Friends!
Summer is almost over here in the Pacific Northwest, but I’m still hanging on to every last drop of sunshine with this Traditional White Sangria recipe. Gather your leftover berries and stone fruit, snag an apple and some white wine, and let’s make sangria!
Origins of Sangria
The earliest versions of sangria are believed to have originated more than 2,000 years ago when Romans, making their way through the Iberian Peninsula, planted vineyards along the way. And because drinking water was unsafe, it was often fortified with wine, spices, and herbs.
Fast forward to the early 1700s and 1800s when versions of what we now know as sangria were made in England, France, and eventually popularized in the U.S. at the 1964 World’s Fair in New York.
Despite its global popularity and common association with Spain, there is no official formula for sangria in Spain, and local restaurants are more often found to be serving a drink called tinto de verano, which is a simple blend of red wine, ice, and lemon soda or casera (sweetened soda water). So while some Spaniards may enjoy sangria, it is a more popular drink among tourists.
Since its inception and evolution, many other versions have become popular as well, including white sangria made with Spanish white wine, cava (sparkling Spanish white wine), and even cider. (source)
How to Make White Sangria
Years ago, we shared a recipe for Easy Traditional Red Sangria, and you all have loved that! It’s our go-to for hosting and one we enjoy over and over again. So it was due time to create a white wine version.
This recipe is simple, requiring just 8 ingredients, 1 pitcher, and 15 minutes to make. The only “special” ingredients it requires are a bottle of white Spanish table wine and apple brandy (brand recommendations included below!). Based on my research, this is a traditional blend of alcohol and wine that creates a crisp but boozy and irresistible sangria.
For fruit, I went with plenty of citrus, strawberry, nectarine, and apple. Of course, based on whatever season it is in your country, get creative! Anything that blends well with beverages would likely work here (think oranges, blackberries, figs, plums, and mango).
Sangria benefits from a bit of sweetness, and to keep things uncomplicated and pure in flavor, I went with organic cane sugar. But I know some of you avoid sugar, so try sweetening with a comparable amount of either powdered coconut sugar, maple syrup, agave, or stevia to taste.
All that’s left to do is muddle and then add the rest of the fruit and booze! This is the fun part.
Simply stir and serve over ice or frozen fruit. This can be made up to 24 hours in advance, which makes it ideal for making ahead for parties and gatherings.
I hope you all LOVE this sangria! It’s:
Citrusy
Bright
Fruity
Perfectly sweet
Refreshing
Versatile
& Delicious
This would make the perfect easy beverage for Spanish-inspired meals or tapas dishes like Patatas Bravas (mmmm, take me back to Spain already).
Pair this delicious white sangria recipe with just about anything spicy or Spanish/Mexican-inspired, like Quinoa & Vegetable Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms, Roasted Cauliflower Tacos with Chipotle Romesco, Garlicky Sweet Potato Noodle Pasta, Quinoa Taco Meat, or Butternut Squash Portobello Tacos!
If you try this recipe, let us know! Leave a comment, rate it, and don’t forget to tag a photo #minimalistabaker on Instagram. We’d love to see what you come up with. Cheers, friends!
Easy Traditional White Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 medium lime (thinly sliced into rounds)
- 1 medium lemon (thinly sliced into rounds)
- 1/4 cup organic cane sugar (or sub agave, powdered coconut sugar, maple syrup, or stevia to taste // for drier sangria, omit)
- 1/4 cup apple brandy (Laird’s Apple Jack brand // or sub brandy, but apple brandy has a subtler apple flavor + smoother, gentler finish)
- 1/2 medium organic green apple (cored, skin on, chopped into small pieces)
- 1 medium ripe peach or nectarine (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 750-ml bottle dry, crisp white wine (chilled // I prefer white table wine from Spain or Portugal (I liked Alianca brand!) but Sauvignon Blanc adds a nice complexity, and Pinot Grigio works, too)
FOR SERVING
- Ice or frozen berries for serving
- Sparkling water (optional)
- Fresh mint (optional)
Instructions
- Add lime, lemon, and sugar (or other sweeteners) to a large pitcher (or use multiple pitchers if making a larger batch) and muddle with a muddler or gently crush with a wooden spoon for 45 seconds.
- Add apple brandy and muddle again to combine for 30 seconds. Add apple, nectarine, and strawberries and stir to incorporate. Then add wine and stir once more.
- Taste and adjust flavor as needed, adding more sweetener of choice for sweetness, lemon or lime juice for acidity, or fruit. Stir to combine.
- Add ice or frozen berries and stir once more to chill. Serve as is or with a bit more ice and mint (optional). To dilute the mixture, top off glasses with a bit of sparkling water (optional).
- Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, though best when enjoyed within the first 1-2 days.
Video
Notes
*Find a more traditional take on white sangria here.
