Name: Sunkissed Sangria Splash
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 10 min
Cuisine: Spanish-inspired
Ingredients: 1 orange, thinly sliced; 1 lemon, thinly sliced; 1 cup fresh strawberries, halved; 1 cup pineapple chunks; 1 bottle white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio); 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed preferred); 1/2 cup club soda or sparkling water; 1/4 cup peach schnapps or triple sec (optional); Fresh mint leaves for garnish; Ice cubes

Sunkissed Sangria Splash

July 20, 2025

Summer calls for a drink that’s as vibrant and refreshing as a golden sunset. Enter the Sunkissed Sangria Splash—a light, fruity, and fizzy cocktail that feels like a mini vacation in every glass. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, lounging by the pool, or looking for an easy make-ahead pitcher drink for brunch with friends, this sangria delivers.

What makes it so special? It’s wonderfully versatile, packed with fresh fruit, and incredibly easy to pull together. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be adapted for every taste, from wine lovers to those who prefer a non-alcoholic mocktail. You don’t need fancy mixology skills or hard-to-find ingredients to make this recipe shine—just a bit of chopping, some chilling time, and the promise of sunshine in a glass.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

This isn’t just any sangria. The Sunkissed Sangria Splash is designed to be fuss-free while still feeling festive. You’ll love it because:

It’s easy to make: No complicated steps, no obscure ingredients. Just pour, stir, chill, and enjoy.
It’s perfect for a crowd: Serve it in a big pitcher or punch bowl and let guests help themselves.
It’s light and refreshing: White wine, fresh fruit, and a splash of sparkling water keep it crisp and not overly sweet.
It’s endlessly customizable: Swap in your favorite fruits or even experiment with rosé for a blush-toned twist.

Perfect For

This sangria is ideal for summer gatherings, but it works equally well for:

Brunches and bridal showers: Its bright citrus notes and beautiful presentation make it a natural fit for daytime events.
Family get-togethers: The mocktail version (more on that later) means everyone can enjoy it.
Quiet evenings on the patio: Because sometimes you don’t need a reason to sip something special.

Ingredients for Sunkissed Sangria Splash

Core Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to bring this sunny pitcher to life:

1 orange, thinly sliced: Adds bright citrus notes and gorgeous color.
1 lemon, thinly sliced: For a touch of tartness that balances the sweetness.
1 cup fresh strawberries, halved: Juicy, fragrant, and quintessentially summery.
1 cup pineapple chunks: For a tropical twist and natural sweetness.
1 bottle white wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio both work beautifully. Choose something crisp and not too oaky.
1 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed if possible for the best flavor.
1/2 cup club soda or sparkling water: This adds the perfect amount of fizz right before serving.
1/4 cup peach schnapps or triple sec (optional): A splash of liqueur takes the flavor up a notch.
Fresh mint leaves: For a cooling aroma and pretty garnish.
Ice cubes: Keeps your sangria chilled as it’s served.

Substitutions and Tips

Wine: If you prefer a pink hue, swap white wine for rosé. For a deeper, richer flavor, use a light-bodied red wine.
Fruit: Don’t feel limited to the list above. Peaches, mango, blueberries, or even pomegranate seeds are fantastic alternatives.
Sweetness: Taste your sangria before serving. If you like it sweeter, stir in a tablespoon of honey or simple syrup.
Fizz factor: Use flavored sparkling water (like lemon or berry) for a subtle twist.

Best White Wine for Sunkissed Sangria Splash

The wine sets the tone for your sangria, so choose wisely. A crisp, dry white wine works best because it lets the fruit and juice shine.

Sauvignon Blanc: Known for its zesty citrus flavors, it pairs beautifully with the orange and lemon in this recipe.
Pinot Grigio: Lighter and slightly fruitier, it’s a great budget-friendly choice that still tastes fantastic.
Alternatives: Don’t hesitate to try a dry Riesling or even a Vinho Verde for a touch of effervescence.

The key is to avoid anything too sweet or too oaky. You want a wine that complements, not competes with, the fruit and juices.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

You don’t need a professional bar setup to make this sangria, but a few basics will make the process easier.

