Refreshing Strawberry Citrus Sangria
Elevate your summer gatherings with this Refreshing Strawberry Citrus Sangria—a delightful twist on the traditional sangria that combines the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries with zesty citrus notes. Perfect for BBQs or casual get-togethers, this vibrant drink not only tantalizes your taste buds but also adds a splash of color to your table. Originally inspired by 'Outdoor Cooking' from Arizona Highways magazine, this sangria is best prepared the night before to allow the strawberries to soak up the sugar and create a luscious syrup. Serve it over ice, topped with sparkling water, and enjoy the compliments!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Strawberries
1 quart (stemmed)
Sugar
1 cup (for marinating strawberries)
Chilled red wine
750 ml (choose a fruity variety)
Seedless orange
1 (unpeeled, sliced)
Lemon
1 (unpeeled, sliced and seeded)
Sparkling water or club soda
6 ounces (for fizziness)
Clear ice cubes
as needed (for serving)
Fresh mint leaves
as desired (for garnish)
Additional strawberries
1 (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing your strawberries. Remove the stems and place them in a bowl with the cup of sugar, gently tossing to combine. Cover the bowl and refrigerate overnight, allowing the strawberries to marinate in the sugar until they've released their juices and formed a heavy syrup.
2
When you're ready to serve, retrieve the bowl of marinated strawberries from the fridge and transfer the berries along with their syrup into a large pitcher.
3
Next, pour in the chilled red wine, and add the sliced unpeeled orange and lemon to the pitcher, stirring gently to combine all the ingredients.
4
Just before serving, pour in the sparkling water or club soda for that refreshing fizz, and stir again to incorporate.
5
Fill your deep wine or champagne glasses with clear ice cubes, then ladle the sangria over the ice, ensuring each glass receives a portion of the fruit.
6
To finish, garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves and an additional whole strawberry for a pop of color and flavor. Enjoy your refreshing sangria responsibly!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Refreshing Strawberry Citrus Sangria?
It is a delightful twist on traditional sangria that combines the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries with zesty citrus notes, perfect for summer gatherings.
How long should I marinate the strawberries?
For the best flavor, strawberries should be tossed in sugar and refrigerated overnight to allow them to release their juices and form a heavy syrup.
What type of wine is best for this sangria recipe?
A chilled red wine is recommended; choosing a fruity variety will complement the strawberries and citrus best.
How many strawberries do I need?
The recipe calls for one quart of strawberries for the base, plus additional whole strawberries for garnishing each glass.
Do I need to peel the orange and lemon?
No, both the seedless orange and the lemon should be sliced and kept unpeeled to add both flavor and visual appeal to the pitcher.
When should I add the sparkling water or club soda?
Add the sparkling water or club soda just before serving to ensure the sangria has a refreshing fizz.
Can I use club soda instead of sparkling water?
Yes, either 6 ounces of sparkling water or club soda can be used to provide the necessary carbonation.
What was the inspiration for this sangria recipe?
This recipe was originally inspired by 'Outdoor Cooking' from Arizona Highways magazine.
How should I serve the sangria?
Serve the sangria over clear ice cubes in deep wine or champagne glasses, making sure each glass gets some fruit.
How do I prepare the strawberries for marinating?
Simply remove the stems (hull them) before tossing them with a cup of sugar.
What is the purpose of the sugar in this recipe?
The sugar extracts the natural juices from the strawberries, creating a luscious syrup that serves as the flavor base for the drink.
Can I add fresh herbs to this drink?
Yes, the recipe suggests garnishing each glass with fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Is it necessary to use clear ice cubes?
While not strictly required for flavor, clear ice cubes are recommended for a cleaner, more professional presentation.
How much wine is required for one batch?
You will need one standard 750 ml bottle of chilled red wine.
Should I remove the seeds from the lemon?
Yes, it is recommended to slice and seed the lemon before adding it to the pitcher.
Is this sangria suitable for outdoor events?
Absolutely, its vibrant colors and refreshing taste make it perfect for BBQs and casual outdoor get-togethers.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe consists of 9 key ingredients, including the fruit, wine, sugar, and garnishes.
Can I make this drink on the same day?
While you can mix it the same day, the results are much better if you start the strawberry marination process the night before.
What kind of glasses are best for serving sangria?
Deep wine glasses or champagne glasses are ideal for showcasing the fruit and holding the ice.
Can I use an orange with seeds?
The recipe suggests a seedless orange to make drinking and eating the fruit easier for your guests.
How much sugar is used in the recipe?
The recipe calls for one cup of sugar to marinate the quart of strawberries.
Do I stir the sangria after adding the soda?
Yes, stir gently after adding the wine and fruit, and again after adding the sparkling water to incorporate everything.
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
While fresh strawberries are preferred for the best syrup and texture, thawed frozen strawberries could work in a pinch.
Is this a sweet or dry drink?
It is on the sweeter side due to the strawberry syrup and fruity wine, but it is balanced by the citrus and sparkling water.
How do I ensure every guest gets fruit?
Use a ladle when serving to ensure each glass receives a portion of the strawberries and citrus slices from the pitcher.
Can I make this non-alcoholic?
You could replace the red wine with a non-alcoholic red wine or a mix of grape and cranberry juice, though the flavor profile will change.
Should the red wine be room temperature?
No, the recipe specifically calls for chilled red wine to keep the beverage refreshing.
How much sparkling water is needed?
You only need about 6 ounces of sparkling water or club soda for the whole batch.
What is the main flavor profile of this drink?
The main flavors are sweet strawberry, tart lemon and orange, and fruity red wine.
How should I store leftover sangria?
Store any leftovers in the refrigerator, though it is best enjoyed fresh before the sparkling water loses its carbonation.