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A chilled jug of mint-infused strawberry white wine sangria just screams summer vibes. This cool drink fits perfectly for lazy evenings outside or casual backyard hangouts with friends. The DIY strawberry simple syrup really makes this special - it packs every gulp with deep berry goodness and balanced sweetness.
I whipped this up for the first time during a last-minute lunch on my small balcony. It vanished so fast, and now I can't help making it whenever the weather warms up and friends drop by.
Ingredients
- Sliced fresh strawberries: You'll want these for both the syrup and the drink itself. Using fresh berries creates pockets of real fruit flavor. Go for the juiciest, reddest ones you can find.
- Water: Needed for the syrup base. Grab filtered water to let those fruit flavors pop.
- Sugar: Balances any tartness in your syrup. Pick fine sugar since it melts faster.
- White wine: Stick with something crisp, dry and budget-friendly. Try a pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc. Clean, fresh flavors work wonders here.
- Club soda: Adds the fizzy magic and lightness. Make sure it's cold for maximum bubbles.
- Sliced fresh orange: Brings a sunny citrus layer to the mix. Find a super juicy one for extra aroma.
- Fresh mint leaves: Makes the whole batch smell amazing and taste super refreshing. Lightly crush them before adding to wake up those essential oils.
Instructions
- Whip Up the Strawberry Syrup:
- Mix your sliced strawberries, water and sugar in a pot. Let it bubble gently over medium heat, giving it a stir now and then until the berries turn mushy and your syrup looks rich pink. This takes about 8-10 minutes. Strain out the solids and let the syrup cool completely in your fridge so your sangria stays nice and cold.
- Mix Your Main Sangria:
- Pour your cooled strawberry syrup and white wine into a big pitcher. Stir softly and give it a taste. Now's when you can tweak the sweetness by adding more syrup or wine if needed.
- Load Up With Fruit and Cool Down:
- Toss in your sliced strawberries and orange pieces. Clap mint leaves between your hands and drop them in. This releases all that minty goodness. Cover everything up and chill for at least an hour, but longer works even better.
- Final Touches:
- When you're ready to drink up, pour in the club soda for some fizz and take one last taste. Put ice in each glass instead of the pitcher to keep everything tasting fresh. Top each glass with extra mint or fruit bits.
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I totally love the fresh mint part best. Every time I add it, my kitchen smells so cool and herby. It always takes me back to childhood days picking mint from mom's garden right before company showed up.
Storage Tips
This drink tastes best the same day but stays good in your fridge for up to 24 hours. The fruit keeps soaking in the longer it sits, making flavors deeper. For planning ahead, mix your syrup, wine and fruit the night before, then add your club soda and mint just before pouring to keep things fresh.
Ingredient Substitutions
You can throw in peaches or raspberries instead of some strawberries for something different. Don't use sweet wines or your drink might get too sugary. Try kiwi or lime instead of orange for a different citrus kick.
Serving Suggestions
Pour into wine glasses or mason jars with plenty of ice. For a fancy touch, freeze some berry slices and orange pieces to use as pretty ice cubes you can eat later. This drink goes great with simple snacks like cheese toast or a light green salad.
Cultural Touch
Sangria comes from Spain and Portugal where folks enjoy it outdoors with friends. The American version uses whatever local fruits look best, so each batch turns out unique. I always make this on July 4th and sip it while watching fireworks light up the sky.
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This sangria stands out as the star of any summer get-together. Mix it up ahead of time and let everyone grab their own for truly stress-free hosting.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → Will store-bought strawberry syrup work?
It’ll do the job if you're in a pinch. But making it yourself gives a brighter and fresher taste.
- → Which white wine should I choose?
Go for dry wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc—they balance out the fruity sweetness.
- → How long does it need to chill?
Let it sit in the fridge for at least an hour so all the flavors come together nicely.
- → Can I toss in other fruits?
Totally! Peaches, lemons, or raspberries make awesome additions for more flavor and color.
- → Can I make it without alcohol?
Swap out the white wine with grape juice or a fizzy soda, and you’ve got yourself a tasty non-alcoholic drink.