mocktail sangria recipe cravings tend to hit me right when the afternoon slump kicks in. I want something fruity, fizzy, and festive without the alcohol so I can still power through the day. If that sounds familiar, you are in the right spot. This is my go to pitcher drink for brunches, baby showers, or low key dinners on the patio. I learned to balance sweetness and tang by playing with juice to fruit ratios, and this guide pulls it all together. If you like building flavor harmony in drinks, this quick read on balancing smoothie ingredients is also super helpful for fine tuning your sips.
What is Sangria?
Classic sangria is a Spanish style sipper that mixes wine with fruit, citrus, and a touch of sweetness. It sits in the fridge so the fruit can mingle with the liquid and release all that juicy flavor. When you skip the alcohol, you still get everything you want from the experience bright color, fresh fruit, and a social, shareable vibe. A mocktail sangria recipe gives you the same playful spirit without the hangover or afternoon slump.
Instead of wine, I use a blend of juices that mimic the body and tannins of red wine. Grape juice brings that deep jammy base, while pomegranate or cranberry adds tart structure. You can even spike the flavor with brewed hibiscus tea if you want more floral complexity. Think of it as a build your own, choose your adventure kind of pitcher.
When the weather is hot, I sometimes pair a small glass of sangria with a cool down drink like this minty refresher. If you have not tried it, this cucumber mint water recipe feels like a mini spa day in a glass.
Why You’ll Love this Mocktail Sangria Recipe
You are going to love how flexible and fuss free this is. It looks party ready with very little effort and it works for kids and adults alike. Here is why this mocktail sangria recipe wins on repeat in my house:
It is vibrant and naturally sweet. Juicy oranges, berries, and apples do most of the work. A touch of maple syrup or honey is optional.
It is refreshingly light. Sparkling water keeps the finish crisp so you can sip without feeling weighed down.
It is budget friendly. Use whatever fruit is on sale or already in your fruit bowl. Frozen berries are amazing here and they double as ice cubes.
It is crowd pleasing. You can scale it up for parties or keep a small batch for Sunday night dinner. For another vibrant sip that packs nutrients in a tasty way, I often rotate this blueberry spinach smoothie at breakfast.
“We served this for a family brunch and people kept refilling their glasses. No one missed the wine. It tastes bright, grown up, and not too sweet.”
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
Fresh fruit
- Citrus Orange and lemon are my base. Slice them thin so they infuse faster.
- Apples or pears Add crunch and natural sweetness. Granny Smith adds tart, Honeycrisp adds sweet.
- Berries Strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries add color and perfume. Frozen berries are totally fine.
- Stone fruit Peaches or plums are amazing in summer. Cut into wedges.
Liquids
Grape juice is your base for a red sangria vibe. Choose 100 percent juice for best flavor. Add pomegranate or cranberry juice for tangy depth. If you prefer a lighter style, go half grape and half hibiscus tea.
Sparkling water or club soda brings that festive fizz. Ginger ale works too if you like a sweeter finish.
Sweeteners and extras
Maple syrup or honey blends easily. Start with a small amount then adjust after chilling. For a little zip, grate in fresh ginger or add a small splash of apple cider vinegar. This is optional, but it adds brightness like wine would. If you love spice with benefits, try my quick morning kick starter, the ginger turmeric shot, and borrow a pinch of ground turmeric for earthy color.
Fresh herbs Mint is classic. Basil or rosemary can be fun too. A cinnamon stick works in cooler months and makes your kitchen smell cozy.
Substitutions No grape juice on hand? Use black cherry juice and cut it with cranberry. No lemons? Use lime. No sparkling water? Top with a splash of tonic right before serving.
How to Make a Mocktail de Sangria
Step by step
1. Prep the fruit. Wash everything well. Slice one orange and one lemon into thin rounds. Core and thinly slice one apple. If using berries, keep them whole if small or halve larger strawberries.
2. Build the base. In a large pitcher, add the fruit. Pour in 2 cups 100 percent grape juice, 1 cup pomegranate or cranberry juice, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. If you love floral notes, add 1 cup cooled hibiscus tea in place of some grape juice.
3. Sweeten to taste. Stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey. Start small, because the fruit will release sweetness as it chills.
