White Sangria

This summer when you’re gathering with friends, I highly recommend making a refreshing pitcher cocktail to share. In my opinion, the easiest one to serve is a lighter take on the classic red sangria. All you need to do is fill a clear pitcher with fresh fruit, a bottle of crisp white wine, and a splash of brandy, then stash it in the fridge until guests arrive.

Once the party starts, there’s no need to make individual drinks: Simply fill glasses with the fresh and fruity sangria and top with a splash of bubbly. Here’s how to make the very best white sangria to serve all summer long.

• It’s so much more refreshing than red sangria. White sangria is a light, festive cocktail that’s perfect for sharing with a crowd when the weather is warm.
• It tastes even better made ahead. This white sangria is an impressive big-batch cocktail that’s easy to make and tastes better when made ahead of time. 

• White wine: Choose a white wine that is crisp, dry, and enjoyable to drink. Because the wine is dressed up with other ingredients, it’s OK to choose an inexpensive bottle.
• Brandy or orange liqueur: A splash of brandy is traditional in sangria, but you can use orange liqueur instead. Some liquor stores have inexpensive, small (about 50-milliliter) bottles of brandy available that are perfect for sangria.
• Orange: Juice a fresh orange (or use 1/3 cup good-quality store-bought juice) and use the juice to dissolve the sugar and sweeten the sangria.
• Fruit: Infuse the sangria with sliced apples, peaches, lemons, and limes for flavor and a festive appearance. Wait to add the strawberries and mint until ready to serve.
• Bubbles to finish: Top off glasses of sangria with chilled sparkling wine. For a lower-alcohol option, use lemon-lime soda or seltzer water. 

1. Mix orange juice and sugar. Stir freshly squeezed orange juice and granulated sugar together in a pitcher until the sugar is mostly dissolved.
2. Cut up fruit. Slice a lemon, lime, peach (or nectarine), and Granny Smith apple and add to the pitcher.
3. Add wine and liquor. Pour a bottle of white wine and brandy or orange liqueur into the pitcher. The wine does not have to be chilled before adding, as it will go into the refrigerator next.
4. Chill the sangria. Refrigerate the sangria for at least 4 hours or up to 24 hours for it to chill and to allow the flavors to meld.
5. Add strawberries and mint, then serve. Stir in sliced strawberries and fresh mint leaves just before serving to maintain their color and texture. Pour into glasses and top off with chilled sparkling wine, lemon-lime soda, or seltzer water. 

• Use frozen fruit: Don’t dilute the sangria with ice cubes. Add frozen fruit, such as strawberries or grapes, with the mint right before serving to keep the pitcher cold.
• Pick your favorite fruit. We love the apple, peach, citrus, and strawberries for their variety in color, shape, and flavor, but you can customize this sangria with your favorite fruits.
• Swap the sugar: Use honey or agave syrup instead of sugar to sweeten the sangria.

• Sangria is best when made in advance, as it gives the flavors time to mellow. Wait until ready to serve before adding softer fruits, like strawberries, and the mint so their color and texture remains at their peak.
• If there are any leftovers, you can refrigerate for up to one day. The mint and fruit — especially the strawberries — may soften and lose some of their vibrant color with extended storage.

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