Nutrition (1 of 6 servings)
Tandi says
I made this recipe with Moscato and Mango Brandy and it turned out delicious! It worked beautifully with our 4th of July BBQ. I will definitely make this again.
The quality and flavor of the wine you select will dramatically affect the flavor so I think those who didn’t enjoy it as much probably selected a dry acidic wine which in my opinion wouldn’t taste as good.
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Tandi! Thank you for the helpful review! xo
Jenny says
Could I use orange whiskey instead or would that be too strong of a flavor?
Hi Jenny! We think it might be a too intense flavor, but aren’t quite sure. Let us know if you try it!
Angela Martin says
Turned out very bitter. Ended up dumping a bunch of sugar in just to be palatable. Tasted like grapefruit (though I only used the lemons and limes per recipe)
Oh no! We’re so sorry it turned out too bitter, Angela. This one is usually a reader favorite! We’re not sure why it would turn out bitter unless for some reason the limes/lemons were especially bitter. Or is it possible you made it a few days before trying it, which allowed time for the bitterness of the lime peel to infuse into the liquid?
Ashley N Itzkowitz says
Great base recipe! I added a little apple juice because I enjoy it on the sweeter side. Everyone loved it!!
Amazing! Thank you for sharing, Ashley! xo
Mary Smith says
Very simple, and yummy – I’ve never made before so wasn’t sure what I would end up with but awesome!
We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Mary! Thank you for the lovely review! xo
Em says
Do you think white rum will work instead of Apple brandy? I used rum instead of brandy for your red sangria but didn’t know what you thought for the white sangria
That should work! Let us know if you try it!
Nathalie says
Absolutely delicious! I used agave instead of cane sugar. It’s full of flavor and absolutely perfect!
Amazing! We’re so glad you enjoyed it, Nathalie. Thank you for sharing! xo
Emilia says
When you wrote “Alianca” do you mean the Vinho Verde from Aliança? If so, I find it quite sweet…
I believe that’s what I used! You can use whatever white wine you prefer!
Laura Hershey says
I made this in large quantity for a game night this weekend (30 cups). I used one cup of agave and one cup of regular brandy. I used white wine I had on hand, three bottles of Sauvignon Blanc, one bottle of Pinot Grigio, and one bottle of orange muskat. The first day and a half I served it with sparkling water on top of it. Everyone who tried it loved it, including those who normally don’t like Sangria. It had a nice balance of sweet and sour. The flavor definitely changed a bit over the couple of days I have drank it, but it is still really tasty.
Ooo – delish! Thanks for the lovely review and for sharing your modifications! We’re so glad everyone enjoyed!
Lori Cook says
If I want to double the recipe, can I used two different whites…like a Pinot Grigio and a Chardonnay? Or would it be better to make two separate jugs using each wine?
I’ve made your red sangria and it’s always a hit – love it! thank you!
Hi Lori! It’s up to you if you want to mix your wines, it could be nice to have two slightly different versions, but we think the end result would be yummy if you mixed them. Let us know how it goes!
MC says
Can I use a sweet wine combined with dry crisp white wine? I have a bottle and I don’t want to waste it.
Thanks
Hi, that should work! Maybe start with slightly less sugar and add to taste?
Maddi says
Such a good and easy recipe!! Just used the wine we had on hand- which ended up being a Trader Joe’s Sauvignon blanc and it was delicious!!! Didn’t last very long as we couldn’t stop drinking it!!
Yay! Thanks for sharing, Maddi!
Firas says
Hello. Amazing recipe. Can I use triple sec instead of Apple brandy?
Sure!
Rayne D. says
This sangria was so delicious and very refreshing! I used Shmitt Sohne Riesling since it was semi sweet I didn’t add the sugar.
Yay! Thanks for sharing, Rayne!
Daniel says
this sangria is awesome! i followed the recipe but added frozen pink dragonfruit and raspberries at the end and it is really really good. i would even say it’s kinda dangerously good haha! highly recommend
Whoop! Thanks for sharing, Daniel!
Jackie says
This is delicious, easy, versatile. Make it. Double it. You’ll be glad you did.
Kristen says
Made this tonight but added 2 oz. Amaretto, 1/4 cup peach brandy and several slices of frozen peaches. Absolutely delicious! Thanks for a great recipe!
Debbie Troutman says
I bought tall glass decanter jars at Hobby Lobby, and want to gift them (filled with Red Sangria) to family members.
One brother does not drink alcohol. How can I alter the recipe??
Thanks
I’d say substitute a sparkling alcohol-free wine or cider?
STidwell says
I don’t drink alcohol. Can apple juice be substituted for the apple brandy, and sparkling water for the white wine?
Or how about tea? Could you use a(n iced) tea in this drink?
Hmmm, that could be tasty! We think tea or sparkling water would be yummy. Let us know how it goes if you give anything a try!
Gabriela says
Amazing blog! And amazing recipe ❤️ Just a quick small correction tough. Aliança wine isn’t Spanish, is Portuguese ?❤️ And we’re proud of it ❤️❤️❤️
Have a lovely weekend
Thanks for your kind words and info, Gabriela!
