Berry Citrus Sangria Recipe is a bright, refreshing drink loaded with juicy berries and zesty citrus fruits—perfect for summer get-togethers or weekend brunches. Quick to make in under 15 minutes, this Berry Citrus Sangria Recipe is a crowd-pleasing favorite that balances sweetness and tartness with every sip.
I still remember the first time I served this at a backyard BBQ—my family couldn’t stop raving about it! Sharing a pitcher of this sangria has since become a fun little tradition in our home. If you enjoy fruit-forward drinks, you’ll also love our Peach Basil Wine Spritzer. Both capture the same sunny vibe as this Berry Citrus Sangria Recipe!
I love the simplicity of Sangria. Throwing everything into a pitcher and taste testing a few times (just to be sure the flavour is perfect — you know), it doesn’t get any simpler than this.
Frozen Berries in This Berry Citrus Sangria Recipe
Frozen berries are a total game-changer in this Berry Citrus Sangria Recipe. Not only do they bring a naturally sweet and tart burst of flavor, but they also act as colorful, edible ice cubes. This means your sangria chills fast—no need to wait for it to cool in the fridge! It’s perfect when you’re pressed for time and need to serve up a refreshing drink on the fly. If you’re planning ahead, though, let the berries soak in the wine for a few hours. As they sit, they absorb the rich flavors of the wine and release their juicy essence into the mix. When your guests arrive, your sangria will be perfectly chilled and bursting with berry goodness. It’s a simple trick that turns a good sangria into an unforgettable one.
Add Extra Berry Flavor with Homemade Strawberry Syrup
To make this sangria even more irresistible, I love swapping out regular simple syrup for a homemade strawberry syrup. It gives the drink an extra layer of berry flavor that really makes it stand out—just like I do in my Strawberry Coconut Mojitos. The syrup is easy to make at home: just simmer fresh or frozen strawberries with a bit of water and sugar until the berries break down and the mixture thickens slightly. Once cooled, strain it through a fine mesh sieve to remove the pulp and seeds. What you’re left with is a vibrant, fruity syrup that’s sweet, rich, and perfect for this cocktail. Of course, if you’re short on time, feel free to use store-bought strawberry syrup, or even skip it entirely. The beauty of this recipe is how customizable it is—you can make it as bold or as simple as you like.
Choosing the Best Wine for a Berry Citrus Sangria Recipe
When it comes to picking the right wine for this Berry Citrus Sangria Recipe, you really can’t go wrong. The goal is to match your wine choice to your personal taste. For a sweeter, more playful sangria, I recommend using a sparkling Moscato—white or pink—or even a lovely Rosé. These wines complement the fruitiness of the berries and citrus while keeping things light and refreshing. Prefer something drier? A dry white wine, red wine, or even Champagne can be used. If you’re going the drier route, just add a bit more strawberry syrup to balance the flavor and add a subtle sweetness. What really sets this sangria apart, though, is the addition of limoncello. It gives each glass a delicate citrus twist that enhances the overall flavor. With fruity notes, bubbly wine, and that zing of lemon, this sangria is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
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Berry Citrus Sangria
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4–6 1x
Description
A refreshing, fruity twist on a summer classic! This Berry Citrus Sangria Recipe combines crisp white wine, juicy mixed berries, citrus slices, and a splash of sparkling water for the ultimate crowd-pleasing cocktail. Easy to prep, totally customizable, and perfect for any party or picnic.
Ingredients
1 bottle white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
1 cup mixed berries (strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
1 orange (sliced)
1 lemon (sliced)
1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Triple Sec)
2 cups sparkling water
Ice cubes
Instructions
In a large pitcher, pour in the white wine. Add the mixed berries, orange slices, lemon slices, and orange liqueur. Stir gently to mix the flavors.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours. This allows the fruit to infuse the wine with fresh, vibrant flavor.
Right before serving, pour in the sparkling water and add a handful of ice cubes. Stir gently to combine.
Garnish each glass with extra berries or citrus slices if desired. Pour and enjoy chilled!
Notes
For best flavor, chill the sangria for a few hours before serving.
Frozen berries act as ice and add extra flavor—no need to thaw!
Add sparkling water right before serving to keep it fizzy.
Sweet wine or a splash of strawberry syrup boosts berry flavor.
Easily make it non-alcoholic with grape juice and soda.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drinks / Cocktails
- Cuisine: Spanish-inspired / Summer recipes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6 oz (approx. 180 ml)
- Calories: 145 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0.3 g
- Cholesterol: 0.1 mg
Ingredients for Berry Citrus Sangria Recipe
To create the ultimate Berry Citrus Sangria Recipe, you’ll need a handful of fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together in perfect harmony. Each one plays a role in building flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Here’s everything you’ll need to make a full pitcher that serves around 4–6 people:
- 1 bottle white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio): A crisp, fruity white wine provides the perfect base for this refreshing sangria.
- 1 cup mixed berries (fresh or frozen strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries): These add natural sweetness, bright color, and tangy notes to the drink. Frozen berries also help keep the sangria chilled.
- 1 orange, thinly sliced : Orange slices offer juicy sweetness and a beautiful citrus aroma.
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced : Lemon balances the sweetness with a subtle zing of tartness.