Must-Have Tools

Large pitcher (at least 2 liters): To mix and serve your sangria.
Sharp knife and cutting board: For prepping your fruit.
Citrus juicer: Handy if you’re squeezing fresh orange juice.

Nice-to-Have Tools

Cocktail stirrer or long spoon: Helps blend the ingredients without bruising the fruit.
Muddler: For gently releasing the aroma of mint leaves before garnishing.

How to Make Sunkissed Sangria Splash

Making this sangria is as simple as it gets. Think of it as layering sunshine and fruit into a pitcher. With just a few easy steps, you’ll have a gorgeous, flavorful drink that’s perfect for sharing.

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a large pitcher, pour in the white wine, orange juice, and peach schnapps or triple sec if you’re using it. Stir gently to blend the flavors. This is the foundation of your sangria, so use a wine you enjoy drinking on its own.

Tip: Don’t worry about expensive wine. A crisp, budget-friendly bottle will do the job beautifully since the fruit and juice will take center stage.

Step 2: Add the Fresh Fruit

Add the sliced orange, lemon, halved strawberries, and pineapple chunks to the pitcher. Gently stir to combine, being careful not to crush the fruit. As the sangria chills, the fruits will infuse their juices into the mix, creating layers of flavor.

Tip: Layer the citrus slices around the edge of the pitcher for a stunning visual effect. It’s a simple touch that makes your sangria look party-ready.

Step 3: Chill and Infuse

Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This resting time is key. It allows the wine to soak up the sweetness of the fruit and the zing of the citrus.

Tip: If you’re planning ahead, you can refrigerate it overnight. The longer it sits, the deeper the flavors become. Just hold off on adding ice or club soda until you’re ready to serve.

Step 4: Add Fizz and Garnish

Right before serving, stir in the club soda or sparkling water. This gives your sangria a refreshing effervescence without diluting the flavor. Add plenty of ice cubes to keep it chilled.

Pour into glasses and garnish with fresh mint leaves. The mint not only looks beautiful but also adds a cool, aromatic finish with every sip.

Tips for Sangria Success

Chill long enough: Two hours is the minimum, but overnight is even better.
Sweetness check: Taste before serving. If it’s not sweet enough for your liking, stir in a tablespoon of honey or simple syrup.
Keep the fizz: Always add sparkling water last to preserve its bubbles.
Frozen fruit hack: Use frozen berries or grapes in place of ice cubes. They’ll keep your sangria cold without watering it down.

How to Store Sunkissed Sangria Splash

At Room Temperature

This sangria is best kept chilled. If it’s left out at room temperature for more than two hours, pop it back into the fridge to maintain freshness.

In the Refrigerator

Store leftover sangria in a covered pitcher in the fridge for up to two days. After that, the fruit may start to get mushy, and the flavors can become muted.

Freezing Tips

While freezing an entire pitcher isn’t ideal, you can freeze the fruit and use it later as flavorful ice cubes for your next batch.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make sangria the night before?

Absolutely. In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just add the sparkling water and ice right before serving for the best texture and fizz.

What if I don’t have peach schnapps?

No problem. Triple sec, Cointreau, or even a splash of brandy are excellent substitutes. For a non-alcoholic version, simply leave it out.

Can I use frozen fruit?

Yes, frozen fruit works well and helps keep the sangria chilled. Just remember that as it thaws, it may release extra water, slightly diluting the drink.

How do I make it non-alcoholic?

Swap the white wine for sparkling white grape juice or apple juice, and skip the schnapps. The result is a family-friendly version that’s just as refreshing.

Related Recipes

If you loved this Sunkissed Sangria Splash recipe, you might enjoy these refreshing and fruity drinks:

Strawberry Pina Colada with Malibu: A tropical cocktail that’s creamy and fruity.
Snowy Pineapple Punch: Pineapple lovers will adore this fizzy party punch.
Peach Banana Smoothie: A wholesome, fruity option for a non-alcoholic treat.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about a pitcher of sangria brimming with fresh fruit and chilled to perfection. The Sunkissed Sangria Splash is your ticket to warm-weather gatherings, lazy afternoons, and spontaneous celebrations. It’s easy, elegant, and endlessly adaptable.

So grab your pitcher, gather your favorite fruits, and let this sangria bring a little sunshine to your table. You’ll wonder how summer ever felt complete without it.