Our Strawberry Sangria is one of those warm-weather drinks that feels instantly festive, but it's surprisingly simple to make at home. This strawberry rosé sangria is light, citrusy, and perfect for spring and summer get-togethers
When strawberries are sweet and juicy, I'm always looking for easy ways to use them beyond desserts-and this strawberry sangria is one of my favorite "set it out and let everyone help themselves" drinks. It's especially great for warm afternoons, casual dinner parties, Mother's Day, or any weekend that calls for a simple pitcher cocktail.
This recipe uses a quick fruit maceration instead of simple syrup, so you still get that right amount of sweetness without extra steps. And if you're building a sangria "collection," you can also try our Red Wine Sangria and White Wine Sangria for more sangria recipes to rotate through the season.
Scroll down for step-by-step photos, helpful tips, and fun flavor variations!
Jump to:
- When Are Strawberries in Season?
- Ingredients You'll Need
- How to Make Strawberry Sangria
- Best Wine for Rosé Strawberry Sangria
- Flavor Variations, Add-Ins and Substitutions
- What to Serve with Strawberry Rosé Sangria
- Storage Instructions
- FAQ's
- More Cocktail Recipes
- Strawberry Sangria with Rosé - Fresh and Easy Summer Cocktail Recipe
When Are Strawberries in Season?
Strawberries are typically in season from late spring through early summer, with peak flavor often showing up from around April to July in many parts of the United States. While you can usually find strawberries year-round, in-season berries tend to be sweeter, juicier, and more fragrant - which makes a big difference in fruity sangria like this.
They grow best in mild, sunny conditions, which is why strawberries are such a natural fit for spring and summer desserts, cocktail recipes, brunch spreads, and warm-weather entertaining.Want to learn more about when your favorite fruits and veggies are in season? Check out the USDA's Seasonal Produce Guide.
Ingredients You'll Need
This easy strawberry sangria uses simple, fresh ingredients you can find at any grocery store.
- Caster sugar - Helps draw out the juices from the fruit during maceration, naturally sweetening the sangria without needing simple syrup.
- Fresh strawberries - The star of the recipe. Choose ripe, fragrant berries for the best natural sweetness and bold strawberry flavor.
- Citrus slices (orange, lemon, and lime) - Add bright, fresh flavor and that classic sangria citrus balance, with sweetness from the orange and extra zing from the lemon and lime.
- Fresh lemon juice - Enhances the citrus notes and keeps the flavors lively and well-balanced.
- Chilled Rosé wine - The base of this strawberry sangria. A dry to semi-dry rosé keeps the drink crisp and refreshing.
- Brandy (optional) - Adds warmth and depth for a more traditional sangria feel.
- Orange liqueur (optional) - Brings subtle orange sweetness; triple sec or Grand Marnier both work well.
- Ice cubes - Keeps the pitcher cold and refreshing.
- Club soda (soda water), chilled - Adds sparkle and lightens the drink just before serving.
- Fresh mint leaves - A simple garnish that makes each glass feel extra summery.
See the recipe card for quantities
How to Make Strawberry Sangria
Tested in our kitchen and loved by our readers-this recipe is fruity, refreshing, and made for warm weather entertaining.
Macerate the Fruit
In a large pitcher, combine caster sugar, sliced strawberries, orange, lemon and lime slices. Let sit for 15-20 minutes until the fruit releases juices.
Add Liquids
Add the lemon juice, chilled Rosé, brandy, and orange liqueur (if using).
Add Ice and Soda
Just before serving, add ice cubes and soda water. Gently stir to combine.
Serve and Enjoy!
Pour into glasses and garnish with fresh mint and strawberries.
Best served chilled as a refreshing spring or summer drink.
Best Wine for Rosé Strawberry Sangria
A good strawberry sangria starts with a wine you'd actually enjoy drinking - but it doesn't need to be expensive.
- Choose a dry or semi-dry Rosé wine for the best balance (the fruit and orange liqueur bring plenty of sweetness).
- Look for Rosé that's bright and fruit-forward, not overly sweet.
- You don't need a premium bottle - a good-quality, affordable Rosé works beautifully since the fruit and citrus add plenty of flavor.
- Chill the bottle well-cold wine makes the whole pitcher taste cleaner and more refreshing.
- If you like bubbles, you can use sparkling Rosé and reduce or skip the club soda.
Flavor Variations, Add-Ins and Substitutions
Once you've made this once, it's easy to tweak based on your personal taste.
- Make it sparkling: Use sparkling rosé and top with a smaller splash of club soda.
- Add another fruit: Try raspberries, sliced peaches, or a few green apple slices for extra fruit flavors.
- Swap the citrus: Use extra orange slices for a sweeter sangria, or more lime for a zingier finish.
- Try a different bubbly: Ginger ale or lemonade works if you want a sweeter, more soda-style sangria.
- No orange liqueur? Skip it, or add a small splash of orange juice for a softer citrus note.
- Prefer a stronger sangria? Add the brandy (or a little extra) for a more classic sangria feel.
What to Serve with Strawberry Rosé Sangria
This is a warm-weather pitcher cocktail, so it pairs best with light, snacky, summery food.