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur (like Triple Sec or Cointreau): This enhances the citrus flavor and gives the sangria a little extra punch.
- 2 cups sparkling water : Added just before serving to give the sangria a light, fizzy finish.
- Ice cubes : To keep the drink extra cold and refreshing, especially on a warm day.
Optional garnish:
- Extra berries, orange or lemon slices, or even a sprig of mint for a pop of color and a fresh aroma when serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions for This Berry Citrus Sangria Recip
Crafting this Berry Citrus Sangria Recipe is as easy as it is rewarding. With just a few simple steps, you’ll have a beautiful and delicious drink perfect for brunch, BBQs, or relaxed evenings with friends.
1. Combine the Ingredients
Start by grabbing a large pitcher or glass beverage dispenser. Pour in the bottle of white wine, then add the mixed berries, orange slices, lemon slices, and orange liqueur. Stir gently to combine all the fruit and flavors. The fruit will begin infusing the wine right away.
2. Chill the Sangria
Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling time allows the fruit to soak up the wine and release their natural juices, creating a beautifully blended flavor. You can even prepare this a day in advance for an even bolder taste.
3. Add Sparkle and Serve
Just before you’re ready to serve, pour in the sparkling water and give the sangria a gentle stir. Add a handful of ice cubes to keep it nice and cold. The bubbles from the sparkling water add a refreshing, fizzy twist that elevates each sip.
4. Garnish and Enjoy
Pour the sangria into individual glasses, making sure each one gets a few pieces of fruit. For an extra-special touch, garnish with fresh berries or citrus slices on the rim. A sprig of mint or a sugared rim can take the presentation to the next level.
Similar Cocktails to Try
If you loved the Strong Party Punch Bomb, here are a few more vibrant, fruity, and fun cocktails that pack a punch and keep the party going:
Strawberry Lemonade Sangria
A refreshing mix of white wine, strawberry slices, lemon juice, and lemonade—this sangria is sweet, slightly tangy, and perfect for hot days or brunches with friends.
Amalfi Martini with Limoncello
This bright and citrusy martini features limoncello, vodka, and a splash of lemon juice. It’s crisp, zesty, and gives serious Mediterranean summer vibes.
Malibu Watermelon Rum Punch
The classic party bowl! Jungle Juice is packed with fruit juices, rum, vodka, and all kinds of flavor. It’s fruity, wild, and always a crowd favorite.
Why You’ll Fall in Love with Berry Citrus Sangria Recipe
There’s something truly special about this Berry Citrus Sangria Recipe that goes beyond just being a pretty drink in a pitcher. It’s a perfect harmony of fresh fruits, crisp wine, and vibrant citrus that feels like summer in every sip. Whether you’re planning a weekend brunch, a backyard barbecue, or a cozy girls’ night in, this sangria is your go-to for effortless elegance. The frozen berries do double duty as flavorful infusers and natural ice cubes, while the limoncello and orange liqueur bring a zesty brightness that keeps things exciting.
What makes it even more lovable? It’s endlessly customizable. You can sweeten it with homemade strawberry syrup, use the wine you already have on hand, or switch up the berries based on the season. Every glass is packed with juicy fruit and refreshing fizz—making it as fun to serve as it is to sip. It’s a recipe that invites creativity, sparks conversation, and leaves your guests asking for more.
Conclusion:
The Berry Citrus Sangria Recipe is more than just a drink—it’s a celebration in a glass. With just a few fresh ingredients and a little prep time, you’ll have a gorgeous, flavorful sangria that’s perfect for any occasion. Its vibrant color, bold berry notes, and fizzy citrus twist make it stand out on any table, and the flexibility of the ingredients means you can make it truly your own. Whether you’re serving two or twenty, this sangria brings a touch of joy and sophistication with every pour.
So go ahead—slice the citrus, pop those berries in, and raise a glass to your new favorite party drink. Cheers to sunshine, sweet moments, and sharing something delicious with the people you love.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use red wine instead of white wine?
Yes! While white wine keeps the drink light and crisp, red wine will give it a deeper, richer flavor. Just adjust the sweetness with more strawberry syrup if needed.
2. What type of wine works best?
A sweet or semi-dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Moscato works wonderfully. Rosé and sparkling wines also complement the berries beautifully.
3. Can I make this sangria ahead of time?
Absolutely! It’s even better when the fruit has time to soak. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance, but add the sparkling water just before serving.
4. Are frozen berries necessary?
Not at all. Fresh berries work perfectly too. Frozen berries are just convenient and help chill the sangria without diluting it.
5. Is limoncello required?
Limoncello adds a bright citrus punch, but you can skip it or replace it with extra lemon juice or a splash of citrus soda.
6. Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Yes! Use sparkling white grape juice or lemonade in place of wine and liqueur. It’s a fun option for kids or non-drinkers.
7. How long does sangria last in the fridge?
It’s best enjoyed within 2–3 days. After that, the fruit may become too soft, and the flavors may fade.
8. What fruits can I substitute?
You can swap in peaches, blackberries, cherries, or even apples depending on the season or your preference.
9. Should I peel the citrus?
No need! The slices look beautiful with the peel on and add extra flavor to the mix.
10. Can I use club soda instead of sparkling water?
Definitely. Club soda adds a bit more bite and is a great alternative if you want less sweetness.