Refreshing White Wine Sangria Recipe for Summer Gatherings

Easy to make and even easier to sip! This Summer White Wine Sangria features strawberries and oranges, is lightly sweetened with pineapple juice, and gets a boozy kick from vodka. Make it ahead with riesling or moscato, top with ginger ale, and serve chilled at your next gathering.

To celebrate a birthday this year I finally shared the first cocktail recipe on Project Meal Plan — and naturally it’s make-ahead friendly. I love sangria, especially sweeter, fruit-forward variations you don’t always find in restaurants: juicy strawberries, bright citrus, and a touch of pineapple. I tested this recipe over a few weekends and landed on a balanced, refreshing pitcher perfect for summer entertaining.

Watch how to Make Summer White Wine Sangria (1 minute 57 seconds):

What are the origins of sangria?

Sangria has ancient roots tied to Mediterranean drinking traditions where wine was mixed with fruit and water. Over centuries it evolved into the vibrant, fruit-filled beverage now strongly associated with Spanish cuisine. The classic is often red-wine–based, but white, rosé, and sparkling versions are widespread and deliciously flexible.

What’s so summery about this summer white wine sangria?

• Chilled and refreshing: Perfect for hot days.
• Pineapple “ice cubes”: Freeze pineapple chunks to chill drinks without diluting them.
• Strawberries and citrus: Bright, seasonal fruit gives the sangria a fresh summer flavor.
• Party-ready: A pitcher is ideal for sharing outdoors with friends.

What kind of wine should I use?

I tested this with two white wines so you can choose based on how sweet you like your sangria:

• Moscato: Sweeter, so you’ll need less added sweetness. It produced my favorite, fruit-forward version.
• Riesling: Less sweet and more acidic; a good option if you prefer a drier profile. Adjust pineapple juice to taste if you prefer even less sweetness.

Start by freezing the pineapple chunks. Drain a can of pineapple, reserve the juice for the sangria, and spread the chunks on a small baking sheet so they freeze individually. Freeze at least 2 hours.

In a large 2-quart pitcher, add sliced strawberries and orange slices. Pour in the reserved pineapple juice, freshly squeezed orange, lemon, and lime juice, then add the wine and vodka. Stir to combine and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to let the flavors meld.

How do you serve this Summer White Wine Sangria?

To serve: Add a few frozen pineapple chunks to a glass, fill about three-quarters of the way with sangria and some soaked fruit, then top with ginger ale or another sparkling beverage for fizz. If serving in hot weather, you can add ice cubes to the pitcher.

Ways to Customize This Sangria

Simple ideas to adapt the recipe:

• Add more vodka for extra strength.
• Swap or add fruit like peaches, nectarines, apples, or additional berries.
• Choose any white wine you prefer.
• Top with any sparkling beverage — ginger ale, club soda, or even champagne for a celebratory touch.

Stored covered in the refrigerator, the sangria is best within 3 days. The fruit will soften over time but remains flavorful and boozy — many consider the soaked fruit the best part.

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Summer White Wine Sangria

Recipe by Danielle

Easy to make and even easier to drink — strawberries, orange, pineapple juice, and vodka come together for a refreshing make-ahead sangria. Use riesling or moscato and top with ginger ale when serving.

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• Total Time4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield6–8 servings

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Print Recipe

Ingredients

Scale

• 1 (16–20 ounce) can pineapple chunks in their own juice
• 2 cups strawberries, quartered
• 3 large navel oranges (2 sliced; 1 juiced)
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• Juice of 1 lime
• 1 bottle (750 ml) riesling or moscato
• 1/2 cup plain vodka
• Ginger ale for serving, or other bubbles

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Instructions

1. Make frozen pineapple cubes: Line a small sheet pan with parchment. Drain the pineapple, reserve about 2/3 cup of the juice for the sangria, and arrange the chunks in a single layer so they don’t touch. Freeze until solid (at least 2 hours).
2. Make the sangria: In a large (2-quart) pitcher, combine reserved pineapple juice, strawberries, orange slices, orange juice, lemon juice, lime juice, wine, and vodka. Stir and refrigerate for at least 4 hours to let flavors meld.
3. Serve: Place a few frozen pineapple chunks in each glass, fill about three-quarters full with sangria and some soaked fruit, then top with ginger ale or another sparkling beverage. The sangria will keep covered in the refrigerator up to 3 days.

Equipment

Greener Chef XL Bamboo Cutting Board

OXO Citrus Squeezer

Notes

Feel free to increase the vodka if you want more punch. Nutrition info was estimated with a nutrition tracker.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Drinks
• Method: No Cook
• Cuisine: Spanish-Inspired

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6 ounces
• Calories: 137
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 20g
• Protein: 1g