Sipping on a refreshing sangria is one of the delightful ways to enjoy a summer day. While the classic red sangria is well-known and loved, there’s a lighter and equally enticing alternative to traditional sangria that deserves a spotlight: the Sangria Blanca. Also referred to as white sangria, this simple recipe combines the crispness of white wine with the vibrant flavors of fresh fruit, making it the ideal drink for those seeking a lighter and fruit-forward libation in the summer months. In this blog post, we’ll explore the delightful world of Sangria Blanca and share an easy recipe that will have you craving for more.
What is Sangria
Sangria, sangria! The mere mention of this word conjures up images of sunny patios on a hot summer day, laughter-filled gatherings, and the clinking of glasses. Originating in Spain, Red Wine Sangria is a delightful blend of wine, fruits, and a touch of sweetness. Traditionally, red wine is used as the base for Sangria, but its versatility allows for endless variations, including the Sangria Blanca.
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.
Why You’ll Love This White Wine Sangria
Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue in July or enjoying a lazy afternoon on the porch in April, the Sangria Blanca is a versatile and easy-to-make cocktail that will impress your guests and leave them longing for more. With just a handful of ingredients, a few minutes of preparation, and a large pitcher filled with creativity, you can elevate your summer experience with this perfect cocktail.
Looking for More Summer Cocktails? Try These:
Can I Make Sangria in Advance?
Yes, you can definitely make sangria in advance. In fact, making sangria ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more flavorful and well-balanced drink. This is another reason why this easy white sangria are the perfect drink to serve at a backyard BBQ or a summer party!
Ingredients for Sangria Blanca (White Sangria)
- 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, frozen raspberries will work too!
Optional Additions: Add 1/4 cup of orange liqueur like Grand Marnier or Triple Sec. You can even add Peach Schnapps or Apricot Brandy too!
How to Make Sangria
Step 1
Now, let’s gather the remaining ingredients to create our tantalizing Sangria Blanca. Start by selecting an assortment of fresh fruits. For this recipe, we are using some raspberries and some lemon slices. But feel free to use your favorite fruits like peaches, strawberries, and any other citrus fruits will work wonderfully in this recipe. These fruits add a burst of color, aroma, and a touch of natural sweetness to your Sangria Blanca. Be sure to slice the fruits into bite-sized pieces, allowing them to infuse their flavors into the wine.
Step 2
To bring it all together, you’ll need a pitcher to mix and serve your Sangria Blanca. A clear glass pitcher not only allows the vibrant colors of the fruit to shine through but also adds an aesthetic touch to your summer soirée. Fill the pitcher with the sliced fruits, pour in the white wine, and add a hint of sweetness with some simple syrup if desired. Give it a gentle stir, allowing the flavors to mingle, and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This time will allow the fruits to infuse their essence into the wine, resulting in a harmonious blend of flavors.
Step 3
Now that you’ve patiently waited, it’s time to enjoy your refreshing creation. Pour the chilled Sangria Blanca into glasses filled with ice, ensuring each glass is garnished with a generous amount of fruit
Can I Add Sweetener to Sangria?
To enhance the sweetness, a touch of sugar or a sweetener of your choice (like maple syrup) can be added to balance the flavors of this wine cocktail. However, keep in mind that the sweetness of the fruits and wine might already be sufficient for your taste buds. Feel free to adjust accordingly.
How to Serve White Sangria
Serving white sangria is a delightful experience that adds a touch of elegance and sophistication to any gathering. Here are a few tips on how to serve white sangria to impress your guests:
- Chill the Sangria: White sangria is best served chilled, as it enhances the refreshing and crisp flavors. Ensure that your sangria is properly chilled before serving. You can refrigerate it for a few hours or add ice cubes to the pitcher just before serving.
- Choose the Right Glassware: Selecting the right glassware can elevate the visual appeal of your white sangria. Opt for large wine glasses or stemmed goblets to showcase the vibrant colors of the drink and allow room for the fruit garnish.
- Fruit Garnish: White sangria is known for its abundant fruit garnish. When serving, make sure to scoop out a generous portion of fruit from the pitcher and add it to each glass. Not only does this enhance the presentation, but it also allows your guests to enjoy the infused fruit flavors with every sip.
- Ice or No Ice: The addition of ice cubes to white sangria is a matter of personal preference. If you prefer a more chilled and diluted drink, feel free to add a few ice cubes to each glass. However, if you don’t want to dilute the flavors, you can skip the ice and rely on the chilled sangria itself.
- Add a Decorative Touch: To make your white sangria presentation more visually appealing, consider adding a decorative touch. You can garnish the glasses of sangria with a sprig of fresh mint, a twist of citrus peel, or even a small edible flower. This adds an extra element of beauty to the drink.
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.
Remember to adjust the sweetness by adding a sweetener like simple syrup or honey if desired. Play around with the proportions to suit your taste preferences. Chill the sangria well and serve over ice to keep it cool and refreshing.
What to Serve with White Sangria
This easy White Wine Sangria recipe pairs well with a variety of light and refreshing bites. Consider serving some appetizers or snacks that complement the flavors of the sangria, such as cheese and fruit platters, bruschetta, or fresh seafood. This enhances the overall experience and creates a harmonious combination of flavours.
Here are a few favourites to serve with White Wine Sangria
- Tomato Basil Bruschetta on Ricotta
- Lentil Burgers
- Green Onion Dip
- Hummus and Cucumber Bites
- Prosciutto Wrapped Cantaloupe
- Pulled Pork Sliders
- Chicken Empanadas
- Sweet and Sour Meatballs
Final Thoughts
So, the next time you find yourself craving a thirst-quenching and vibrant beverage, grab your favorite white wine, and an array of fresh fruits. Let your imagination run wild. Experiment with different combinations, try adding herbs like mint or basil for an extra twist, and raise a glass to the beauty of Sangria Blanca. Cheers to good food, good drinks, and the joy of summer!
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.