This Citrus Sangria blends the best flavors of summer into one refreshing pitcher: bright fresh pineapple, juicy oranges and zesty limes finished with sparkling soda for a light, bubbly cocktail perfect for gatherings and warm-weather entertaining.
Sangria is a summer classic for good reason. Whether you’re hosting friends, relaxing by the pool, or throwing an outdoor get-together, a pitcher of sangria is always a crowd-pleaser. The great thing about sangria is that flavors deepen the longer it sits, which makes it ideal for prepping ahead of time. Prepare the pitcher a few hours before your event so the fruit and wine have time to infuse, then simply chill and serve over ice.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Pineapple juice – provides natural sweetness and a tropical pineapple flavor, eliminating the need for added sugar.
- Fresh fruit – a mix of pineapple, orange and lime for bright citrus notes. Fresh or frozen pineapple both work well.
- White wine – a crisp, dry white such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is ideal. For a sweeter sangria, use Riesling or Moscato.
- Coconut rum – adds a subtle beachy flavor. For a non-alcoholic version, coconut water is an easy swap.
- Soda water – adds effervescence. Lime-flavored sparkling water is used here, but plain club soda or another citrus soda is fine.
- Fresh mint – torn mint leaves brighten the drink and look lovely in the pitcher.
Which Wine Should I Use?
Choose a wine you enjoy drinking. A dry, crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works best because it balances the sweetness of the pineapple juice and fruit. If you prefer a sweeter sangria, a semi-sweet Riesling or Moscato will give it more body and sweetness. You can also substitute a sparkling wine for the white wine if you want a more festive, bubbly base — just remember to add any additional club soda right before serving to preserve the fizz.
How to Make Citrus Summer Sangria
This sangria is quick to assemble — about five to ten minutes of prep — and tastes best after several hours in the fridge. Follow these simple steps for a vibrant, flavorful pitcher.
- Chop the fruit. If using fresh pineapple, cut it into bite-sized cubes. Slice the orange and lime into rounds or half moons.
- Combine in a pitcher. Add the fruit to a large pitcher. Pour in the white wine, pineapple juice, coconut rum and soda water. Give everything a gentle stir to combine.
- Let it marinate. Chill the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour; for best flavor, refrigerate 4 to 6 hours so the fruit infuses the wine.
- Serve and enjoy. Stir in torn fresh mint, pour over ice, and top each glass with a splash of additional club soda if you like extra bubbles.
Can I Make this Non-Alcoholic?
Yes. Replace the white wine with white grape juice or a non-alcoholic sparkling white grape beverage, and swap coconut rum for coconut water. Keep the pineapple juice, fresh fruit and sparkling water the same to retain the bright, tropical flavor. This yields a refreshing mocktail that’s great for all ages.
Citrus Summer Sangria Recipe (Serves 6)
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh or frozen pineapple, cut into cubes
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2 limes, sliced
- 2 1/2 cups fresh pineapple juice
- 1 (750 ml) bottle white wine (Sauvignon Blanc recommended)
- 1/2 cup coconut rum
- 2 cups lime-flavored soda water (such as La Croix)
- Handful of fresh mint, torn
Instructions
- Place the pineapple, orange and lime slices into a large pitcher.
- Pour in the pineapple juice, white wine, coconut rum and soda water. Stir gently to combine.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour and up to 6 hours to let the flavors meld.
- Just before serving, stir in torn mint leaves and serve over ice. Add an extra splash of club soda to each glass if you prefer more bubbles.
Notes & Tips
- For a sweeter sangria, choose a sweeter wine or use more pineapple juice.
- Make this recipe alcohol-free by substituting white grape juice and coconut water.
- Prepare the sangria the night before for deeper flavor, but add fresh soda or sparkling water just before serving to keep it fizzy.
- Gently muddle a few pieces of fruit in the bottom of each glass for extra flavor in individual servings.
Nutrition (per serving, 1/6th of recipe)
Calories: 229 kcal | Carbohydrates: 28.8 g | Protein: 1.7 g | Fiber: 1.8 g | Sugar: 19.3 g | Sodium: 6.6 mg
Nutrition information is an estimate and should be used as a guideline only.
More Cocktail Ideas
- Fall Harvest Sangria
- Harvest Apple Cider Punch
- Spicy Grapefruit Paloma
- Fresh Watermelon Margaritas
- Sparkling Grapefruit Frosé
If you make this Citrus Summer Sangria and enjoy it, please leave a review and share a photo with the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny so others can see your creation — it’s always a joy to see how you personalize the recipe!