Say hello to sunny days with this crisp White Sangria made with a rainbow of fresh fruit and your favorite bottle of white.
The start of spring is still days away in New York; the sun is shining, and the weather is warm. After the holidays, winter feels endlessly depressing, gray, and cold. Once it is finally time to pack our winter accessories, we welcome this refreshing white sangria with wide-open arms, like Julie Andrews in The Sound of Music.
The history of boozy, fruity sangria dates back hundreds of years and begins in Spain and Portugal. The name sangria, comes from the word sangre, which translates to “blood”, representative of the deep red color of the wine used to make traditional red sangria. White sangria (or sangria blanca) is a lighter, more modern variation, made with white wine instead and stirred together with an array of summery fruits.
This recipe for white sangria consists of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, orange liqueur, fruit, and club soda. Strawberries, orange, lemon, and lime slices taste like a summer day and look beautiful when combined with sparkling water or club soda. A pitcher of this will elevate any backyard BBQ, a poolside day with friends, or a spring brunch. It is also ridiculously easy to make and fairly inexpensive.
Is White Sangria Healthy?
While it is perfectly acceptable to enjoy white sangria (responsibly), I will not go as far as to call it healthy. However, you can enjoy a bit more sangria than just straight wine since it is somewhat diluted with club soda and served over ice. With the addition of fresh citrus fruit, we have the benefits of vitamin C and a burst of flavor without sugar or additives.
What Is Orange Liqueur?
Orange liqueur is a sweet spirit made of orange peels or orange oil. One of the most common types of orange liqueur is triple sec, which includes well-known brands such as Cointreau and Grand Marnier. Orange liqueur is used in a number of famous cocktails, such as the Classic Margarita or the Cosmopolitan. The liqueur takes the bite or sting out of the alcohol it’s combined with, and adds sweetness to the beverage.
FAQs & Tips
White sangria is one of the best adult beverages for entertaining because it can be made ahead. Add the fruit, wine, and triple sec and chill your sangria for at least 2 hours (or for up to a day). Add the club soda and pour over ice when you are ready to serve and enjoy.
You can choose whatever your favorite dry white wine is. I prefer something light with hints of fruit, like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
There are recipes that include vodka and other types of liquor, but this white sangria is perfect with just the triple sec. However, if that is your cup of tea… or vodka, go for it! Add a quarter cup for an added buzz without sacrificing the delicate taste of the sangria.
Serving Suggestions
White sangria is a light and refreshing beverage that you can enjoy year-round, but is especially perfect for a spring occasion. The flavors in sangria pair wonderfully with a light dish such as Fish Tacos or Citrus Tuna Ceviche Bowls. The coolness of the sangria is a great palate cleanser, so it also goes well with a bit of spice. I absolutely love this Spicy Ahi Tuna Bowl. Not only are these flavors great together, but your table will also look so pretty and picturesque. Finally, for dessert, go with Mini Key Lime Pies or a charming Fruit Tart.
White Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 bottle dry white wine (750 ml) such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur such as triple sec
- 1 orange thinly sliced
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
- 1 lime thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup strawberries hulled and halved
- 1/2 cup soda water or club soda
- Ice cubes for serving
Instructions
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In a large pitcher, combine the white wine and orange liqueur.
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Add the sliced orange, lemon, lime, and strawberries to the pitcher.
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Stir the mixture gently, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
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Just before serving, gently stir in the soda water or club soda for a refreshing fizz.
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Serve the sangria over ice cubes in glasses, making sure to include some of the fruit slices in each serving.
Nutrition
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