Virgin Sangria

Virgin Sangria is a delightful and refreshing beverage that captures the essence of its alcoholic counterpart without the wine. It combines a base of various fruit juices, such as grape and cranberry, with sparkling water for effervescence. The drink is then infused with a medley of fresh, sliced fruits like oranges, lemons, and apples, creating a beautiful and flavorful punch. It's an ideal choice for parties, family gatherings, or a sunny afternoon.
Virgin Sangria

Preparation

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Preparation time
Difficulty

Drink Classification

Virgin Sangria is classified as a mocktail, specifically a type of non-alcoholic punch. It mimics the style of the classic Spanish beverage, making it a popular choice for social gatherings. It's perfect for those seeking a festive, alcohol-free drink.

Serving

Virgin Sangria is a cold, non-alcoholic punch served in a large wine glass over ice, often containing pieces of the infused fruit. The serving size is typically around 250 ml (8.5 oz).
Serving size
Approx. 250 ml / 8.5 oz
Alcohol content
0% ABV
Alcohol strength
Serving temperature
Cold
Glass type
Large Wine Glass
Glass treatment
None

Backstory

The Virgin Sangria was born out of the desire to include everyone in the festive tradition of sharing a pitcher of Sangria. As the popularity of non-alcoholic options grew, creative bartenders and home hosts adapted the classic Spanish recipe. They replaced the red wine and brandy with a combination of fruit juices and sparkling water to mimic the color, complexity, and celebratory feel of the original.
Origin
A modern, global adaptation of the traditional Spanish Sangria, developed in the late 20th to early 21st century as non-alcoholic drink options gained popularity.

Virgin Sangria

The drink is commonly known as Virgin Sangria, Non-Alcoholic Sangria, or Sangria Mocktail. These names clearly indicate it is an alcohol-free version of the traditional Spanish wine punch. "Sober Sangria" is another playful moniker used for this refreshing beverage.
Original name
Virgin Sangria
Alternative names
  • Non-Alcoholic Sangria
  • Sangria Mocktail
  • Sober Sangria

Characteristics overview

This drink offers a vibrant, fruity flavor with a sweet and tart balance, complemented by a fresh citrus and berry aroma. Its appearance is a beautiful deep red filled with colorful fruit, and it has a light, bubbly texture perfect for summer refreshment.
Flavor
fruity, sweet, tart, citrusy, spiced
Aroma
fruity, citrus, berry, cinnamon
Taste balance
sweet, sour
Aftertaste
clean, fruity, refreshing
Fizziness
light, bubbly
Color appearance
deep red, translucent, fruit-filled
Texture
light, watery, crisp
Seasonality
refreshing, summery, festive

Flavor intensity & Experience

The flavor is intensely fruity and moderately sweet and sour, with a hint of spice from cinnamon and very light carbonation. Being non-alcoholic, its entire profile is driven by the juices and fresh fruit.
Sweetness
Saltiness
Sourness
Bitterness
Spiciness
Fruitiness
Creaminess
Carbonation

Ingredients

You'll need a base of red grape, cranberry, and orange juice, along with sparkling water for fizz. Freshly sliced oranges, lemons, and apples are essential for infusion, with an optional cinnamon stick for added complexity.
  • Red Grape Juice750 ml / 25 oz
    Use 100% juice for best flavor.
  • Cranberry Juice250 ml / 8.5 oz
    Adds tartness and color depth.
  • Orange Juice120 ml / 4 oz
    Freshly squeezed is preferred.
  • Sparkling Water250 ml / 8.5 oz
    Add just before serving to maintain fizziness. Club soda or lemon-lime soda can be substituted.
  • Orange1 medium
    Thinly sliced into rounds.
  • Lemon1 medium
    Thinly sliced into rounds.
  • Apple1 medium
    Cored and chopped. A crisp variety like Honeycrisp or Gala works well.
  • Cinnamon Stick1 stick(optional)
    Adds a subtle warmth and spice complexity.

Ice type

  • Cubed

Mixing equipments

Preparation requires basic kitchen tools: a large pitcher for mixing and chilling, a long spoon for stirring, and a knife with a cutting board for the fresh fruit.
  • Large pitcher, for combining and chilling the ingredients.
  • Long spoon or stirrer, for mixing.
  • Knife and cutting board, for slicing fruit.

Instructions

Simply combine sliced fruit and juices in a large pitcher and refrigerate for at least an hour to infuse. Just before serving, top with sparkling water and pour over ice into glasses.
1. Wash and slice the orange, lemon, and apple into thin rounds or chunks.
2. Place the sliced fruit into a large pitcher. If using, add the cinnamon stick.
3. Pour the red grape juice, cranberry juice, and orange juice over the fruit.
4. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
5. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1-2 hours (or up to 4 hours) to allow the fruit flavors to infuse the juice.
6. Just before serving, top off the pitcher with chilled sparkling water and give it a final gentle stir.
7. To serve, fill individual glasses with ice cubes and pour the Virgin Sangria, ensuring each glass gets some of the infused fruit.
8. Garnish with an extra orange slice on the rim of the glass if desired.

Garnishing

Garnish each glass simply with a fresh slice of orange on the rim to enhance the citrus aroma and visual appeal. The fruit from the pitcher also serves as an in-drink garnish.
  • Orange slice, placed on the rim of the glass or floating within.

Dietary Information

This beverage is completely alcohol-free, caffeine-free, and free from common allergens like dairy, eggs, soy, nuts, and gluten. It is a suitable choice for both vegan and vegetarian diets.
✕ Contains alcohol
✓ Caffeine-free
✓ Dairy-free
✓ Egg-free
✓ Soy-free
✓ Nut-free
✓ Gluten-free
✓ Vegan-friendly
✓ Vegetarian-friendly

Nutrition information

A serving is relatively low in calories but contains a moderate amount of carbohydrates and natural sugars from the fruit juices and fresh fruit.
Calories
Approx. 110-140 kcal / 460-585 kJ
Calories level
Carbohydrates
Approx. 28-35 g
Carbohydrate level
Sugar
Approx. 25-32 g
Sugar level

Occasions

This mocktail is perfect for social events like parties, barbecues, and family gatherings where a festive, shareable, and non-alcoholic option is desired. Its refreshing nature makes it especially suitable for summer events and daytime celebrations.
  • Parties
  • Barbecues
  • Family Gatherings
  • Summer Events
  • Baby Showers

Pairing suggestions

Virgin Sangria pairs wonderfully with a variety of Spanish-inspired tapas, grilled meats, and cheese platters. Its fruity sweetness also complements light salads and can provide a refreshing contrast to spicy dishes.
  • Tapas
  • Grilled chicken or fish
  • Cheese platters
  • Light salads
  • Spicy dishes

Virgin Sangria: A Festive Fruit Punch for All

Virgin Sangria is a festive and flavorful non-alcoholic punch that's perfect for any gathering. It beautifully combines fruit juices with fresh citrus and apples, creating a drink that's as visually appealing as it is delicious. Easy to prepare in a large batch, it's an inclusive and refreshing choice that allows everyone to enjoy the spirit of a classic Sangria.