If you’re searching for a refreshing, vibrant, and utterly delightful drink to brighten up any gathering or just to treat yourself on a sunny afternoon, look no further than this Watermelon Strawberry Sangria Recipe. It is bursting with fresh fruity flavors, blending sweet watermelon and juicy strawberries with a splash of orange and a kick of Cointreau, all rounded out by crisp white wine. This sangria is an easy, no-fuss celebration in a glass, perfect for sharing and sure to become your go-to whenever you want something both summery and elegant.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple, fresh ingredients come together beautifully to create a sangria that’s juicy, light, and irresistibly flavorful. Each component plays an essential role in balancing texture, sweetness, and brightness for a perfect sip every time.
- 3 cups cubed watermelon: Provides a juicy, naturally sweet foundation that cools and refreshes.
- 2 cups quartered strawberries: Adds a lovely tartness and vibrant color that makes the sangria pop.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice: Brings zesty brightness and a touch of citrus tang to awaken the flavors.
- 1/4 cup Cointreau: Offers a subtle orange liqueur warmth to deepen the sangria’s complexity.
- 1 bottle white wine: A crisp, cold white wine ties all the fruit and liqueur together, giving the sangria its refreshing base.
How to Make Watermelon Strawberry Sangria Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Fruit and Juice
Start by combining the cubed watermelon, quartered strawberries, and freshly squeezed orange juice in a blender. Blend for about 30 seconds until everything is smooth and vibrant. This step extracts all those juicy, fruity flavors you want to shine in your sangria, creating a silky base that feels indulgent yet fresh.
Step 2: Strain to Achieve Perfect Texture
Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve to strain out the pulp and seeds. This ensures your Watermelon Strawberry Sangria Recipe has that smooth, drinkable texture without any unwanted bits. Discard the pulp or save it for a smoothie if you like.
Step 3: Mix in the Cointreau and White Wine
Into a large pitcher, combine the strained juice with the Cointreau and white wine. Stir gently but thoroughly to blend all these delicious layers of flavor. The Cointreau’s orange notes complement the fresh fruit and add a little depth, while the white wine gives it crispness and balance.
Step 4: Chill Thoroughly
Pop your sangria into the refrigerator and let it chill for at least an hour. This slow chilling allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making each sip smooth, refreshing, and perfectly accented with hints of citrus and berry.
Step 5: Serve with Crushed Ice
When you’re ready to enjoy, serve your beautifully chilled Watermelon Strawberry Sangria Recipe over a glass filled with crushed ice. The ice keeps the sangria cold without diluting the bold fruit flavors, making every mouthful wonderfully refreshing.
How to Serve Watermelon Strawberry Sangria Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your sangria elevates the whole experience and adds that special touch. Try adding a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of green and a refreshing aroma, or drop in some whole strawberries and small watermelon cubes for extra fruity elegance right in the glass.
Side Dishes
This sangria pairs beautifully with light and fresh dishes. Think along the lines of a summery grilled chicken salad, soft cheeses like goat cheese or brie, or even a vibrant shrimp ceviche. The fruit-forward, citrusy character of the sangria complements fresh, bright flavors effortlessly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Watermelon Strawberry Sangria Recipe in mason jars or wine glasses rimmed with sugar or citrus zest. You could also freeze small fruit pieces into ice cubes to keep the sangria cold while adding bursts of flavor as they melt. Presentation really makes the drink feel like a festive treat!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any sangria left after your gathering (though unlikely!), store it in a covered pitcher or airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and tasty for up to 24 hours—beyond that, the flavors might start to dull, and the texture may change.
Freezing
Freezing sangria isn’t recommended due to the delicate balance of flavors and the texture of the wine and fruit juice; the drink may separate or taste off after thawing. Instead, enjoy it fresh or chilled.
Reheating
Sangria is meant to be served cold and refreshing, so reheating isn’t advised. Once chilled and enjoyed over ice, it’s just perfect to sip cold on a warm day.
FAQs
Can I use red wine instead of white wine?
Absolutely! While this recipe is designed with white wine to keep it light and crisp, you can experiment with a fruity red wine for a deeper, richer sangria. Just remember that it may change the color and flavor profile.
Can I make this sangria without alcohol?
Yes! Simply omit the Cointreau and replace the white wine with a sparkling water or non-alcoholic white grape juice to keep it bubbly and flavorful without the alcohol.
What kind of white wine works best?
Choose a dry, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a Spanish Albariño. These wines enhance the fruity freshness without overpowering the other ingredients.
How long can I prepare the sangria in advance?
It’s best to prepare your Watermelon Strawberry Sangria Recipe a few hours ahead, at least an hour to let flavors meld. Preparing it the day before is okay but consume within 24 hours for optimal taste and freshness.
Can I add other fruits?
Definitely! Fruits like blueberries, raspberries, or even thin slices of cucumber can add creative, refreshing notes. Just keep the fruit mix balanced so the sangria stays vibrant and delicious.
Final Thoughts
There is something simply joyful about making and sharing this Watermelon Strawberry Sangria Recipe. It’s quick to throw together, beautifully fresh, and incredibly crowd-pleasing. Whether you’re lounging by the pool or hosting friends on a warm evening, this sangria promises to add sparkle and sweetness to your day. Do yourself a favor and give it a try — I guarantee it will become a bright spot in your recipe collection!
Print
Watermelon Strawberry Sangria Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chilling time)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and fruity Watermelon Strawberry Sangria that combines the natural sweetness of fresh watermelon and strawberries with zesty orange juice, Cointreau, and crisp white wine. Perfectly chilled and served over crushed ice, this sangria is a delightful, easy-to-make summer beverage for six.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 3 cups cubed watermelon
- 2 cups quartered strawberries
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
Liquids
- 1/4 cup Cointreau
- 1 bottle white wine (750 ml, chilled)
Instructions
- Blend the fruits: Place the cubed watermelon, quartered strawberries, and freshly squeezed orange juice into a blender. Blend for about 30 seconds until smooth and well combined.
- Strain the juice: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher to separate the juice from the pulp. Use a spoon to press through the pulp if needed. Discard the solids.
- Combine with alcohol: Add the Cointreau and chilled white wine into the pitcher with the strained fruit juice. Stir gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Chill the sangria: Refrigerate the pitcher for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and to serve it refreshingly cold.
- Serve: Pour the sangria into glasses filled with crushed ice. Optionally garnish with fresh fruit slices and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Choose a dry or semi-dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for best results.
- Adjust the sweetness by adding a teaspoon of sugar or honey if desired.
- For a non-alcoholic version, substitute the white wine and Cointreau with sparkling grape juice and orange juice.
- The pulp from straining can be used in smoothies or as a refreshing addition to yogurt.
- Serve immediately after chilling to maintain freshness and avoid dilution from ice melting.
