Skinny Sangria: A Lighter Take on a Spanish Favourite
Sangria is made for sharing: a jug of wine, plenty of fruit and good company. A lighter version keeps that easy-going spirit while using less added sugar and fewer sugary mixers. The result is fresh, colourful and simple to make at home.
There is no single official recipe for skinny sangria. The term usually describes a version made with dry wine, soda water and fresh fruit, with little or no added sweetener. It can be lighter than some traditional recipes, but the nutritional content will vary depending on the wine, fruit and any sweetener you use.
What makes sangria “skinny”?
Many sangria recipes include lemonade, fruit juice, sugar or liqueur. These can add sweetness, but also increase the drink’s sugar content. For a lighter jug, try using:
- Dry wine: Choose a dry red or white wine rather than a sweeter style.
- Soda water: Add fizz without the sweetness of lemonade.
- Fresh fruit: Citrus, berries and apple bring colour and flavour.
- A small amount of sweetener, if needed: Taste the sangria before adding anything, as ripe fruit may provide enough sweetness.
Easy skinny sangria recipe
This simple recipe makes around six small glasses. Allow time for the fruit to infuse the wine, then add the soda water just before serving.
Ingredients
- 1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 small apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 100g strawberries or a handful of mixed berries
- 250ml soda water, chilled
- Ice, to serve
- A little honey or another sweetener, optional
Method
- Pour the wine into a large jug and add the sliced fruit and berries.
- Cover and chill for at least two hours. For a fuller fruit flavour, leave it in the fridge for up to eight hours.
- Taste the sangria. If you prefer it sweeter, stir in a small amount of honey or sweetener.
- Just before serving, add the chilled soda water and plenty of ice.
- Pour into glasses, making sure each one gets a little fruit.
Easy ways to change it up
For a white version, replace the red wine with a dry white wine and use peaches, green grapes or melon. If you like a more aromatic drink, add a few sprigs of fresh mint or a little sliced ginger. You can also swap the soda water for a low-sugar sparkling water with citrus.
For a non-alcoholic option, use alcohol-free wine or a mix of chilled red grape juice and soda water. Add plenty of citrus and berries for a bright, fruit-forward flavour.
Tips for serving
Prepare the wine and fruit ahead of time, but wait until serving to add the soda water so the drink stays fizzy. Avoid leaving the fruit in the wine for too long, as citrus pith can make it taste bitter. If you are making the jug well in advance, remove the fruit after a few hours and add fresh slices before serving.
Skinny sangria is best enjoyed chilled and in moderation. Choose the ingredients to suit your taste, keep the sweetness in check and make sure there is a refreshing non-alcoholic option available for guests.
Five Tips for Crafting a Refreshingly Light Skinny Sangria
- Use a dry wine to keep sugar low.
- Add plenty of fresh citrus and berries.
- Top up with sparkling water instead of lemonade.
- Sweeten lightly with a little fruit juice, if needed.
- Chill for an hour so the flavours mingle.
Use a dry wine to keep sugar low.
Choose a dry wine for your skinny sangria to keep its sugar content lower. Dry wines contain less residual sugar than sweeter varieties, while still bringing plenty of flavour to the jug. Add fresh fruit and soda water for a refreshing drink, and taste before adding any extra sweetener.
Add plenty of fresh citrus and berries.
Add plenty of fresh citrus and berries to your skinny sangria for a burst of natural flavour and colour. Slices of orange and lemon bring a zesty freshness, while strawberries, raspberries or blueberries add gentle sweetness without relying on lots of added sugar. Let the fruit infuse in the wine before serving, then top up with soda water for a light, refreshing finish.
Top up with sparkling water instead of lemonade.
Top up your skinny sangria with sparkling water instead of lemonade for a crisp, refreshing fizz without the extra sweetness. It lets the flavours of the wine and fresh fruit shine, while keeping added sugar to a minimum. Add it just before serving so your sangria stays nicely sparkling.
Sweeten lightly with a little fruit juice, if needed.
If your skinny sangria needs a little extra sweetness, add a splash of fruit juice rather than lots of sugar or syrup. Orange or apple juice works well with the wine and fresh fruit, but start with a small amount, stir and taste before adding more. This lets you balance the flavours without making the sangria overly sweet.
Chill for an hour so the flavours mingle.
Chill your skinny sangria in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. This gives the fruit time to mingle with the wine, creating a fresher, more rounded flavour. Add the soda water just before serving to keep it sparkling.
