This watermelon sangria is fruity, revitalizing, and crafted for a gathering. Blend fresh melon with white wine and brandy for the simplest summer pitcher!
What could be more delightful on a scorching summer afternoon than a chilly glass of sangria? The sound of ice cubes clinking against the glass is refreshing in itself! So here’s an ideal fruity flavor for this summer: watermelon sangria!
Now, I’m traditional when it comes to sangria (check out my red sangria). While this flavor isn’t a classic Spanish version, it’s an exquisitely sweet way to savor this summer fruit. I’ve certainly fashioned this recipe in the style of authentic sangria: not overly sweet, featuring white wine, brandy, and of course, plenty of sweet and succulent fruit!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Sangría is a classic wine punch that hails from Spain. I’ve spent a few months in Spain and I cherish the traditional red sangria, made with red wine and chopped fruits, often complemented by orange juice or brandy. Spaniards also enjoy white sangria, a variant made with white wine.
This watermelon sangria is my unique take on a white sangria that incorporates watermelon juice for a fruity twist! Here’s what you need for this recipe:
– Watermelon: Some is cubed for soaking; the remainder is blended into fresh juice.
– Green apple: This introduces a tangy crunch.
– Sugar: Just a touch, to assist the fruit in macerating and releasing its juices.
– Dry white wine: A crisp, dry white, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, works wonderfully here; for a sweeter sangria, feel free to use a sweeter wine.
– Brandy or Grand Marnier: The foundational spirit — more details on that below!
– Fresh mint and lime: For brightness and garnish.
Brandy vs Grand Marnier
Here are a few details on these two spirits:
– Brandy: Use any brandy you have available. Cognac is a sophisticated style of brandy if you have it on hand. You can also utilize Cognac for a Sidecar or French Connection.
– Grand Marnier is a blend of brandy and orange liqueur: it adds an upscale touch. You can also use it in a Cadillac Margarita!
How to Make Watermelon Sangria
This watermelon sangria is a twist on the conventional Spanish method for white sangria. The approach is influenced by our favorite Spanish chef, Jose Andres. Chef Andres is from Spain and has opened many successful restaurants here in the US. The “Spanish” technique for making sangria that Chef Jose suggests is as follows:
– Macerate fruit for 20 minutes: Combine the sangria fruit with sugar and allow it to macerate or sit at room temperature to break down. This aids the fruit flavors in infusing the wine even further.
– Prepare the watermelon juice: Create watermelon juice in a blender.
– Add liquids: Incorporate white wine and brandy. Toss in some lime slices and mint.
– Chill for 1 to 4 hours. This permits the flavors to combine and evolve.
Make Ahead Info
For this watermelon sangria, I do not advise preparing it more than 4 hours in advance. Since the fruit is submerged in the liquid, it commences to become mushy. The flavors also begin to diminish a bit, so avoid planning to make this drink too far in advance!
You may chop the fruit and even create the watermelon juice ahead of time. But hold off on starting the actual instructions until you’re no more than 4 hours away from serving.
Tips for the Best Watermelon Sangria
A few insights I’ve gained from crafting this more times than I can count:
– Preserve (and eat) the fruit. Skewer the wine-soaked watermelon and apple onto skewers as a delightful garnish.
– Chill everything beforehand. Ice dilutes sangria quickly; chill the wine and the pitcher ahead of time and serve with just a few cubes.
– Tailor the sweetness to your preference. Watermelons differ greatly in sweetness; if yours is mild, consider adding more sugar or a splash of mint simple syrup.
More Watermelon Drinks
Adore this vibrant pink summer fruit? Here are my top watermelon beverages to try:
Easy Watermelon Sangria
Watermelon sangria boasts the best sweet flavor! A large pitcher made with this juicy fruit is perfect for summer gatherings.
Author: Sonja Overhiser
Prep Time: 90 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Yield: 6
Category: Drink
Method: Chilled
Cuisine: Spanish
Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
– 8 cups cubed seedless watermelon, divided
– 1 green apple
– 2 tablespoons sugar
– 1 bottle dry white wine, chilled
– ½ cup brandy or Grand Marnier
– 1 handful mint leaves