Sangria has a way of making any moment feel special, and this Valentine’s Day version leans into that magic. It’s fruity, slightly sweet, and beautifully pink-red thanks to ripe strawberries. The best part?
You can make it ahead, which takes the pressure off when you’re hosting or planning a cozy night in. Serve it in a pretty pitcher, add a few festive garnishes, and you’ve got a holiday-ready drink that feels celebratory without being fussy.
What Makes This Recipe So Good
- Fresh strawberry flavor: Sliced strawberries infuse the wine with a naturally sweet, floral note that tastes like early spring.
- Balanced sweetness: A touch of simple syrup and orange liqueur adds sweetness without making it cloying.
- Make-ahead friendly: It tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge, so it’s perfect for prepping earlier in the day.
- Light and bubbly: A splash of sparkling water or Prosecco before serving keeps it refreshing and lively.
- Pretty presentation: The strawberries, citrus slices, and a sprig of mint make every glass look special with minimal effort.
What You’ll Need
- 1 bottle dry red wine (750 ml): Tempranillo, Garnacha, or a fruity Pinot Noir works well.
- 1 cup fresh strawberries, sliced: Pick ripe, fragrant berries for the best flavor.
- 1 orange, thinly sliced: Adds brightness and a hint of bitterness.
- 1/2 cup orange juice: Freshly squeezed if possible.
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur: Such as Cointreau or Triple Sec for citrus depth.
- 2–4 tablespoons simple syrup or honey: Adjust to taste based on your wine and fruit sweetness.
- 1/2 cup sliced strawberries for garnish: Reserved for serving.
- 1 small apple, chopped (optional): Classic sangria touch and extra texture.
- 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds (optional): Jewel-like color and tartness.
- 1–2 cups sparkling water or dry Prosecco: Added just before serving for fizz.
- Ice: For serving.
- Fresh mint or basil (optional): Aromatic garnish.
Instructions
- Prep the fruit: Wash and slice the strawberries. Thinly slice the orange and chop the apple, if using.
Remove any seeds from the orange slices.
- Build the base: In a large pitcher, combine the sliced strawberries, orange slices, apple, and pomegranate seeds.
- Add the liquids: Pour in the red wine, orange juice, and orange liqueur. Stir gently to combine.
- Sweeten to taste: Add simple syrup or honey, starting with 2 tablespoons. Stir and taste.
Add more if you prefer a sweeter sangria.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and up to 24 hours. This helps the flavors meld and the fruit infuse the wine.
- Finish with fizz: Right before serving, add sparkling water or Prosecco. Start with 1 cup, then taste and add more if you want a lighter, fizzier drink.
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice, ladle in sangria with plenty of fruit, and top with extra sliced strawberries.
Garnish with mint or basil if you like.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerate: Keep leftover sangria covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. The fruit will continue to infuse and soften.
- Remove the fizz: If you’ve already added sparkling water or Prosecco, expect the bubbles to fade by the next day. Add a fresh splash before serving leftovers.
- Fruit texture: If the fruit gets too soft for your liking, strain it out and add fresh slices just before pouring.
Health Benefits
- Antioxidants from fruit: Strawberries, oranges, and pomegranate are rich in vitamin C and polyphenols.
- Moderate red wine benefits: Red wine in moderation may provide beneficial antioxidants like resveratrol.
- Hydration from dilution: Adding sparkling water helps lower the alcohol per serving and increases hydration.
As with any alcoholic beverage, moderation is key.
Keep portions sensible and enjoy alongside food and water.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Too sweet: Overdoing the sweetener or using a very sweet wine can make the drink syrupy. Start with less sugar and add as needed.
- Flat fizz: Adding sparkling water too early leads to a dull finish. Only add bubbles right before serving.
- Over-macerated fruit: Soaking fruit for days can turn it mushy and bitter.
Aim for 2–24 hours.
- Clashing wine choice: Heavy, oaky wines can overpower the fruit. Choose a fruity, medium-bodied red.
- Watery glasses: Filling the pitcher with ice dilutes the flavor. Add ice to individual glasses instead.
Recipe Variations
- Rosé Valentine’s Sangria: Swap red wine for dry rosé.
Keep the strawberries and add raspberries for a lighter, blush-colored drink.
- White Strawberry Sangria: Use a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. Add peaches or pear for a refreshing twist.
- Zero-Proof Version: Replace wine with a mix of unsweetened red grape juice and tart cherry juice. Use orange juice and a splash of nonalcoholic orange liqueur or a few drops of orange extract.
Finish with sparkling water.
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Vibe: Add 1–2 teaspoons of high-quality cocoa nibs to the pitcher while chilling for a subtle chocolate aroma. Strain before serving.
- Spiced Winter Touch: Add a cinnamon stick and 2–3 thin slices of fresh ginger during the chill. Remove before serving to avoid overpowering the fruit.
- Herbal Finish: Swap mint for basil or thyme.
Gently bruise the herbs to release aroma, but don’t muddle them into the drink.
FAQ
What’s the best wine for strawberry sangria?
Choose a fruity, medium-bodied dry red with low oak. Garnacha, Tempranillo, or Pinot Noir are reliable picks. They’re flavorful without overshadowing the fruit.
Can I make it the day before?
Yes.
Make the base up to 24 hours ahead without the sparkling water or Prosecco. Add the bubbles right before serving for the best texture and freshness.
How do I make it less sweet?
Use a dry wine, reduce the simple syrup, and increase the amount of sparkling water. You can also add a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness.
Can I use frozen strawberries?
Frozen strawberries work well for infusing flavor and chilling the sangria without watering it down.
Add a handful of fresh slices for garnish so each glass looks vibrant.
What if I don’t have orange liqueur?
Use extra orange juice plus a spoonful of simple syrup, or try a splash of brandy. The goal is a citrusy, slightly sweet backbone.
How many servings does this make?
A standard 750 ml bottle makes about 6–8 small servings, depending on how much fruit and sparkling water you add.
Can I use sparkling wine instead of water?
Absolutely. A dry Prosecco or Cava keeps the drink crisp and festive.
Add it right before serving so it stays bubbly.
How do I scale this for a party?
Double or triple the recipe in a large drink dispenser. Keep the bubbles separate and let guests top off their glasses with sparkling water or Prosecco.
What snacks pair well with this sangria?
Think light and salty: cheese boards, prosciutto, almonds, dark chocolate, and simple crostini with goat cheese or brie complement the fruit beautifully.
Final Thoughts
This Valentine’s Day Sangria with Strawberries is festive, flexible, and easy to love. It looks beautiful in the glass and tastes even better after a couple of hours of chilling.
Keep the sweetness balanced, add the bubbles just before serving, and don’t be afraid to play with the fruit. Whether you’re cooking for two or hosting friends, this sangria brings a bright, cheerful note to the celebration.
