How to Make Watermelon Moscato Sangria

glass of watermelon moscato sangria with watermelon cubes and mint

Watermelon Moscato sangria delivers pure summer refreshment: juicy fruit, floral moscato, and a touch of citrus come together in one effortlessly crowd-pleasing pitcher. What sets this sangria apart is its versatility—ripe watermelon and sweet moscato wine balance each other while offering room for custom twists and easy pairing.

Essential Watermelon Moscato Sangria Recipe

500 ml fresh watermelon, cubed
750 ml moscato white wine (one standard bottle)
60 ml orange liqueur (such as triple sec or Cointreau)
60 ml vodka (optional, for extra kick)
250 ml soda water or lemon-lime soda, chilled
120 ml fresh lime juice
60 ml simple syrup or agave syrup, to taste
100 ml fresh strawberries, sliced
1 small lime, thinly sliced
Mint sprigs, for garnish

Making Watermelon Moscato Sangria: Step by Step

Add cubed watermelon to a large pitcher. Muddle gently with a muddler or wooden spoon to release some juice (avoid fully pureeing).
Pour in 750 ml moscato, 60 ml orange liqueur, and (if using) 60 ml vodka.
Stir in 120 ml lime juice and 60 ml simple syrup. Taste and adjust for sweetness.
Add strawberry slices and lime rounds. Stir gently.
Chill for at least 1 hour (and up to 8 hours); this allows flavors to blend.
Just before serving, add 250 ml chilled soda water for fizz. Stir, then garnish each glass with mint.

Choosing the Right Moscato for Sangria

Balance between sweetness and freshness is central when using moscato in fruit-driven recipes. The best bottles highlight fruit and acidity without tasting cloying. Look for:

Aromatic Italian moscato d’Asti or New World moscato with bright floral notes.
Wines at 5–7% ABV—lower alcohol accentuates bubbly texture and lets melon flavors shine.
Skip syrupy, dessert-style moscatos; seek lighter, crisp options for a thirst-quenching result.

If you want to dial up the citrus, replace some of the moscato with a dry sparkling wine and add a touch more simple syrup if needed.

moscato wine bottle beside watermelon wedges

Watermelon Moscato Sangria Variations & Ingredient Pairings

The beauty of sangria is how a few subtle swaps change the character of your finished drink while keeping the watermelon-moscato core. Try these winning combinations:

Herbal accent: Add 4–5 torn basil leaves along with the muddled watermelon; basil elevates melon’s aroma.
Extra fruit: Mix in 100 ml pineapple chunks or 100 ml cucumber rounds for a tropical-fresh twist.
Rosé swap: Substitute half the moscato with a light, dry rosé (375 ml each) for added berry flavor and vibrant color.
Bubbly finish: Use sparkling moscato for both the sweetness and effervescence, skipping soda water.
Less sweet: Add extra lime juice or replace soda with plain sparkling water for a brisker, more food-friendly version.

Sangria Pairing Tips and Serving Ideas

Watermelon Moscato sangria’s bright, juicy flavors make it a natural companion for sun-soaked fare—especially foods with tang, spice, or a salty crunch.

Pair with grilled shrimp, feta salads, fried chicken, ceviche, gazpacho, or spicy tacos.
For summer parties, freeze extra melon cubes for ice cubes that won’t dilute.
Serve in a large wine glass or stemless goblet, with plenty of fruit in each pour for maximum visual and aromatic appeal.

pitcher of watermelon moscato sangria with fruit and glasses