White Wine Sangria made with crisp white wine, summer fruits, and orange liqueur is a refreshing pitcher drink that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

Be sure to check out this Fall Sangria with Apple Cider for an Autumn inspired version of this drink!

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The Perfect Summer Pitcher Drink

Two glasses of white sangria with basil and orange slice garnish.

I don’t consider myself a big wine drinker, unless we’re talking about sangria. Then, I’m very much a wine drinker.

I was well into my adult years before I tried sangria for the first time. It was a summer day, and I was sitting on the sunny patio of an Italian restaurant, which is a setting that seems specifically engineered for sangria.

It only took a few sips for me to know this bubbly, fruity drink would become a go-to. After ordering it at several restaurants, I started experimenting with making sangria at home.

It’s one of the easiest boozy drinks to make, and, because it’s made in a giant pitcher, it’s also the ideal drink for dinner parties, BBQs, and celebrations at home.

Today, I want to share my favorite white wine sangria recipe with you. It’s light, refreshing, and fruity, with just the right amount of bubbles. All you need is a patio and some friends to enjoy it with!

What is white sangria made of?

Sliced strawberries, oranges, and peaches arranged on a wood cutting board with orange liqueur and white wine bottles.

The main ingredient in white sangria is white wine (surprise!). While the traditional base for sangria is red wine, I prefer the lighter, crisper flavor of white wine, especially for the summer months.

Along with a bottle of white wine, you’ll also need:

Fruits– I like to use a blend of summery and citrus fruits, like strawberries, peaches, and oranges.
Sweetener– I use granulated white sugar, but honey or maple syrup can also work.
Orange liqueur
Lemon lime soda

How to Make Sangria with White Wine

White wine being poured into a glass pitcher filled with strawberries, oranges, and peach slices.

To make the sangria, add all of the fruits to the bottom of a large pitcher. Sprinkle with sugar, and use a wooden spoon to muddle the sugar and fruit together until the sugar starts to dissolve into the fruit.
Pour the liqueur and white wine on top, give it a stir, and then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Right before serving, top off the sangria with Sprite and a sprig of basil or mint for garnish.

Top down image of a pitcher filled with oranges, peaches, strawberries, sugar, and white wine.

FAQs

What’s the best white wine for sangria?

Feel free to use your favorite wine in this recipe. I like a crisper, drier white like Pinot Grigio or Riesling. This is not the time to splurge for the most expensive bottle, since you’ll be adding other flavors and sweetener. Any drinkable wine will work perfectly.

What liquor is best in white sangria?

I love the flavor of an orange liqueur, like Grand Marnier or Triple Sec, but other fruity liquors like peach schnapps or strawberry liqueur would also work well.

Glass of summer sangria with peaches, strawberries, and oranges floating in the bubbly sangria.

What fruit can you put in sangria?

Want to switch things up? This Summer Sangria would also go well with lemons, limes, raspberries, and/or nectarines.

Can sangria be made ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it should be made at least a few hours in advance so the flavors have a chance to blend together. The longer it sits, the more boozy the fruit gets, which is also a win! I’ve made it up to 24 hours ahead of time. Any longer than that and the fruit can get too mushy. Just be sure to add the club soda right before serving, so the carbonation doesn’t go flat.

Should sangria be carbonated?

Sangria doesn’t have to be bubbly! If you prefer, omit the soda. You can also switch up the flavors of the soda. I like the flavor of Sprite, but plain club soda works for something without any added sweetener. And flavored fruity or citrus club sodas are also lovely!

Glass filled with White Wine Sangria and garnished with basil leaf and an orange slice.

What Food Goes with Sangria?

Serve this Summer Sangria with grilled meats like Grilled Steak Kabobs with Basil Mint Chimichurri, Chicken Margherita, Italian Dressing Chicken, or Marinated Skirt Steak with Simple Summer Salad.

For sides and appetizers that pair with sangria, try this Caprese Pizza, Creamy Caesar Salad, Roasted Tomatoes and Burrata, or Italian Bruschetta!

If you love the flavors in this Summer Sangria, you may also want to try our Peach Cherry Wine Slushies!