Ingredients
— The Sangria Base —
1 bottle (750ml) dry Rosé wine, chilled
1/2 cup Limoncello liqueur
1/4 cup simple syrup or agave nectar (optional, adjust to taste)
1 cup fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds
— The Fizz & Garnish —
1–2 cups sparkling water, club soda, or lemon-lime soda (chilled)
Fresh mint sprigs or basil leaves
Ice cubes
Instructions
1. **Combine Liquids:** In a large pitcher, pour in the chilled Rosé wine, Limoncello, and simple syrup (if using). Stir gently to combine.
2. **Add Fruit:** Add the sliced strawberries and lemon rounds to the pitcher. Stir again.
3. **Chill (Crucial Step):** Place the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 1–2 hours (or up to 4 hours). This allows the fruit to macerate and infuse the wine with strawberry flavor.
4. **Add Fizz:** Just before serving, pour in the sparkling water or club soda. (Do not add this earlier, or the carbonation will go flat).
5. **Serve:** Fill glasses with ice. Pour the sangria over the ice, ensuring some fruit gets into each glass. Garnish with a sprig of fresh mint or basil.
Notes
Wine Choice: Choose a *dry* Rosé (like a Provence style) rather than a sweet one. The Limoncello and fruit add plenty of sugar, so a dry wine keeps the drink balanced and refreshing rather than cloying.
Frozen Fruit Hack: Instead of ice cubes (which water down the drink), use frozen whole strawberries to keep the sangria cold in the pitcher.
Sweetness Control: If you like a sweeter drink, swap the sparkling water for lemon-lime soda (like Sprite or 7Up) and omit the simple syrup.
Make Ahead: You can mix the wine, liqueur, and fruit up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the fridge and add the bubbles right before pouring.
- Prep Time: 10
- Category: Drink
- Method: Mix
- Cuisine: Italian-Inspired
- Diet: Vegan