Paula Afonso says
Kind words but you don’t correct the mistake mister. Ian sure that you wouldn’t like that we said that the Jack Daniels is a Canada whisky. Right?
Thanks for the reminder.
Lora-Lee Miller says
I had to adjust this recipe as I needed 3 gallons (12 litres) for a bridal shower party I was hosting, but I used the common theme and it was AWESOME! I bought a specific drink dispenser for this.
I used 2/3c sugar for every lemonade jug filled with wine. It took about 15 minutes to dissolve.
Then I added frozen berries to the infuser, ice to the center, and fruit on the side.
I also added about 1 1/2 cups – 2 cups Apricot brandy to the 3 gallon container – and this was the amazing finishing ingredient!
Absolutely loved this, and my guests couldn’t get enough!
Thank you for this recipe!
Wow! How fun! Thanks for sharing, Lora-Lee!
Tash says
I made this as is . It was delicious and refreshing . I thought 1 bottle of wine was a little less for all the fruit and might add another half bottle and see how it works the next time .
Wonderful. Thanks for sharing, Tash!
Diane says
I made this and added vanilla brandy, topped it off with Apple sparkling water. Delish!!!
Whoop!
Kay says
Cut back on sugar to 2 tablespoons. Subbed orange for the lemon. Used lemon flavored sparkling water. Very delicious!
Karen says
I made this during an unusually warm weekend in March. It was so delicious that I’m making it again today!
Kate says
Way too much citrus, not near as fruity flavors as I expected
Hi Kate, sorry to hear this wasn’t what you were hoping for! You can certainly reduce the citrus and increase other fruits to your preference. Better luck next time!
Svein Åge Slettetveit says
It was very crispy and fresh.. all guests loved it. I did top it off with dry cava
???
Thanks for sharing!
Ruth says
Can you add rum instead of Brandy like in the red sangria?
Trish Tetreau says
I think with Sangria, anything goes. If it tastes good to you put it in.
Kristen says
I made this recipe with Muscato to skip the added sugar entirely. I added raspberries and a “splash” of mango flavored sparkling water. I also used barely ripe white peaches to keep some crunch. Delicious!
Glad you enjoyed it, Kristen! Thanks for sharing your recipe changes!
Cynthia says
I made this Sangria & everyone loved it! Thank you ?
Heather says
Made this a few weeks ago and it’s amazing! Very refreshing on a hot day. I love that you can use whatever fruit you have. Thanks for the great recipe.
Anthony Berry says
Try adding a few sticks of cucumber, ala UK Pimms, gives a delightful freshness.
Gwen says
Sounds ?
lisa says
just made this for thanksgiving with a couple tweaks based on what i had in the house.
• used moscato
• added a sliced mandarin orange
• used a combo of sparkling water and lemon lime soda (ran out of the water)
it’s delicious!! when i have the chance, i’ll be making this again and i’ll stick a little closer the the recipe. ?
Thanks for sharing your changes, Lisa!
Nuno Silvestre says
OMG. I can’t believe it.
You talk about Spanish with wine and your photo reveals a Portuguese white wine???
Well, your delicious recipes forgive you :)
Greetings fom Portugal
Sónia says
Hi Dana,
What a lovely sangria recipe, thank you for sharing! However, and being a portuguese musselina, I couldn’t help noticing that the wine you used in the photos is actualy a portuguese wine and not a spanish one, from the wine company Caves Aliança (www.alianca.pt).
Dalya says
Your pictures are stunning and the sangria looks delish!
Thank you!
Himanshu Gupta says
It’s summer here in India. I will definitely give it a try.
Could you link a lemonade recipe? I want it badly.
Thanks
Brie says
This looks yummy! I hate to be that *person*, but being 1/2 Spanish I feel like it has to be said… White sangrias aren’t technically traditional. This could be accurately called “Easy White Sangria,” leaving out the word ‘traditional.’ Again, looks yummy! I love both white and red versions of this deliciousness. Thanks for sharing another great recipe!
Marta says
Totally agree. I am from Spain and I never saw a white sangria there, at least a traditional one! Haha Anyway, it looks very nice
Thanks for sharing!
Lucy says
I made a pitcher but omitted the added sugar
I used ripened fruit which added sufficient sweetness and it was amazing and beautiful!
It was hard to stop at one glass.
Thank You!
Thanks, Lucy!
Shelley says
I used ginger brandy because I had it in the house and it was ??
Yay! xoxo
Doris Ellmann Clemente says
Sangria made with white wine is called Clericot
Hana says
Where can I get apple brandy in Malaga province Spain ?? ?
Keep up the good work!!
Sandra says
I LOVE white sangria! We are hunkered down for Irma but as soon as the stores reopen I will be making this to celebrate. Thanks Dana!