Can I Use Tequila in a Rosé Sangria?

Classic sangria is famously Spanish, blending wine and fruit with a touch of spirit for lift and depth. While brandy is common, tequila offers a distinctive twist—especially when paired with the crisp, aromatic qualities of rosé wine. Combining tequila and rosé in sangria creates a modern, vibrant cocktail with just the right amount of punch for summer gatherings.

Why Use Tequila in Sangria?

Tequila’s earthy, citrusy notes bring energy to the subtle berry and floral flavors of rosé wine. A blanco tequila lets the wine’s profile shine, adding just a whisper of agave and boosting the cocktail’s strength. Reposado tequila, aged briefly in oak, introduces soft vanilla and spice—making the drink rounder, but never overpowering.

Blanco tequila: clean, gentle, works with almost all rosé styles
Reposado tequila: adds a touch of caramel and spice to dry, robust rosés
Añejo tequila: usually too intense; stick with blanco or reposado

Building a Rosé Tequila Sangria: Flavors & Pairings

A good rosé tequila sangria harmonizes crisp wine, lively spirit, and fresh fruit. Look for dry or off-dry rosé to avoid an overly sweet result; bottle-fermented Provençal rosés work beautifully. For fruit, choose options that match typical sangria (citrus, berries, stone fruit) while also welcoming tropical additions (pineapple, mango) to echo tequila’s roots.

Citrus wheels (orange, lime, grapefruit) add zip and aroma
Fresh strawberries, raspberries, or watermelon evoke rosé’s berry notes
Peach or nectarine slices blend subtle sweetness and texture
Fresh mint or basil leaves for a fragrant, herbal finish

rosé tequila sangria with fresh fruit slices

Rosé Sangria Recipe with Tequila

This modern recipe balances agave depth with rosé’s brightness. It’s endlessly adaptable—swap fruit or herbs based on season and taste. Serve it well-chilled for a crowd, or in single glasses over ice for impromptu summer sipping.

750 ml dry rosé wine
120 ml blanco or reposado tequila
60 ml orange liqueur (such as Cointreau)
60 ml fresh lime juice (about 4 limes)
30 ml agave syrup (or simple syrup)
1 orange, sliced into thin wheels
1 lime, thinly sliced
100 g fresh strawberries, halved
A handful fresh mint leaves
Ice cubes

Method

Add the sliced fruit and mint to a large pitcher.
Pour in the tequila, orange liqueur, fresh lime juice, and agave syrup. Stir gently.
Add the rosé wine. Stir again to combine.
Cover and chill the pitcher in the fridge for at least 2 hours to let the flavors mingle.
Serve over ice in wine glasses, ensuring each glass has plenty of fruit.
Garnish with extra mint if desired.

glass of rosé tequila sangria with fruit and mint

Flavor Adjustments and Tips

For a drier sangria, use less agave syrup and a bone-dry rosé.
Want more fizz? Top each glass with 30 ml sparkling water just before serving.
Peach, raspberry, or pineapple all work as alternate fruit in place of or alongside strawberries.
If you prefer a lighter cocktail, reduce tequila to 90 ml.

Why This Combo Works

Tequila’s fresh agave bite tempers the sweet-tart profile of sangria, lending a sophisticated and vibrant twist. Rosé, with its balance of fruit and acidity, keeps the drink refreshing instead of cloying. The end result: a sangria that’s simple to batch and easy to pour all afternoon.