White Sangria

Here’s how to make the best white wine sangria, loaded with fruity flavor! Just a handful of ingredients make a light and refreshing drink.

Sangria could not be more ideal for summer entertaining. And we’ve got a secret for you. There’s something even more refreshing than the classic red wine punch: white sangria! White sangria is made with white wine instead of red wine. It makes for a flavor that’s crisp, sweet tart, and herbaceous. Some sangria recipes load it with sugar or ginger ale, but we prefer the traditional Spanish method. Here’s how to make white sangria: the Spanish way! It comes out nuanced and just sweet enough.

Ingredients for white sangria

Sangría is a traditional wine punch that originates from Spain. The classic red sangria is made with red wine and chopped fruit, and often orange juice or brandy. White sangria is also popular, made with white wine. After living in Spain years ago in college, I developed an intense love for the stuff. While in country I typically drank red sangria, white sangria also holds place in my heart for its crisp, refreshing flavor.

Here are the ingredients you’ll need for this classic white sangria:

• Peaches
• Green apple
• Lemon
• Fresh mint
• White wine
• Brandy
• Sparkling water (optional)

Best wine for white sangria

For this white sangria recipe, you’ll need a bottle of dry white wine. If you can find it, bring in the Spanish vibe with a Spanish white wine! But you can use your favorite variety. Some of the best wines for white sangria are:

• Albariño (Spanish white wine!)
• Dry Reisling
• Pino grigio
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Chardonnay

How to make white sangria…the Spanish way

This white wine sangria method is inspired by our favorite Spanish chef, Jose Andres. The “Spanish” way to make sangria that Chef Jose recommends is this:

• Macerate fruit for 20 minutes: Mix the sangria fruit with sugar and let it macerate or stand at room temperature and break down. This helps the fruit flavors permeate the wine even more.
• Add liquids: Add the white wine and brandy. Throw in some lemon slices.
• Refrigerate for 1 to 4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and develop.

A note on timing: don’t store more than 4 hours!

For this white sangria, refrigerate with the wine and fruit for up to 4 hours in advance. But we don’t recommend storing for any longer than that. Why? After 4 hours the fruit can break down and start to become soggy. The flavor also starts to become more dull than bright. So for this recipe, you’ll want to make it day of.

Serve with soda water, for a bubbly spin

Once you’re ready to serve this white sangria, add ice and quite a bit of fruit to the glass. If you’d like, top off the glass with soda water. It’s not required, but it adds a refreshing effervescence. It’s traditional to do this in Spain, too. (Just don’t add Sprite or ginger ale. It spoils the flavor!)

Eat the fruit when serving!

Lastly: don’t let the fruit go to waste! When you serve sangria, it’s easiest to serve it with skewers. Let your guests snack on the remaining wine-soaked fruit in their drink using the skewers. It’s a perfect “dessert” or palate refresher after a meal!

Foods to pair with sangria

Speaking of meals…what foods go with white sangria? Pretty much anything. While sangria is Spanish, you don’t have to go with Spanish cuisine. Almost any summertime meal works. Here are some ideas:

• Grilled dinner ideas like grilled salmon, grilled shrimp, or grilled portobello burger
• Summer salads like corn salad or grilled corn salad, cucumber salad, watermelon salad, bean salad, or broccoli slaw
• Grilled veggies like grilled corn, grilled potatoes or grilled eggplant

More types of sangria to try

There are lots of variations on this famous drink! After you’ve made this white sangria, here are the top types of sangria to try:

• Classic Red Sangria Full of bold, fruity flavor.
• Rose Sangria This light and fruity summer drink with rosé wine is one that everyone will be talking about.
• Watermelon Sangria A big pitcher made with this juicy fruit is perfect for summer entertaining.
• Easy Peach Sangria Another white sangria, with a load of sweet fruit.
• Strawberry Sangria A tasty rose sangria with big berry flavor!
• Frozen Sangria This icy version is wine-forward and just sweet enough, with a hint of citrus.
• Apple Cider Sangria A fall-themed spin that pairs sparkling apple cider with red wine, orange and cinnamon.

This white sangria recipe is…

Vegetarian, vegan, plant-based, dairy-free and gluten-free.

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More wine cocktails

Wine drinks are easy to make and always taste incredible! Here are some of our favorite wine-based cocktails:

• Red Wine Spritzer Don’t have time for sangria? Make a red wine spritzer instead!
• Rosé Spritzer Add bubbles to your favorite rosé wine to make the perfect summer drink.
• Lillet Spritz This light and breezy drink features a tasty fortified wine: Lillet Blanc. Or try this tasty Lillet G&T.
• Best Frose (Frozen Rosé) Tastes just like rosé wine! It’s all natural, featuring wine and strawberries.