Strawberry Kiwi Sangria: A Fresh, Fruity Drink for Sharing

Strawberry kiwi sangria is a bright, refreshing twist on the Spanish-inspired favourite. Ripe strawberries bring sweetness, while kiwi adds a lively, tangy note. Combined with chilled wine and a splash of fizz, it makes an easy centrepiece for summer lunches, garden parties and relaxed evenings with friends.

This colourful drink is simple to prepare ahead, leaving you more time to enjoy your guests. Use a dry white wine or rosé as the base, then adjust the sweetness to suit your taste.

Ingredients

• 1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine or rosé, chilled
• 250g strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 2 kiwis, peeled and sliced
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 60ml brandy, optional
• 1–2 tablespoons sugar or sugar syrup, to taste
• 250ml sparkling water or lemonade, chilled
• Ice, to serve

How to Make Strawberry Kiwi Sangria

1. Put the strawberries, kiwi and orange slices into a large jug.
2. Pour in the wine and brandy, if using. Add the sugar or syrup and stir gently until combined.
3. Cover and chill for at least two hours so the flavours can mingle. For the freshest texture, add the kiwi during the final hour of chilling.
4. Just before serving, stir in the sparkling water or lemonade.
5. Serve over ice, making sure each glass gets a little fruit.

Tips for the Best Sangria

Choose fruit that is ripe but still firm, so it holds its shape in the jug. Taste the mixture before serving and add a little more sugar syrup if you prefer it sweeter. For a less sweet version, use sparkling water; lemonade gives the sangria a softer, sweeter finish.

You can prepare the wine and fruit mixture several hours ahead, but add the fizz just before serving to keep it lively. Avoid leaving the fruit in the jug for too long, as strawberries can soften and kiwi may become mushy.

Easy Variations

Try adding fresh mint for a cooling note, or replace the orange with lemon or lime for extra zing. A handful of raspberries works well alongside the strawberries, while a splash of elderflower cordial can bring a delicate floral sweetness. For a non-alcoholic version, use white grape juice or alcohol-free wine and top it up with sparkling water.

Whether served at a barbecue or poured for a quiet weekend gathering, strawberry kiwi sangria is an easy way to make fresh fruit and chilled wine feel a little more celebratory. Serve it cold, share it generously and enjoy it while the fruit is at its best.

8 Top Tips for Perfect Strawberry and Kiwi Sangria

1. Use ripe strawberries and kiwis for the best flavour.
2. Slice the fruit thinly so it infuses quickly.
3. Choose a crisp, fruity white wine.
4. Add a splash of orange liqueur for depth.
5. Chill the sangria for at least two hours.
6. Stir in sparkling water just before serving.
7. Taste before adding sugar; ripe fruit may be sweet enough.
8. Serve over ice and enjoy responsibly.

Use ripe strawberries and kiwis for the best flavour.

For the best-tasting strawberry kiwi sangria, choose ripe, fragrant strawberries and kiwis that yield slightly when gently pressed. Ripe fruit brings natural sweetness and a fuller flavour to the wine, while firm, fresh pieces hold their shape beautifully in the jug.

Slice the fruit thinly so it infuses quickly.

Slice the strawberries and kiwi thinly so their fresh, fruity flavours infuse the sangria more quickly. Thin slices also make a colourful garnish in each glass, while allowing the fruit to soak up the wine without needing a long chilling time.

Choose a crisp, fruity white wine.

Choose a crisp, fruity white wine to give your strawberry kiwi sangria a refreshing base without overpowering the fruit. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio are good choices, as their bright citrus and apple notes complement the sweet strawberries and tangy kiwi. Avoid heavily oaked wines, which can make the sangria taste too rich.

Add a splash of orange liqueur for depth.

Add a splash of orange liqueur, such as Cointreau or triple sec, to give your strawberry kiwi sangria extra depth. Its citrusy sweetness complements the fresh fruit and wine, creating a more rounded flavour. Start with a small measure, stir well, then taste before adding more so the liqueur enhances the sangria without overpowering it.

Chill the sangria for at least two hours.

Chill the strawberry kiwi sangria for at least two hours before serving to give the fruit time to infuse the wine with its fresh, sweet-tart flavours. Keep the jug covered in the fridge, then add sparkling water or lemonade just before pouring to keep the sangria crisp and refreshing.

Stir in sparkling water just before serving.

Stir in the sparkling water just before serving to keep your strawberry kiwi sangria fresh, light and gently fizzy. Adding it too early can cause the bubbles to fade, so chill the wine and fruit mixture ahead of time, then top it up at the last moment for a refreshing finish.

Taste before adding sugar; ripe fruit may be sweet enough.

Before adding sugar to your strawberry kiwi sangria, taste the fruit and wine together. Ripe strawberries and kiwi can bring plenty of natural sweetness, so you may find there’s no need for extra sugar. If the sangria tastes a little tart, stir in a small amount of sugar or syrup, then taste again until it’s just right.

Serve over ice and enjoy responsibly.

Serve your strawberry kiwi sangria over plenty of ice for a cool, refreshing finish. Enjoy it responsibly, and remember that alcoholic drinks are best savoured in moderation.