Strawberry Sangria: A Fresh, Fruity Spanish-Inspired Favourite

Strawberry sangria is a colourful, easy-to-share drink that brings a taste of summer to the table. Ripe strawberries, citrus and a splash of something sparkling make a refreshing twist on classic sangria. Serve it at a barbecue, picnic or relaxed gathering with friends, or enjoy a glass alongside tapas.

Sangria is traditionally made with wine, fruit and a little sweetness. There are countless variations, so strawberry sangria is wonderfully adaptable: use still or sparkling wine, add other seasonal fruit, or make a non-alcoholic version for everyone to enjoy.

What you’ll need

• 750 ml bottle of rosé or light red wine, chilled
• 300 g fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons caster sugar, or to taste
• 2 tablespoons brandy or orange liqueur (optional)
• 250 ml lemonade or soda water, chilled
• Ice, to serve
• Fresh mint, to garnish (optional)

How to make strawberry sangria

1. Put the strawberries, orange and lemon slices in a large jug. Add the sugar and gently stir or muddle the fruit to release some of its juices.
2. Pour in the wine and, if using, the brandy or orange liqueur. Stir well.
3. Cover and chill for at least two hours. This gives the fruit time to infuse the wine. For a deeper flavour, leave it in the fridge for up to four hours.
4. Just before serving, add the lemonade or soda water. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
5. Serve over ice, making sure each glass gets plenty of fruit. Finish with a sprig of mint, if you like.

Tips for the best flavour

Choose strawberries that are ripe and fragrant, as they’ll give the sangria its fullest flavour. Rosé makes a light, fruity drink, while a young, low-tannin red wine creates a richer version. Avoid using an expensive bottle; the fruit and other ingredients will be the stars.

Add the fizzy mixer just before serving so the sangria stays lively. If you prefer a less sweet drink, use soda water instead of lemonade and reduce or leave out the sugar. For extra fruitiness, try adding raspberries, sliced peaches or a handful of blueberries.

Easy alcohol-free strawberry sangria

For a refreshing alcohol-free version, replace the wine with chilled red grape juice or a mix of cranberry juice and sparkling water. Add the fruit and let it chill for an hour, then top up with lemonade or soda water just before serving. Taste before adding sugar, as some juices are already quite sweet.

Strawberry sangria is at its best served well chilled and shared generously. Prepare the fruit and wine ahead of time, add the fizz at the last moment, and you’ll have a bright, summery jug ready for the table.

Everything You Need to Know About Strawberry Sangria: Ingredients, Alcohol Content, and Expert Tips

1. What are the basic ingredients for sangria?
2. What’s in a strawberry sangria?
3. Is sangria very alcoholic?
4. What is the secret to a good sangria?

What are the basic ingredients for sangria?

The basic ingredients for sangria are wine, fresh fruit and a touch of sweetness. For strawberry sangria, use red or rosé wine with sliced strawberries, citrus fruit and a little sugar or fruit juice. A splash of brandy is optional, while lemonade or soda water can be added just before serving for a lighter, fizzy finish.

What’s in a strawberry sangria?

Strawberry sangria typically combines red or rosé wine with fresh strawberries, citrus fruits such as orange and lemon, and a little sugar or other sweetener. Brandy or orange liqueur is an optional addition, while lemonade or soda water adds a refreshing fizz just before serving. Recipes vary, so you can adjust the fruit, sweetness and bubbles to suit your taste.

Is sangria very alcoholic?

Sangria can be alcoholic, but it isn’t necessarily very strong. Its alcohol content depends on the wine and any spirits added; brandy or liqueur will make it stronger, while lemonade or soda water dilutes it. Because the fruit can mask the taste of alcohol, it’s best to sip slowly and enjoy it in moderation.

What is the secret to a good sangria?

The secret to a good strawberry sangria is balance: use ripe, flavourful fruit, a wine you’d happily drink on its own, and just enough sweetness to bring the flavours together without overpowering them. Give the fruit time to infuse the wine in the fridge, then add lemonade or soda water just before serving to keep it fresh and lively. Serve well chilled, and taste before adding extra sugar or mixer.