy entertaining, I’ve been working on a series of 5-minute summer recipes to share soon on Instagram—think sauces for burgers, fresh dressings, and refreshing cocktails like this sangria. Stay tuned!
Why I Love This White Wine Sangria
I’ve always adored sangria for its versatility. It’s a choose-your-own-adventure kind of cocktail that can be adapted to whatever fruit or spirits you have on hand. This white sangria is especially perfect for summer: light, citrusy, not too sweet, and stunning in a glass.
It’s ideal for brunch, dinner parties, or even a quiet night on the porch. And it’s as simple as “slice, pour, chill, serve.”
Which White Wine to Choose for Sangria
The star of the Sangria Blanca show is, of course, white wine. Opt for a dry white wine with a crisp and fruity profile, such as Sauvignon Blanc, Grenache Blanc or Pinot Grigio, as the foundation of your Sangria Blanca. A crisp white wine should always do the trick for this recipe.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This sangria blanca (or white sangria) comes together with just a few simple ingredients:
- 1 bottle of white wine – I love using a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
- 1/2 cup Raspberry Vodka – or use plain vodka if that’s what you have.
- 1 1/2 cups club soda or sparkling water – adds fizz and balance.
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced – for a zesty citrus flavor.
- 1 cup fresh raspberries – or frozen in a pinch.
Optional additions
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Triple Sec
- Peach Schnapps or Apricot Brandy for a summery twist
Tip: The vodka gives this sangria a little extra punch, but if you want to keep it light, you can reduce the amount or omit it entirely.
Substitutions & Variations
- Make it sweeter: Add a splash of simple syrup or honey if you prefer a sweeter sangria.
- Use different fruit: Sliced oranges, strawberries, apples, or peaches all work beautifully.
- Try different wine: Moscato for a sweeter version, or a dry Rosé for a fun twist.
- Turn it into sangria popsicles! Freeze leftovers in molds for a grown-up frozen treat.
How to Make White Wine Sangria
- Slice & mix: Slice the lemon and add it to a large pitcher along with the raspberries.
- Pour & chill: Add the bottle of white wine and the vodka (plus any optional liqueur). Chill for at least 30 minutes, though 2–4 hours is even better to let the flavors infuse.
- Top & serve: Just before serving, pour in the club soda or sparkling water. Serve over ice and garnish with extra lemon or berries if desired.
Expert Tips for the Best White Sangria
Use cold ingredients. Starting with chilled wine and fruit helps keep everything crisp.
Don’t skip the chill time. Even 30 minutes helps meld the flavors—overnight is even better.
Use a clear pitcher. This sangria is beautiful—let the fruit and color shine!
Serve over ice. Especially important if the sangria hasn’t been chilling long.
How to Store and Make Ahead
Can I make white wine sangria ahead of time?
Yes! Make it up to 24 hours in advance (excluding the soda water) and store in the fridge. Add club soda just before serving for the freshest fizz.
How long does sangria last?
It’s best consumed within 2 days. The fruit will begin to break down after that, but the flavor remains great.
Other Easy Summer Cocktails to Try
More Easy White Wine Sangria Variations
Looking for another favorite white wine sangria recipe? Try these! Explore the fusion of flavors using different fruit juice and fresh citrus.
- Classic Citrus Bliss: Combine white wine, ginger ale, and a splash of orange juice. Add slices of oranges and ripe peaches for a burst of sunny flavors. Serve over ice and enjoy the vibrant citrus notes. This one is perfect for summer gatherings.
- Fizzy Lemon Delight: Mix white wine with lemon soda or lemon-lime soda for an effervescent twist. Toss in sliced lemons and green apples for a tangy and crisp profile. Chill thoroughly and savor the zesty, sparkling sensation.
- Sparkling Fruit Medley: Blend white wine with sparkling wine for a luxurious touch. Enhance the effervescence with diced fresh peaches, mixed berries, and slices of citrus fruits. Let it chill overnight to fully infuse the flavors and fruity notes. Indulge in a delightful fruit-filled experience then top with bubbly water.
- Peachy Paradise: Muddle ripe peaches with white wine to release their luscious essence. Add a splash of ginger ale for fizz and extra sweetness. Garnish with fresh peach slices and a sprig of mint for an irresistible peachy delight.
- Fruit Symphony: Create a symphony of flavors by combining white wine with a mix of different fruits. Experiment with combinations like strawberries, blueberries, kiwi, and green grapes, along with slices of citrus fruits. Add a splash of lemon-lime soda for a refreshing finish and garnish with additional fruit.
Final Thoughts
This white wine sangria recipe is proof that the best summer entertaining recipes are the simplest. It’s fuss-free, endlessly adaptable, and an absolute crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re hosting friends for dinner or just want something bright to sip on while watching the sunset, I hope this recipe becomes your go-to this season. Here’s to sunny days, summer nights, and raising a glass to the little joys of outdoor living.
Sangria Blanca
Ingredients
- 1 bottle of white wine of your choice
- 1/2 cup of Raspberry Vodka (plain or other flavoured vodka will work)
- 1 1/2 cups of soda water or Club soda
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 cup of fresh raspberries
Instructions
- Slice the lemons and add to a large pitcher long with the fresh raspberries.
- Pour on the full bottle of wine, along with the vodka.
- Allow to sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavours infuse.
- When ready to serve, top with the soda water and garnish if desired.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 6 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 138Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 15mgCarbohydrates: 8gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 1g
Christopher is a food and lifestyle expert, recipe developer and the content creator behind May Eighty Five. With over 6 years of creating recipes for your favourite food brands, he also shares tips, tricks and how to’s that he has learnt over the years. Every week, he shares quick, simple and mostly healthy recipes along with some home and entertaining tips. You will find flavorful cocktails, delicious appetizers, tasty mains and some indulgent desserts.