Watermelon Sangría

Sangría can really be made with any fruit, in any season. In this version, watermelon mixes with orange juice, lemon slices, rosé wine, and summer berries for a beautiful summer drink. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and a tribute to one of summer’s favorite fruits.

Tips and Tricks

What kind of rosé should I use?

When picking out a wine for sangría, you’ll want something that’s not expensive, but that also isn’t dirt cheap (you don’t want to give yourself a headache). I like to find something in the $12 - $20 range.

How long until I can drink it?

With sangría, the longer you let it sit, the tastier it is. Many recipes will call for triple sec instead of orange juice as the added alcohol makes the drink more potent faster. You can certainly do that if you’re in a hurry. You could also add a couple tablespoons of rum or vodka. Otherwise, I’d recommend letting it sit at least 6 hours, preferably overnight.

Sparkling Water

This recipe make the addition of sparkling water optional. This makes the drink more refreshing and minimizes the effect of the alcohol.

Ingredients:

(Makes 1 pitcher of sangría)

  • 4 cups watermelon (about a quarter of a whole, seedless watermelon fruit)

  • juice of one orange (about a ¼ cup)

  • 1 orange, sliced

  • 1 lemon, sliced

  • 1 cup assorted berries or other fruits (such as raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries)

  • 1 750mL bottle rosé (*See tips and tricks)

  • 2 - 4 cups sparkling water, optional

Directions:

Take a large pitcher. If using a full-sized watermelon for this, cut it in half and taking a teaspoon measure or a similar-sized circular scoop, cut out small balls of watermelon and place in the bottom of the pitcher. Repeat until you have 4 cups’ worth.

Add the orange juice to this, along with the orange and lemon slices, and the berries. Stir everything gently with a spoon until the fruits are nicely mixed together.

Pour in the rosé wine. Stir again, gently. Then place in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours or overnight.

When you’re ready to serve, take a spoon and scoop some of the fruit into each cup. Then pour over the sangría liquid. Add sparkling water as necessary to fill the cup for a lighter drink.

Enjoy!