Refresh your spring and summer gatherings with a vibrant citrus sangria. This easy-to-make cocktail combines white wine, fresh citrus juices, and sliced fruits to create a light and refreshing drink perfect for parties.
The beauty of sangria lies in its simple preparation and make-ahead convenience. Mix it a few hours before guests arrive to let the flavors blend together. The result is a pretty drink that looks as good as it tastes.
This recipe takes a bright twist on traditional red wine sangria by using white wine as the base. The combination of oranges, lemons, and limes adds a sunny pop of color and a zesty kick that makes this cocktail stand out at any gathering.
Citrus Sangria Cocktail Recipe
Equipment
- Large glass pitcher (2-quart capacity)
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Long-handled wooden spoon
- Wine glasses or stemless glasses
- Citrus juicer
- Fine-mesh strainer
Ingredients
- 2 bottles dry white wine 750ml each
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 2 oranges sliced
- 2 lemons sliced
- 2 limes sliced
- 1 grapefruit sliced
- 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup honey or simple syrup
- 2 cups club soda
- Ice cubes for serving
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
- Add the sliced citrus fruits to a large pitcher.
- Pour in the white wine and brandy. Then, add the fresh orange juice, lemon juice, and honey.
- Stir gently with a wooden spoon until the honey dissolves completely.
- Place the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or up to 8 hours to let the flavors blend.
- Just before serving, add the club soda and stir once.
- Fill wine glasses with ice and pour the sangria. Make sure to include some fruit slices in each glass.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves if desired.
Notes
Must Have Ingredients
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|---|---|---|
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 | Oranfit Dried Orange Slices For Garnish | Buy On Amazon |
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 | LAVA Premium Cocktail Rimmers Variety Pack | Buy On Amazon |
 | Pure Cane Simple Syrup Cocktail Mixer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q GINGER BEER with Real Ginger & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
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 | Q ELDERFLOWER TONIC WATER with Real Quinine & Organic Agave | Buy On Amazon |
 | Q Club soda with Himalayan Salt | Buy On Amazon |
 | WithCo Cucumber Gimlet Craft Cocktail Mixer with Mint | Buy On Amazon |
 | Strongwater Old Fashioned Mix- Handcrafted Old Fashioned Syrup with Bitters, Orange, Cherry, Organic Demerara Sugar | Buy On Amazon |
 | Bittermilk No.1 Bourbon Barrel Aged Old Fashioned Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Portland Syrups Pumpkin Spice Syrup | Buy On Amazon |
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 | Original Bloody Mary Mix | Buy On Amazon |
 | Fever Tree Sparkling Pink Grapefruit | Buy On Amazon |
 | Professional Drink Mixer Set for Beginners | Buy On Amazon |
 | 1 Pack 3 Tier Bar Glass Rimmer | Buy On Amazon |
 | Cocktail Ice Mold With Easy Fill and Release Silicone Round Ice Ball Maker | Buy On Amazon |
 | Stainless Steel Bar Tool For Making Garnish for Cocktails & Mocktails | Buy On Amazon |
Tasting Notes
The Citrus Sangria offers a bright, fruity taste that balances sweet and tart flavors. Fresh citrus notes from orange, lemon, and lime create a zesty first sip.
The red wine base adds depth with hints of berry and oak. These wine notes mix with the citrus to create a refreshing blend.
Primary Flavors:
- Orange: Sweet and juicy
- Lemon: Light and tangy
- Lime: Sharp and crisp
- Red wine: Berry and oak notes
When served cold, the drink feels light and energizing. The carbonation from club soda creates tiny bubbles that dance on the tongue.
The drink starts sweet then moves to tart citrus notes. A gentle wine finish rounds out each sip.
Serving Temperature: 38-42°F (3-5°C) for best taste
This sangria tastes strongest right after mixing. The flavors mellow and blend more smoothly after 2-4 hours of chilling.
The drink pairs well with:
- Grilled seafood
- Spanish tapas
- Light pasta dishes
- Fresh fruit desserts
Substitute
You can make a non-alcoholic version of citrus sangria by replacing the wine with grape juice or cranberry juice. For a darker drink, pick red grape juice. For a lighter option, pick white grape juice.
Mix in sparkling water or lemon-lime soda to add bubbles. Start with half juice and half carbonated beverage. Then, adjust to taste.
If using juice instead of wine, add extra citrus fruits. The added fruits will give more fresh flavor to balance the sweetness of the juice.
For a low-sugar option, use unsweetened tea as the base. Green tea or black tea work well. Mix with fresh citrus juice and sugar-free sparkling water.
Want to keep the alcohol but skip the wine? Try vodka or light rum with citrus juice and soda water. Use 1-2 ounces of spirits per serving.
Tips for fruit substitutes:
- Swap oranges with tangerines
- Replace lemons with limes
- Use grapefruit instead of orange
- Add pomegranate seeds for color
- Include sliced apples or pears
