If there’s one thing you’ll always find in my glass while I’m lounging by my pool, it’s a summer sangria. I completely fell in love with them during a trip to Barcelona and, ever since, they’ve been my go-to for hosting. Or, you know, just a little backyard happy hour with my next summer read.
And honestly? Sangria looks super fancy, but it’s one of the easiest summer cocktails you can make. It takes me less than 5 minutes to whip up a batch (though I do recommend making ahead to let the ingredients really marinate!). You mix everything ahead of time, pour it into a pretty glass, and suddenly you’re the hostess of the summer.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry—I’m sharing my favorite easy sangria recipes below!
3 Sangria Recipes for Summer You’ll Want All Season Long
Sangria seems intimidating, but trust me—it’s not. Honestly, it’s one of the easiest cocktails to make. A little chopping, a quick stir, and some fridge time… that’s it. The real secret? Fresh ingredients, especially when they’re in season. It makes all the difference.
Before I share my go-to summer sangria recipes, let’s clear something up. Is sangria just for summer? If you’ve been here for a minute, you probably already know my answer…
Is Sangria a Summer or Winter Drink?
Think sangria is just a summer drink? Not even close. Sangria is totally a year-round cocktail—it’s all about using what’s in season.
In winter, I love making a cozy red wine sangria with apples, pears, citrus, and cinnamon. (My Fifty Shades Darker Sangria is perfect for chilly nights—save that recipe for later!). Winter is also a good time to use a sweeter wine in sangria.
But I’ll admit… Summer is when I really lean into sangria. All that fresh, local fruit like berries, peaches, and lemons? It takes your sangria to the next level. So, is sangria a year-round drink? Yes. But do I particularly enjoy it in the summertime? Absolutely.
3 Great Summer Sangria Recipes
Sparkling Sangria
Is there anything better than a little fizz, juicy fruit, and that bold richness from a splash of cognac? This sparkling sangria recipe (from the archive, pardon the sad photography!) is refreshing, slightly citrusy, and just sweet enough—the perfect balance for summer sipping.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: In a large pitcher, pour the sparkling wine, cognac, and triple sec
Step 2: Add the sugar and stir until it dissolves.
Step 3: Slice up all your fruit into small, easy-to-eat pieces. (The best part of sangria is the booze-infused fruit at the end!).
Step 4: Add the fruit to the pitcher and give everything a good stir.
Step 5: Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to chill, then pour and enjoy!
Rosé Champagne Summer Sangria
This sangria feels like pure summer luxury. I made it for my cookbook club last weekend and it got rave reviews. The mix of bubbly rosé, elderflower, and fresh berries makes it light, floral, and totally refreshing. It’s perfect for brunches, garden parties, or when you just want to feel a little fancy by the pool. (Because why not, right?).
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: In a large glass pitcher, combine the Grand Mariner, elderflower liqueur, and sliced fruits. Let it sit for about 10 minutes so the flavors “steep” and mix together.
Step 2: Just before serving, add the chilled rosé and add ice cubes.
Step 3: Stir gently so you don’t lose those pretty bubbles.
Step 4: Garnish with fresh mint and edible flowers for the perfect finishing touch.
White Peach & Bourbon Summer Sangria
This sangria recipe feels like summer in a glass—peachy and a little bold thanks to the bourbon, yet still just the right amount of refreshing. It’s smooth and, more importantly, a little unexpected, making it perfect for backyard dinners or, alternatively, those golden hour cocktails by the pool.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: In a large pitcher, combine the white wine, bourbon, peach liqueur, and fruit slices.
Step 2: Toss in a few sprigs of thyme for a fresh, herbal twist.
Step 3: Chill in the fridge for at least an hour.
Step 4: Right before serving, add ice and a splash of sparkling water.
Step 5: Garnish each glass (I love these big wine glasses with flowers) with a sprig of thyme or a thin peach slice. It just adds that little extra something that makes your whole experience feel like self-care.
How to Make a Summer Sangria Special
Use high-quality wines, spirits, and ingredients.
The secret to making sangria that actually tastes amazing? It’s all about the ingredients and which wines and spirits you’re using. And trust me, you don’t have to buy the most expensive, top-shelf bottles! Check out my post on my favorite wines for a handful of options.
If you’re not sure which wine to use and want to make it fun, plan a little winery date! It’s the perfect excuse to sip, snack, and discover a few bottles you’ll love. Even better, you’ll walk away feeling far more confident when it comes to picking wine for your next sangria pitcher.
Lean towards your favorite fruits.
When it comes to fruit for your sangria, fresh fruit is the best. Go for ripe, seasonal picks—think peaches, berries, citrus, or even melon. The riper the fruit, the more flavor it brings to your sangria. I like to stick to two or three fruits that complement each other. Any more, and your pitcher starts looking a little… chaotic. Simple, pretty, and so much tastier.
As much as I love fresh fruit for a little zing, frozen fruit can be a great alternative. I love adding a handful of frozen berries (especially mangoes!) into my sangria because they double as ice cubes. It’s a refreshing way to add a little boost of flavor as they melt.
Add herbal and floral touches.
A little trick to instantly elevate your sangria? Fresh herbs or edible flowers (like these dried rose petals). I love adding mint, thyme, or basil (especially if they’re homegrown). They make the whole pitcher look chic and add the prettiest pop of color. Plus, they bring this subtle, fresh aroma that takes your sangria from simple to totally special.
A few years ago I got into garnishing dried hibiscus flowers, and it changed my life. Not only does it add to that bold sangria color, but it also adds a sweet, floraly, tart note. It’s a unique combination that I recommend anyone try out for themselves! Read more about it in my post: Hibiscus Margarita Recipe.
Garnish your glass thoughtfully.
But don’t stop at the pitcher—go a step further and dress up each glass with a little something extra. Whether it’s a slice of fruit, a sprig of mint, or a pretty edible flower, these simple touches instantly make your sangria feel like it came straight from a chic cocktail bar. And if you have a matching glass and pitcher set? That’s the kind of little detail that makes your summer hosting feel totally effortless and luxe.
Pour your sparkling element as the last touch.
If you’re using sparkling wine—like Champagne, Prosecco, or even a splash of club soda—always add it right before serving. That way, you keep all those fun bubbles intact and your sangria stays crisp and refreshing. Just the way it should be!
Chill well and serve over fresh ice.
For the best flavor, let your sangria chill in the fridge for at least an hour so everything has time to infuse. But skip the melted fridge ice when it’s ready to serve. Instead, pour your sangria over fresh ice cubes (I love this ice cube mold) in each glass. It keeps the drink crisp and gives it that polished, cocktail-bar look.
Freshen up your summer with these sangria recipes.
There’s just something about sipping a fruity summer cocktail while the sun sets after a hot day. Whether you’re hosting friends or winding down with a good book, a glass of sangria is the perfect way to cool off and soak up those summer vibes.
Looking for more easy, refreshing cocktail ideas? I’ve got you covered—check out my favorite summer recipes below:
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