Rosé Sangria

Rosé Sangria is a modern and vibrant twist on the traditional Spanish punch. It swaps heavy red wine for a crisp, dry rosé, resulting in a lighter and more delicate flavor profile. Packed with fresh berries, citrus, and a hint of brandy or vodka, it's an effortlessly chic drink. Perfect for sharing, it embodies the spirit of summer gatherings and relaxed afternoons.
Rosé Sangria

Preparation

Preparation time: 10 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Rosé Sangria is best classified as a punch-style cocktail, designed to be made in a large batch and shared among guests. It falls into the broader category of wine cocktails, as its primary ingredient is rosé wine. It is a modern variation of the classic Spanish sangria.

Serving

This drink is served cold over ice in a large wine glass to accommodate the liquid and fruit. The alcohol content is moderate, making it a pleasant and sociable punch.
Serving size
Approximately 180-240 ml / 6-8 oz per serving
Alcohol content
Approximately 10-14% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Large wine glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

While traditional red wine sangria has been a staple in Spain for centuries, the Rosé Sangria is a much more recent innovation. It gained significant popularity in the early 21st century, paralleling the global rise in rosé wine consumption. This variation was created to offer a lighter, crisper alternative to its red counterpart, perfectly capturing a modern taste for refreshing, fruit-forward drinks.
Origin
This is a modern, 21st-century variation of the classic Sangria, which originated in Spain. The Rosé version doesn't have a single credited creator but evolved naturally as a popular alternative in North America and Europe.

Rosé Sangria

This drink is widely known as Rosé Sangria or Pink Sangria due to its characteristic color from the rosé wine. Its original Spanish name is Sangría Rosada, directly translating to "rosé sangria". It's often called Summer Sangria because its light and fruity profile is perfectly suited for warm weather.
Original name
Sangría Rosada
Alternative names
  • Pink Sangria
  • Summer Sangria

Characteristics overview

Rosé Sangria boasts a refreshingly fruity and citrusy flavor profile with a prominent berry aroma. It strikes a pleasant balance between sweet and sour, finishing cleanly on the palate, making it a perfect summery drink.
Flavor
Fruity, sweet, citrusy, light, refreshing, berry-forward
Aroma
Strawberry, raspberry, citrus, peach, floral wine notes
Taste balance
Sweet, sour
Aftertaste
Clean, fruity, crisp
Fizziness
Still (or lightly sparkling if topped with soda)
Color appearance
Pink, rosé, translucent, contains colorful fruit pieces
Texture
Smooth, liquid, thin
Seasonality
Refreshing, summery

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is dominated by high fruitiness and moderate sweetness, balanced by a gentle sourness. The alcohol strength is relatively low, and the drink is typically still unless topped with a sparkling mixer.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

This recipe combines a full bottle of dry rosé wine with brandy and orange liqueur, sweetened with simple syrup. A generous amount of fresh strawberries, lemon, and orange slices are added to infuse their flavors.
  • Dry Rosé Wine750 ml / 25.4 oz (1 standard bottle)
    Choose a crisp, dry rosé from a region like Provence or a Grenache-based rosé.
  • Brandy120 ml / 4 oz
    Vodka or white rum can be used as alternatives.
  • Orange Liqueur60 ml / 2 oz
    Cointreau, Grand Marnier, or Triple Sec work well.
  • Fresh Strawberries1 cup, hulled and sliced
    Other berries like raspberries can also be used.
  • Lemon1, thinly sliced
    Used for both flavor infusion and garnish.
  • Orange1, thinly sliced
    Adds a classic citrus note essential for sangria.
  • Simple Syrup30-60 ml / 1-2 oz
    Adjust to taste. Agave nectar or honey can be substituted.
  • Sparkling Water or Club SodaTo top(optional)
    Adds a light effervescence when serving. Lemon-lime soda can be used for a sweeter version.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

You'll need a large pitcher to combine and chill the ingredients, a long spoon for stirring, and a knife and cutting board for preparing the fruit.
  • Large pitcher (at least 2 quarts / 2 liters)
  • Long spoon or stirrer
  • Knife and cutting board

Instructions

Simply combine sliced fruit, rosé wine, spirits, and syrup in a large pitcher, stir well, and refrigerate for at least two hours. Serve over ice, topping with sparkling water and garnishing with mint if you wish.
1. Wash and slice the strawberries, lemon, and orange. Place them in the bottom of a large pitcher.
2. Pour the rosé wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and simple syrup over the fruit.
3. Stir gently with a long spoon to combine all the ingredients.
4. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably 4 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
5. To serve, fill individual glasses with ice and pour the sangria, making sure to include some of the fruit in each glass.
6. If desired, top each glass with a splash of sparkling water or club soda for a light fizz.
7. Garnish with a fresh mint sprig and an extra fruit slice.

Garnishing

Garnish each glass with a fresh sprig of mint for aroma and a slice of fruit for visual appeal. The fruit from the pitcher also serves as an in-drink garnish.
  • Fresh mint sprig
  • Additional lemon or strawberry slice on the rim of the glass

Dietary Information

This drink is generally free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, nuts, and gluten. However, it is not always vegan, as some wines use animal-derived fining agents; check your wine label for vegan certification.
✓ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✕ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

This drink has a moderate calorie count, primarily from the alcohol and sugar. The sugar content can be significant depending on the sweetness of the wine and the amount of simple syrup added.
Calories
Averagely 150-200 kcal / 627-837 kJ per serving
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Averagely 15-20 g per serving
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Averagely 12-18 g per serving
Sugar level

Occasions

Rosé Sangria is the quintessential drink for social and warm-weather occasions. Its batch-friendly nature makes it ideal for summer parties, barbecues, and picnics. It is also a popular choice for brunch, adding a touch of festive elegance.
  • Summer Party
  • Brunch
  • Barbecue
  • Picnic
  • Poolside Gathering

Pairing suggestions

Rosé Sangria pairs beautifully with light and fresh foods. It complements summery dishes like grilled fish, chicken salads, and a variety of tapas. It's also an excellent companion to a cheese board or a fruit-based dessert.
  • Light appetizers and tapas
  • Grilled chicken or fish
  • Fresh salads
  • Cheese boards (especially with goat cheese)
  • Fruit tarts and desserts

Rosé Sangria: A Sip of Sunshine

Rosé Sangria is a bright, beautiful, and crowd-pleasing punch perfect for any sunny day. Its preparation is simple: combine rosé wine, a spirit like brandy, orange liqueur, and heaps of fresh fruit in a pitcher. After chilling to allow the flavors to marry, it's served over ice for a refreshingly light and fruity experience. Lighter than its red wine cousin, this Pink Sangria is the epitome of effortless summer entertaining.