This summer sangria balances juicy berries, crisp white wine, and plenty of bubbles, so it tastes bright and lively from the first sip. There’s no need to wait (honestly, that’s the best part), making it perfect for impromptu gatherings or a relaxing evening on the patio.
PrintMake-Ahead Summer Sangria [How to Serve a Crowd Easily]
This summer sangria balances juicy berries, crisp white wine, and plenty of bubbles, so it tastes bright and lively from the first sip. There’s no need to wait (honestly, that’s the best part), making it perfect for impromptu gatherings or a relaxing evening on the patio.
Ingredients
- 2 peaches, sliced thin
- 1 cup berries, blueberries, raspberries, or sliced strawberries
- 1 lime, thinly sliced
- 1 bottle crisp white wine, or rosé wine
- 1 cup peach nectar, from concentrate
- ⅓ cup Grand Marnier, or Cointreau
- lemon-lime soda
- fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
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In a pitcher, add all ingredients except for lemon-lime soda. Cover and chill about 1 hour.
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Pour into individual glasses, leaving room for soda and ice. Top off with about 1/4 cup lemon per glass.
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Add ice and garnish with mint leaves. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Use a crisp, dry white wine or rosé to balance the sweetness of the fruit and peach nectar – this keeps the sangria light and refreshing.
- Chill the sangria for at least 1 hour before serving, but no need to wait overnight. This recipe is meant to be quick and easy with great flavor from the start.
- Add the lemon-lime soda just before serving to keep the bubbles lively and the drink extra refreshing.
- Thinly slice your fruit so it infuses quickly and looks beautiful in the pitcher and glasses – presentation matters!
- Garnish each glass with a fresh mint leaf for a pop of color and an added layer of cool, herbal aroma.
Why This Recipe Stands Out
This Summer Sangria always hits the sweet spot—it’s full of juicy fruit, has just the right sparkle, and comes together fast (honestly, I mix it up even when friends drop by unannounced). You can serve it over ice with a few extra berries or citrus slices for a cool, backyard treat everyone remembers. Here’s why I keep it in rotation:
- No Long Chill Time Needed: Unlike traditional sangrias that need hours to develop flavor, this one is ready in about an hour.
- Light, Crisp, and Not Too Sweet: The combo of white wine, peach nectar, and berries makes it super refreshing.
- Easily Customizable: Swap the berries, use rosé, or top it with sparkling water instead of soda.
Substitutions And Variations
Here are some of our favorite substitutions and variations:
- Wine Choices: A crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is light and refreshing, but rosé adds a beautiful blush hue and fruity depth. For a sweeter twist, try Moscato or a lightly sparkling Prosecco.
- Fruit Options: Peaches and berries are summery classics, but feel free to mix in nectarines, mango slices, pineapple chunks, or orange rounds based on what’s ripe and on hand.
- Liqueur Alternatives: Grand Marnier and Cointreau add orange essence and depth, but triple sec, peach schnapps, or even a splash of Chambord can mix things up.
Easy Recipe Instructions
- Use ripe, in-season fruit for best flavor. Thinly slice peaches and lime so they infuse quickly.
- Combine all ingredients except soda in advance so the flavors can meld – chilling for at least 1 hour helps.
- Add soda just before serving to maintain its fizz and freshness.
- Serve over ice and garnish with fresh mint for a refreshing finish.
How To Prep Ahead
Take a look at our best prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:
- Mix It Ahead: Combine the wine, peach nectar, liqueur, and fruit in a pitcher up to 1 day in advance. Cover and chill in the fridge, this lets the flavors mingle and the fruit soak up the sangria goodness.
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