This bubbly and refreshing sparkling white sangria is perfect for sharing with friends for a light, fruity, delicious and beautiful drink.
So far this July I’ve shared recipes for a frozen screwdriver, spiked Arnold Palmer, Pimm’s cup and Aperol Spritz.
Yup, we’ve got some good drinks going on.
Today, it’s another summery favorite - that’s really great all year round - with this sparkling white sangria.
This recipe comes from my mom’s house, but I also have a copy in my bar. We like to share “winner” drink recipes with each other.
We both agree it originated from a magazine, but we’re not sure which one. Regardless, it’s a tear-out we’ve had on hand for years and years.
It’s light and refreshing, fruity and bubbly and perfect for sharing with friends. (This elderflower champagne cocktail is also bubbly and great for sharing, especially for some day sipping.)
Plus, this sangria is just plain pretty!
All those fresh fruits - orange, peach, lemon, lime and grapes - add some citrusy notes, some fruity flavor and a hint of sweetness.
So delicious, everyone will want seconds!
OK, let’s get mixing.
Now, I’ve got some notes and tips coming up on how to make white sparkling sangria. Just tryin’ to be helpful.
If you want to jump on down to the recipe, simply scroll right on through the rest of the text. The recipe card is near the bottom of the page, above the comments section.
Notes on making sparkling white sangria:
- Brandy: Choose a good quality brandy. It doesn’t need to be top shelf since we’re adding so many other flavors, but it shouldn’t be bottom shelf either.
- Orange liqueur: You’ll need orange liqueur for this drink. I keep Cointreau on hand and use that, but Grand Marnier, triple sec or another orange liqueur would be fine, too.
- Fruit: The fresh fruit really puts this over the top, both flavor and looks wise. Don’t skimp on it, but you can try mixing and matching other fruits if desired.
- Sugar: The recipe calls for super fine sugar. I don’t tend to keep that on hand, so I use regular granulated sugar and make my own. Details are below.
- Sparkling wine: Feel free to choose Prosecco, Cava, champagne or another sparkling wine. You do want it to be chilled. And I prefer a dry (brut), but you could try this with a sweeter sparkling wine if you want to add more sweetness to the sangria. Depends on your tastes.
So that’s the run-down on the ingredients.
Oh, and here’s how to make your own super fine sugar if you are like me and don’t want to buy any.
How to make super fine sugar from granulated sugar:
- You’ll use a 1:1 ratio. For this recipe, measure ¼ cup granulated sugar. Place it in a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Put the lid on and cover the food processor with a towel to help contain the dust from the sugar being ground.
- Process until the sugar is broken down but not a powder, about 1 minute.
- Let sit for 15 seconds to allow the sugar dust to settle, then open the lid and your super fine sugar is ready to use.
Once you’ve got that all set, sparkling white sangria is a really easy drink to put together.
First, combine the brandy and orange liqueur in your pitcher.
Then add the super fine sugar and stir that in until it’s dissolved.
Pile in all that pretty fresh fruit.
Gently pour in the sparkling wine.
Serve it up in glasses with ice and cheers your friends!
If you want to prep this drink ahead, you absolutely can. I kinda like how it gets the fruit extra boozy if it soaks all day.
Just wait to add the chilled sparkling wine until you’re ready to serve so it doesn’t get flat.
Then just pour this white sangria into a glass filled with ice and enjoy!
Final tip: Place some elegant looking cocktail sticks (basically fancy tooth picks) near the pitcher for guests who want to scoop up that yummy fruit from their glass to eat and enjoy. I know I like to!
I hope you have a glorious summer weekend with a beautiful drink to sip.
Enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
Sparkling White Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 cup brandy
- ½ cup orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
- ¼ cup super fine sugar
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 2 peaches, peeled and thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, thinly sliced
- ½ cup green grapes, halved
- 2 bottles sparkling wine, such as Cava, chilled
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the brandy and orange liqueur. Pour in the sugar and stir or shake the pitcher to completely dissolve the sugar.
- Add all of the fresh fruit to the pitcher.
- Gently pour in the sparkling wine. Serve in glasses filled with ice and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
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