Recipe Roundup: White Sangria

Oh, red sangria, that feisty, hot-blooded attention hog. White sangria—its fairer, sweeter cousin—deserves a little time in the spotlight. It's not exactly traditional (sangria gets its name from the Spanish word for blood, sangre) but the pale alternative is one of our favorite summer cocktails. We've got five tasty recipes below...

We find that white sangria typically has fruit swimming in it that we desperately want to eat: peaches, nectarines, grapes, pears, melon. It's light and sweet and beautiful. If you want to use some summer raspberries or strawberries, you'll tint your sangria a pretty blush color.

Most white sangrias call for a sugary liqueur or maybe brandy. We've used pear brandy before and loved it, but Cointreau or Calvados can all be good.

Some recipes to try:
• With white grape juice and nectarines, from Real Simple (above)
• With Calvados and green apples, from Food Network
• With sparkling wine, peaches, and Cointreau, from The New York Times
• With Thai basil and orange juice, from Food & Wine
• With brandy, peaches, and honeydew, from Everyday Food

(Image: Charles Maraia for Real Simple)

Comments (6)

had some made with goldschlagger. I dont remember what other liquid was in it to cut the gold, but it was tasty.

posted by chusmabilly on June 18th 2009 at 3:55pm
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Ooh, very inspirational ideas. My friends and I were out picnicking the other day and made an impromptu sangria using blood orange italian soda, wine, and some peaches on the side. It was red wine, but now I'd like to try it with white, plus maybe a splash of Cointreau.

Amelia of Gradually Greener

posted by GreenCayennes on June 18th 2009 at 3:59pm
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Thanks for these recipes. I have to say the best white sangria I've ever had was at Miracle Grill in Brooklyn. If you're anywhere near, go get some. I think it has peach puree in it, and it's excellent with the empanadas.

posted by Cat W. on June 19th 2009 at 8:34am
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Good timing on this post. I just made some with white grape juice and Cointreau. Next time, I think I will add some green apple liqueur and frozen grapes.

posted by acaj08 on June 19th 2009 at 10:15am
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Just had a Tapas party last night with Sangria (red)... awesome!

I have a book of sangria recipes, and my favourite white version has strawberries and mint.

posted by mschatelaine on June 19th 2009 at 10:39am
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Ooooh I wish I could reach through the screen and drink that glass up! It looks SO good. Thanks for the pear brandy suggestion! I will most definitely try that. I have a white wine sangria recipe in my blog I really like too, White Wine Sangria.

posted by UptownGirl on June 19th 2009 at 12:33pm
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