An icy cold, salt-rimmed margarita really hits the spot at this point in the summer, but if you ask me, tequila is a serious commitment. When I want to beat the heat by sipping on something lighter, super refreshing, and (sometimes) with fewer calories, I mix up a pitcher of sangria. It’s every bit as delicious, plus it has antioxidants from the wine and some healthy nutrients from the fruit. (They count, right?)
Whether you prefer red, white, or rosé, I’ve rounded up some tempting sangria recipes that I can’t wait to try. And of course, any of these will make a delicious non-alcoholic version, too, by substituting sparkling grape or apple juice for wine. Cheers!
Top: Rosé Sangria | Musings on Momentum
Related: Rosé wine cocktail recipes, because it’s summer.
I’m not usually a rosé drinker, but this combination of basil, classic summer fruits, and lemonade in the Rosé Sangria recipe at Musings on Momentum (also at top) looks pretty tasty. This one might be perfect for a summer brunch with friends.
I love a sweet and fizzy drink, and this Rosé Sangria recipe at Yin and Yolk looks pretty much perfect. It’s packed with fruit—so it’s healthy, right?—and other ingredients that will definitely give this a little extra kick.
Related: Skinny cocktail recipes for warm weather sipping.
If you’re choosing sangria because it’s (often) lower in calories, then you might want to try this deliberately Low-Carb Raspberry Sangria courtesy of Joy-Filled Eats. A lot of the fruit flavor comes from fruit extract, so you’ll have to invest in it for your first batch — all the more reason to make more over time. And the addition of raspberry tea is an interesting twist that I want to try.
If you prefer a really sweet cocktail, then you might love this Blackbeard Berry Sangria at Homemade Hooplah. It is full of ripe summer berries that give it that classic sangria flavor, and includes added sugar for extra sweetness. But if you’re more of a purist and just enjoy the flavor of fresh fruit, you can definitely leave it out.
My favorite kind of sangria is citrusy with a bit of tang. I’m adventurous though, so I wouldn’t mind adding spice to that, too. Which is why I have a feeling that once I try this Spicy Citrus Sangria at The Gourmet Gourmand I won’t ever go back. With dried chili de arbol and some brandy added to the mix, this one is sure to have some serious bite.
Related: More creative sangria recipes for summer we can’t resist
Champagne, white wine, and peaches three ways make this Sparkling Peach Strawberry Sangria at Savory Spice Rack truly, well, peachy. If you’re all about stone fruit in the summer, then this is the drink for you. To turn this into a mocktail, substitute peach flavored La Croix for the wines and peach coconut water (you can find it at Starbucks) or peach juice for the peach flavored liqueurs (yes, plural).
This Mango Sangria with Frozen Blueberries at Vanilla and Bean is just sweet enough without being overwhelming, and still has plenty of tang from the lime and mint that infuses as you let it sit overnight. Definitely follow her tips for making this one a fizzy drink—it’s part of what makes this so good!
This Sunset Sparkling Easy White Sangria at Go Go Go Gourmet is citrusy, bubbly, and just sweet enough. Plus, it has St. Germain which is one of my favorite cocktail ingredients these days, thanks to its light, floral flavor. The fruit juices you add make this a great drink to help you cool down on a warm summer evening. And hey…fruit means healthy right? I’m in!
