Refreshing Citrus Sangria
Indulge in the vibrant and refreshing flavors of this Citrus Sangria, a delightful blend that's perfect for gatherings or a relaxed afternoon by the pool. This easy-to-make recipe combines the rich notes of a budget-friendly red wine with the zesty brightness of orange juice and the effervescence of diet ginger ale. Garnished with fresh fruit, including slices of orange, lime, and lemon, and complemented by the addition of frozen berries, it’s a refreshing drink that is sure to impress! Perfect for summer barbecues or a cozy get-together, this Sangria is not only delicious but also adaptable to your taste. Cheers to good times and great company!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
red wine
750 ml (Use a budget-friendly wine of your choice.)
orange juice
2 cups (Freshly squeezed recommended, but bottled is fine.)
diet ginger ale
12 ounces (Best to use diet for a sweeter finish.)
orange
1 (Sliced into rounds.)
sliced citrus fruits
to taste (Limes and lemons can be sliced for garnish.)
frozen berries
to taste (Optional, add raspberries and strawberries for extra flavor.)
Instructions
1
In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, orange juice, and diet ginger ale. Stir gently to mix.
2
Slice the orange into thin rounds and add to the pitcher.
3
For added freshness, include optional garnishes such as sliced limes and lemons.
4
For a fruity twist, toss in a handful of frozen raspberries and strawberries.
5
Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Serve over ice in individual glasses and garnish with additional slices of fruit if desired.
7
Enjoy your refreshing citrus sangria responsibly!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing Citrus Sangria?
Refreshing Citrus Sangria is a vibrant blend of budget-friendly red wine, orange juice, and diet ginger ale, garnished with fresh citrus and frozen berries.
What type of wine is recommended for this recipe?
A budget-friendly red wine of your choice works perfectly for this sangria recipe.
How much orange juice do I need?
You will need 2 cups of orange juice. Freshly squeezed is recommended, but bottled is also fine.
Can I use regular ginger ale instead of diet?
Yes, while diet ginger ale provides a sweeter finish without the extra sugar, you can use regular ginger ale if you prefer.
What fruits are used as garnishes?
The recipe calls for sliced oranges, and you can optionally add sliced limes and lemons for extra freshness.
Should I add berries to the sangria?
Yes, adding a handful of frozen raspberries and strawberries provides a lovely fruity twist.
How long should the sangria refrigerate?
You should refrigerate the mixture for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld properly.
How do I serve the citrus sangria?
Serve the sangria over ice in individual glasses and garnish with additional fruit slices if desired.
Is this recipe suitable for a party?
Absolutely! It is an easy-to-make drink that is perfect for summer barbecues or cozy get-togethers.
Can I use white wine instead of red?
While this specific recipe calls for red wine, sangria is very adaptable, so you can experiment with white wine if you prefer.
How many oranges are needed?
One orange sliced into rounds is required for the main recipe.
What size of diet ginger ale is required?
The recipe uses a 12-ounce portion of diet ginger ale.
Does the order of mixing matter?
Combine the red wine, orange juice, and diet ginger ale in a large pitcher first, then stir gently before adding fruit.
Can I use frozen fruit?
Yes, the recipe specifically suggests frozen raspberries and strawberries for extra flavor and to keep the drink cool.
Is this drink very sweet?
The combination of orange juice and diet ginger ale provides a refreshing sweetness that balances the red wine.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, making it at least an hour ahead is recommended so the flavors can develop.
What kind of pitcher should I use?
Any large pitcher will work as long as it can hold at least 750ml of wine plus the additional 3 cups of liquid and fruit.
Can I add lime to this sangria?
Yes, sliced limes are a great optional garnish for added citrus brightness.
Is there a specific red wine variety that works best?
Any budget-friendly red, such as a Spanish Tempranillo or a Merlot, works well for sangria.
Can I use lemon juice instead of orange juice?
The recipe specifically calls for orange juice for its sweetness, but you can add lemon slices for acidity.
Should I stir the mixture vigorously?
No, you should stir gently to mix the ingredients while preserving some of the effervescence from the ginger ale.
Can I add brandy to this recipe?
While not in the base recipe, many people enjoy adding a splash of brandy to sangria for extra depth.
Is this recipe low calorie?
Using diet ginger ale helps keep the sugar and calorie content lower than traditional recipes.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: red wine, orange juice, diet ginger ale, orange, citrus garnishes, and frozen berries.
Can I use sparkling water instead of ginger ale?
Yes, but you may need to add a sweetener like simple syrup since sparkling water lacks the sweetness of ginger ale.
What makes this 'Citrus' sangria?
The use of orange juice, sliced oranges, and optional limes and lemons gives it a prominent citrus profile.
Can I use fresh berries instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh berries work great, though frozen berries help keep the drink chilled without diluting it.
Is this drink served warm or cold?
This is a cold beverage served over ice.
Can I leave the fruit in the pitcher overnight?
You can, but the citrus rinds may start to make the drink slightly bitter if left for more than 24 hours.
How should I cut the oranges?
The oranges should be sliced into thin rounds to maximize surface area and visual appeal.