4. Chill time. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours. The longer it rests, the more the fruit infuses the liquid. I find 4 to 6 hours hits the perfect balance for this mocktail sangria recipe.
5. Add bubbles and serve. Right before serving, pour in 1 to 2 cups chilled sparkling water. Gently stir. Add ice to glasses, ladle in fruit and liquid, then top each glass with a little extra fizz if you want it super bubbly.
Make ahead and storage
Keep the base in the fridge up to 24 hours before adding sparkling water. After serving, store leftovers without ice. The fruit is tasty for snacking the next day and the liquid stays nice for about 48 hours, though it will lose fizz if already mixed.
Tip If you prefer a not so sweet sip, add an extra splash of lemon juice, or even a small splash of brewed black tea for gentle tannins. That trick adds grown up structure to your mocktail sangria recipe without any bitterness.
Flavor Variations
- Tropical sangria Use pineapple juice with orange and lime slices, plus chunks of mango. Add coconut water for a soft finish.
- Rosy citrus sangria Use white grape juice with grapefruit slices and strawberries. A rosemary sprig adds lovely aroma.
- Spiced autumn sangria Stir in a cinnamon stick, a small pinch of ground clove, and pear slices. Swap pomegranate juice for cranberry.
- Extra fizzy sangria For bigger bubbles, top each glass with a splash of club soda or learn how to create soda shop style fizz at home with this fun homemade Italian soda recipe.
- Herbal sangria Use basil with peaches or mint with blueberries. Herbs round out sweetness and give a more refreshing finish.
If you are flavor curious, test small batches with different juice blends. Keep notes on what you like and go from there. That is how I landed on my favorite version and it is the one I share below.
Common Questions
How do I keep it from being too sweet? Use 100 percent juices and cut them with sparkling water. Add fresh lemon juice for brightness and taste before adding any sweetener.
Can I make a white version? Yes. Use white grape juice or pear juice as the base, then add citrus and light berries. It tastes crisp and looks pretty.
What fruit works best if I only have two kinds? Orange and apple is a simple, balanced combo. Add any berry if you have it for color.
How do I make it look restaurant ready? Thin, even fruit slices, a big handful of ice, and a pop of fresh mint. Chill glasses in the freezer for 10 minutes before serving.
Can I batch this for a party? Absolutely. Double or triple the base, chill in a big pitcher or drink dispenser, then add sparkling water right before guests arrive. This mocktail sangria recipe scales beautifully.
A Sweet Sip to Share
There you go a bright, bubbly pitcher that feels special any day of the week. This mocktail sangria recipe is easy to tweak, friendly for any crowd, and grounded in fresh, real ingredients. If you want to keep your drink game fresh, you might also enjoy this cozy healthy matcha latte on cooler mornings or a tangy pick me up like the apple cider vinegar drink when you crave a clean, zippy sip. For another take on a fruity, alcohol free pitcher, check out this helpful guide to an easy red sangria mocktail that pairs well with backyard dinners.
Make a batch, set out some snacks, and watch everyone gather around the pitcher. If you try it, drop a comment and tell me your favorite fruit combo. I am always testing new riffs and cheering you on from my kitchen.
Mocktail Sangria
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A vibrant and refreshing non-alcoholic sangria made with fresh fruit and juices, perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
- 1 orange, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 apple, cored and thinly sliced
- 2 cups 100% grape juice
- 1 cup pomegranate or cranberry juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 to 2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional)
- 1 to 2 cups chilled sparkling water
- Fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries)
- Fresh herbs (mint, basil, or rosemary)
Instructions
- Prep the fruit: Wash everything well. Slice one orange and one lemon into thin rounds. Core and thinly slice one apple. If using berries, keep them whole if small or halve larger strawberries.
- Build the base: In a large pitcher, add the fruit. Pour in the grape juice, pomegranate juice, and fresh lemon juice. Add cooled hibiscus tea if desired.
- Sweeten to taste: Stir in maple syrup or honey to taste, adjusting after chilling.
- Chill time: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 24 hours.
- Add bubbles and serve: Right before serving, pour in the chilled sparkling water, gently stir, and ladle into glasses with ice.
Notes
For a less sweet version, add extra lemon juice or brewed black tea for structure. The longer the mixture sits, the more flavorful it becomes.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No Cooking
- Cuisine: Spanish
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 30g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg