If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing, fruity, and perfectly balanced summer drink, the Watermelon Strawberry Sangria Recipe is about to be your new favorite. This vibrant concoction blends juicy watermelon and sweet strawberries with the zing of orange juice and a splash of Cointreau, all harmonized by a crisp bottle of white wine. Whether you’re unwinding on a warm afternoon or hosting friends for a casual get-together, this sangria bursts with summery flavors that feel like a celebration in every glass. Trust me, once you try this Watermelon Strawberry Sangria Recipe, it will become your go-to for easy entertaining and pure refreshment.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Watermelon Strawberry Sangria Recipe is delightfully simple, relying on a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients that each play a crucial role in creating a balanced, colorful, and thirst-quenching drink. From the natural sweetness of the fruit to the subtle sophistication of the Cointreau, every element contributes something special.
- 3 cups cubed watermelon: The star ingredient offering juicy sweetness and a vibrant pink hue.
- 2 cups quartered strawberries: Adds a tart, fresh berry flavor that complements the watermelon perfectly.
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice: Brightens the sangria with citrusy notes and a touch of zest.
- 1/4 cup Cointreau: Provides a subtle orange-flavored liqueur kick, elevating the sangria’s aroma and depth.
- 1 bottle white wine: The crisp base that ties all the fruity flavors together with smooth, refreshing acidity.
How to Make Watermelon Strawberry Sangria Recipe
Step 1: Blend Your Fruits and Juice
Start by popping the cubed watermelon, quartered strawberries, and freshly squeezed orange juice into a blender. Give everything a good whirl for about 30 seconds until it’s smooth and vibrant. This step ensures all the natural fruit sweetness and citrus zing marry beautifully before straining.
Step 2: Strain the Mixture
Pour the blended fruit mixture through a fine mesh sieve to catch the pulp. This leaves you with a silky, smooth juice base that’s refreshing without any chunky bits – perfect for a truly elegant sangria.
Step 3: Mix in Cointreau and White Wine
Next, add the Cointreau and a full bottle of white wine into the pitcher with your strained juice. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to combine those marvelous flavors. This creates a delicate balance between the fresh fruit notes and the sophisticated citrus liqueur.
Step 4: Let It Chill
Pop the sangria into the fridge and let it chill for at least an hour. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together, intensifying the fruity, boozy goodness you’re about to enjoy.
Step 5: Serve with Crushed Ice
When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with crushed ice and pour the sangria over. The ice keeps it refreshingly cool while the crushed texture adds a fun, cooling crunch that’s downright perfect on a hot day.
How to Serve Watermelon Strawberry Sangria Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take this sangria from deliciously simple to absolutely stunning. Try adding slices of strawberry or watermelon on the rim of your glass for a pop of color. A sprig of fresh mint or a twist of orange peel can add a fragrant lift that complements the drink’s citrus notes beautifully.
Side Dishes
This Watermelon Strawberry Sangria Recipe pairs wonderfully with light bites like grilled shrimp skewers, fresh summer salads, or a platter of cheeses and fruits. The crispness of the sangria cuts through rich cheeses, while its fruit-forward flavor enhances savory grilled dishes.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your sangria in a large, clear glass pitcher so the beautiful pink color shines through, enticing everyone to dig in. For an extra-festive touch, freeze bits of watermelon and strawberries into ice cubes to add to the sangria – it keeps the drink cold without diluting flavor. You can also serve it in mason jars for a charming, casual vibe that’s perfect for outdoor gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight pitcher or container in the refrigerator. The sangria will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 days, though it’s best enjoyed the same day to keep the fruit flavors bright and lively.
Freezing
This sangria isn’t ideal for freezing because the wine and fresh fruit juices can separate and lose their delicate flavors upon thawing. Instead, enjoy it fresh or chilled as recommended for the best taste and texture.
Reheating
Since sangria is meant to be served cold, reheating is not recommended. If you want a warm drink with similar flavors, consider creating a separate mulled wine inspired by the fruits and citrus but served heated and spiced differently.
FAQs
Can I use rosé or red wine instead of white wine?
Definitely! Rosé or a light red wine can add a delightful twist to the sangria, giving it a richer color and slightly different flavor profile. Just choose something that’s fruity and not too heavy to keep the blend fresh.
Is it necessary to strain the blended fruit?
Straining is recommended to remove pulp and create a smoother texture, but if you love a bit of fruit bits in your sangria, feel free to skip this step for a more rustic feel.
Can I make this sangria non-alcoholic?
Absolutely. Simply substitute the white wine and Cointreau with sparkling water or a non-alcoholic sparkling white grape juice for a refreshing mocktail version that still bursts with fruity flavor.
How long should I chill the sangria?
Chilling for at least one hour is ideal to let the flavors meld, but if you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will make a noticeable difference in taste and refreshment.
What’s the best type of white wine to use?
Look for a dry, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a light Chardonnay. These wines enhance the fruitiness without overpowering it, keeping your sangria bright and balanced.
Final Thoughts
The Watermelon Strawberry Sangria Recipe is a vibrant, crowd-pleasing delight that’s incredibly easy to whip up and endlessly enjoyable. The freshness of the fruit paired with the subtle orange liqueur and crisp wine creates a sip-worthy moment you’ll want to share over and over. So grab your blender, gather your favorite people, and dive into this refreshing summer classic—your perfect sunny day companion is waiting!
Print
Watermelon Strawberry Sangria Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing Watermelon Strawberry Sangria combining fresh fruit juices with white wine and a hint of Cointreau, perfect for a light and fruity summer cocktail.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 3 cups cubed watermelon
- 2 cups quartered strawberries
Liquids
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 1/4 cup Cointreau
- 1 bottle white wine (750 ml)
Instructions
- Blend Fruits: Combine the cubed watermelon, quartered strawberries, and freshly squeezed orange juice in a blender. Blend for about 30 seconds until smooth.
- Strain Juice: Pour the blended mixture through a fine mesh sieve to remove the pulp. Discard the solids and transfer the strained juice to a large pitcher.
- Add Alcohol: Pour the Cointreau and the white wine into the pitcher with the strained fruit juice. Stir gently to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
- Chill: Refrigerate the sangria mixture for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and serve chilled.
- Serve: Serve the sangria over crushed ice for a refreshing and cool drink.
Notes
- Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for best results.
- Cointreau can be substituted with another orange liqueur like Triple Sec.
- Adjust sweetness by adding a splash of simple syrup if desired.
- For a non-alcoholic version, replace wine and Cointreau with sparkling water and orange juice concentrate.
- Ensure fruit is fresh and ripe for maximum flavor.
