85% would make this again

White Sangria Cocktail

Q: What is white sangria made of?

White sangria is a wine cocktail made from dry white wine mixed with fresh fruit, a little sweetener and often a splash of another spirit like brandy or a fruity liqueur, then chilled so the fruit flavours mix gently with the wine. It’s meant to be light, refreshing and perfect for hot summer days.

Q: What kind of wine is best for white sangria?

Choose a dry crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, Albariño or a dry Riesling so the cocktail stays bright and refreshing rather than overly sweet. Also because you’re adding fruit and a little syrup, picking a wine you’d enjoy drinking on its own is a good rule of thumb.

Q: Can I use frozen fruit in white sangria?

Yes frozen fruit works well and chills the drink without watering it down, which is great on hot days or when ripe fresh fruit is hard to find. Berries, peaches and mango all work and they release flavour as they sit in the wine.

Q: How long should white sangria sit before serving?

Let white sangria chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours so the fruit has time to infuse the wine with flavour, though letting it sit longer (up to overnight) can make it taste even better. Just add any fizzy ingredients like soda or prosecco right before serving so it stays fizzy.

Q: Does white sangria cocktails have to be sweet?

Not at all you can adjust sweetness to your taste. Start with a small amount of simple syrup or a little sugar and taste before adding more. A good balance of wine, fruit juices with a touch of sweetness keeps the drink light rather than sugary.

Q: What fruits go well in a sangria cocktail?

Common fruits include strawberries, citrus slices, peaches, apples, grapes and berries. All of which add natural sweetness and colour to the drink. For your strawberry-basil variation, ripe juicy strawberries and fresh basil pairs beautifully with white wine.

Q: Can I make a sangria recipe ahead of time?

Sure! It’s actually ideal to make it in advance so the flavours have time to blend. Mix the wine, fruit and syrup, then chill in the fridge for several hours. Add any fizzy mixers just before serving so it stays lively and fresh.

Vish G

April 4, 2026

A white sangria cocktail is one of those drinks that tastes and looks like a party in a glass. Juicy strawberries mingle with fresh basil for a fresh ‘n’ light summer recipe that’s easy to make. We’ve tested different variations of this drink and found this version makes guests happy. Smooth and refreshing to enjoy with your friends on a sunny afternoon to brighten up the day.

PREP TIME

10 MIN

COOK TIME

0 MIN

SERVINGS

Ingredients

1 bottle dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio (750 ml / 25 fl oz)
1½ cups fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced (about 225 g)
10 to 12 fresh basil leaves
½ cup water (120 ml)
½ cup sugar (100 g)
¼ cup orange liqueur or white rum, optional (60 ml / 2 fl oz)
1 cup chilled soda water or prosecco, added at serving (240 ml / 8 fl oz)
Ice, for serving

Instructions

Add the water and sugar to a small saucepan, place over medium heat and stir until the sugar fully dissolves then remove from heat.
Add the basil leaves to the warm syrup, gently press them once with a spoon and let them sit for 5 minutes to infuse, then remove and discard the basil and allow the syrup to cool completely.
Add the sliced strawberries to a large jug or pitcher and pour in the cooled basil syrup.
Pour in the white wine and orange liqueur or rum if using, then gently stir to combine.
Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours so the flavours can come together.
Just before serving, add ice to glasses, pour in the sangria and top each glass with a splash of soda water or prosecco for freshness.
Taste and adjust with a little extra syrup if needed, then serve immediately and enjoy.