Simple Strawberry Lemonade Sangria Recipe

pitcher of homemade lemonade with sliced lemons

Strawberry lemonade sangria is a refreshing fusion of citrus and sweet berries, ideal for gatherings or summer afternoons. Achieving the perfect balance starts with quality lemonade, whether homemade or store-bought, and choosing between fresh or frozen strawberries to suit the season. This recipe provides tips for tailoring the flavor and ensuring an appealing presentation.

Building the Lemonade Base

Homemade lemonade is straightforward and guarantees a fresh result, but high-quality store-bought options also work. The foundation is a classic sweet–tart lemonade with a juicy finish.

For homemade: Combine 180 ml freshly squeezed lemon juice, 120 ml simple syrup (1:1 ratio sugar to water), and 700 ml cold water. Stir until fully mixed.
For shortcut use: Substitute 1000 ml quality store-bought lemonade.

Homemade lemonade brings lively aroma and tartness, while a quality store-bought version offers speed and uniform sweetness.

Fresh vs. Frozen Strawberries in Sangria

Both fresh and frozen strawberries provide a burst of fruit flavor, but their effects differ slightly. Fresh berries lend texture and visual appeal, while frozen ones chill the sangria and infuse juice as they thaw.

Fresh: Slice for visual appeal and immediate berry bite.
Frozen: Add whole or halved to keep drinks cool and deepen the strawberry flavor over time.

Essential Ingredients

750 ml dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
300 ml lemonade (homemade or quality store-bought)
120 ml triple sec or orange liqueur
250 g strawberries, fresh or frozen (about 350 ml sliced)
1 lemon, thinly sliced (plus extra lemon wheels for serving)
Optional: 100 ml club soda for extra fizz

How to Make Strawberry Lemonade Sangria

Combine 750 ml white wine, 300 ml lemonade, and 120 ml triple sec in a large pitcher.
Add 350 ml sliced strawberries and lemon slices; stir gently.
Refrigerate at least 2 hours for the flavors to blend. For deepest berry flavor, let sit up to 8 hours.
If using frozen berries, add them just before serving to keep the sangria nicely chilled.
Top with club soda when pouring if you want a sparkling finish.
Serve in wine glasses with extra strawberry slices or lemon wheels as garnish.

glass of strawberry lemonade sangria with fresh strawberries and lemon

Tips for Balance and Personalization

Adjust sweetness by adding extra simple syrup (15 ml at a time) or a splash more lemonade.
Swap white wine for rosé for a pink hue and a fruitier profile.
Use blueberries or raspberries for color contrast or extra berry notes.
Non-alcoholic version: Substitute 750 ml alcohol-free white wine or extra lemonade for the wine; add club soda for sparkle.