Sangria is one of those drinks that you really can’t go wrong with. The options are endless; look around your house for whatever fruits, juices, liqueurs, mixes, etc. you have around, and turn them into a delicious drink. To add an extra flair of flavor, add fresh herbs, herb-infused syrups, and spices to your recipe. Now is the time to get creative!
Below are several recipe ideas for herbal sangrias that are perfect for summer. Tweak the recipes however you see fit to match your flavor preferences!
Lavender Peach Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 bottle dry champagne (inexpensive works just fine)
- ¾ cup peach flavored or plain vodka
- ¼ cup triple sec or orange flavored liqueur
- 1 ½ cup peach juice or 100% juice blend
- 2 lemons, juiced
- ¾ cup lavender infused syrup (directions below) – uses ½ cup lavender leaves
- 2 cups white seedless grapes
- 2 peaches
Make the lavender syrup by combining equal parts water and white sugar in a saucepan with leaves, cook on low until sugar dissolves. Let the leaves steep for at least 30 minutes and strain. In a large pitcher, combine all liquid ingredients except champagne; add halved white grapes and cubed peaches. Add champagne right before serving.
Cilantro Pineapple Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 bottle white wine, such as Pinot Grigio
- ½ cup silver tequila
- ½ cup triple sec or orange flavored liqueur
- 3 limes, juiced
- 1 cup 100% pineapple juice
- 1 cup cubed pineapple
- 1 cup white grapes
- ½ cup cilantro syrup (uses 1 cup cilantro leaves)
Make cilantro syrup the same way the lavender syrup is made above. Combine all liquid ingredients in a large pitcher, and adjust to taste (add more lime if too sweet, and more juice if too tart). Add pineapple and halved grapes, and serve.
Basil Berry Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 bottle dry red wine
- ½ cup vodka
- ½ cup triple sec or orange flavored liqueur
- 2 limes, juiced
- 1 tablespoon aged balsamic vinegar
- ½ cup 100% orange juice
- ½ cup basil syrup (will need 1 cup basil leaves)
- 1 cup club soda or seltzer
- 2 cups berries of choice (good options are blackberries, strawberries, raspberries, blueberries)
Make basil syrup as directed in first recipe. Combine all liquid ingredients in pitcher, and add berries. Refrigerate to let flavors mesh (make the day before for best results). When ready to serve, add club soda or seltzer.