Easy Traditional White Sangria

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A small mason jar filled with Easy Traditional White Sangria loaded with fresh fruit and mint

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!

Wood cutting board displaying mint, apple, peach, lime, strawberries, and lemon

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.

Pouring apple brandy into a pitcher with fresh lemons, limes, and sugar

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).

Swirling a wooden spoon in a pitcher to muddle sugar, fresh citrus and brandy

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.

Tossing fresh peaches into a pitcher for Easy Traditional White Sangria

All that’s left to do is muddle and then add the rest of the fruit and booze! This is the fun part.

Tossing strawberries into a pitcher with other fruit and apple brandy for an Easy Traditional White Sangria
Pouring white wine into a pitcher of fresh summer fruits for Easy Traditional White Sangria
Using a wooden spoon to stir ingredients for Easy Traditional White Sangria
Close up shot of fresh fruit and alcohol in a pitcher for Easy Traditional White Sangria

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!

Pouring Easy Traditional White Sangria from a pitcher into a mason jar with fresh summer fruit

Easy Traditional White Sangria

An easy, 8-ingredient (1-pitcher!) recipe for traditional white wine sangria. Brandy and wine recommendations included, and seasonally adaptable!
Author Minimalist Baker
Print
Using a wooden spoon to stir fresh fruit for making White Sangria
4.77 from 26 votes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 6 (glasses)
Course Beverage
Cuisine Gluten-Free, Spanish-Inspired, Vegan
Freezer Friendly No
Does it keep? 48 Hours

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

*Nutrition information is a rough estimate calculated with Sauvignon Blanc, brandy, and organic cane sugar.
*Find a more traditional take on white sangria here.

Nutrition (1 of 6 servings)

Serving: 1 glass Calories: 182 Carbohydrates: 18.5 g Protein: 0.64 g Fat: 0.2 g Saturated Fat: 0 g Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.07 g Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03 g Trans Fat: 0 g Cholesterol: 0 mg Sodium: 0.7 mg Potassium: 121 mg Fiber: 1.7 g Sugar: 13 g Vitamin A: 100 IU Vitamin C: 23.93 mg Calcium: 10.97 mg Iron: 0.31 mg
Close up shot of a mason jar with Easy Traditional White Sangria with fresh mint

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  1. 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.

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Hi Jenny! We think it might be a too intense flavor, but aren’t quite sure. Let us know if you try it!

  2. 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)

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      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?

  3. Ashley N Itzkowitz says

    Great base recipe! I added a little apple juice because I enjoy it on the sweeter side. Everyone loved it!!

  4. Mary Smith says

    Very simple, and yummy – I’ve never made before so wasn’t sure what I would end up with but awesome!

  5. 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

  6. Nathalie says

    Absolutely delicious! I used agave instead of cane sugar. It’s full of flavor and absolutely perfect!

  7. 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.

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      Ooo – delish! Thanks for the lovely review and for sharing your modifications! We’re so glad everyone enjoyed!

  8. 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!

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      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

  9. 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!!

  10. 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.

  11. 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

  12. 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!

  13. 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

    • 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?

      • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

        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!

  14. 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

  15. 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!

  16. 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 .

  17. Kay says

    Cut back on sugar to 2 tablespoons. Subbed orange for the lemon. Used lemon flavored sparkling water. Very delicious!

  18. Karen says

    I made this during an unusually warm weekend in March. It was so delicious that I’m making it again today!

    • Avatar for Dana @ Minimalist BakerSupport @ Minimalist Baker says

      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!

  19. Svein Åge Slettetveit says

    It was very crispy and fresh.. all guests loved it. I did top it off with dry cava
    ???

  20. 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!

  21. 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.

  22. 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. ?

  23. 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

  24. 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).

  25. 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

  26. 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!

  27. 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!

  28. 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!