- Appetizers: Olives, Marinated Mozzarella Cheese, Roasted Beet Hummus, pita chips, Turkish Yogurt and Cucumber Dip and other simple mezze-style spreads
- Dinner Ideas: Seafood and Chicken Paella, Baked Mediterranean Salmon, Middle Eastern Ground Beef Kebab, and easy Baked Caprese Chicken
- Brunch: Easy Smoked Salmon Brunch Board, fresh fruit, pastries, yogurt bowls
- Dessert: Berry Trifle, No-Bake Cheesecake, citrusy cakes, chocolate-dipped strawberries
Storage Instructions
Strawberry sangria is best fresh, but you can prep parts of it ahead.
- Fridge: 1-2 days (but best enjoyed freshly made).
- Make ahead: Up to 4 hours ahead-macerate the fruit and add the wine and spirits if using, add ice and club soda just before serving.
- Not freezer friendly
FAQ's
A : A dry or semi-dry wine works best for sangria. Since the fruit and any added liqueur bring natural sweetness, starting with a crisp, not-too-sweet wine keeps the drink balanced.
Red wine sangria is traditionally made with a medium-bodied, fruity red like Tempranillo or Garnacha. White wine sangria works beautifully with a dry white such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for a lighter style.
For this recipe, a dry rosé is ideal because it's light, fruit-forward, and especially refreshing in spring and summer.
A : The secret is balance. Use ripe, in-season fruit, allow the fruit to macerate long enough to release its juices, and choose a wine you'd happily drink on its own. Adding ice and club soda just before serving keeps the sangria fresh and lively instead of watered down.
A : There are three common mistakes to avoid when making sangria.
Using overly sweet wine - This can make the finished drink taste heavy once the fruit and liqueur are added.
Adding ice too early - Ice melts and dilutes the sangria before guests even take a sip.
Skipping the maceration time - If the fruit doesn't sit long enough with the sugar, the flavors won't fully develop.
Avoid these, and you'll end up with a balanced, refreshing sangria every time.
A : You can easily adjust the sweetness to suit your taste. For a drier sangria, reduce the sugar slightly or skip the orange liqueur. For a sweeter version, add a splash of simple syrup, a bit more liqueur, or extra ripe strawberries.
A : The best fruit for sangria is a mix of citrus and seasonal fruit. Citrus slices (like orange, lemon, and lime) add brightness, while berries, peaches, apples, or even melon add sweetness and color. For this version, fresh strawberries are the star.
A : Sangria is best enjoyed within 24 hours. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 1-2 days, but the fruit will soften and the flavors may become stronger over time. For the freshest taste, add ice and club soda just before serving.
More Cocktail Recipes
If you love easy summer cocktails and wine-based drinks, you'll also enjoy browsing our other sangria recipes and seasonal entertaining ideas on the site.
This strawberry sangria with rosé is one of those simple summer recipes that feels special without being complicated. Fresh, in-season strawberries, bright citrus, and a splash of bubbles make it perfect for brunches, garden parties, or relaxed evenings on the patio.
If you give it a try, let us know how you made it your own - did you keep it classic or add a little extra liqueur? And don't forget to Pin it for later so it's ready for your next sunny gathering.
Print
Strawberry Sangria with Rosé - Fresh and Easy Summer Cocktail Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4-6
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Our Strawberry Sangria is one of those warm-weather drinks that feels instantly festive, but it's surprisingly simple to make at home. This strawberry rosé sangria is light, citrusy, and perfect for spring and summer get-togethers.
Ingredients
⅓ cup (80 g) caster sugar
1 cups (150 g) strawberries, sliced or quartered
½ orange, thinly sliced
½ lemon, thinly sliced
1 lime, thinly sliced
2 tablespoon (30 ml) fresh lemon juice
1 (750 ml) bottle Rosé wine, chilled
¼ cup (60 ml) brandy (optional)
¼ cup (60 ml) orange liqueur try Triple sec or Grand Marnier (optional)
2-3 cups ice cubes
2 cups (500 ml) soda water, chilled
Fresh mint leaves, for garnish
Instructions
1. Macerate the Fruit
In a large pitcher, combine caster sugar, sliced strawberries, orange, lemon and lime slices. Let sit for 15-20 minutes until the fruit releases juices.
2. Add Liquids
Add the lemon juice, chilled Rosé, brandy, and orange liqueur (if using).
3. Add Ice and Soda
Just before serving, add ice cubes and soda water. Gently stir to combine.
4. Serve and Enjoy!
Pour into glasses and garnish with fresh mint and strawberries.
Best served chilled as a refreshing spring or summer drink.
Notes
Storage Instructions
Fridge: 1-2 days (but best enjoyed freshly made)
Make Ahead Instructions: Up to 4 hours (wait to add ice + club soda until serving)
Not Freezer friendly
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ 20 minutes resting)
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Cocktails
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Spanish-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 224
- Sugar: 22.6 g
- Sodium: 24.2 mg
- Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 24.7 g
- Protein: 0.8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
The nutrition is an estimate only. It was calculated using Nutrifox, an online nutrition calculator.
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