Watermelon Sangria is a sweet and refreshing cocktail to enjoy with friends and family on a hot day. It’s so easy to make and is perfect for summer gatherings while watermelon is in season.
Serve it along with Fruit Salsa and Pie Crust Chips and Melon Fruit Kabobs.
If you love watermelon and wine, this Watermelon Sangria is for you! A glass of this sangria really hits the spot on a warm day while relaxing outside by the pool, out for a picnic, or entertaining in the backyard.
What is Sangria?
Sangria is a mixed alcoholic drink. Originating in Spain, it got its name because traditionally red wine is used and Sangria means “blood” in Spanish. Sangria is hugely popular all over the world now, made with not only red wine, but also white wine and sparkling wines.
Depending on the wine and fruit used, there are so many wonderful variations. Our recipe today includes rosé, Moscato, watermelon, and lime slices. Delicious!
Watermelon Sangria Recipe
What’s in sangria? The ingredients vary from recipe to recipe, but typically speaking, wine and fruit are included. Here’s what you’ll need to make this version:
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Watermelon: Use a ripe, seedless watermelon. Nobody wants to be spitting out seeds while sipping their drinks. (Notes below how to pick out the best watermelon.)
- Rosé: Since we’re not adding any sugar to this drink, we prefer using a rosé that is sweeter and less dry.
- Proseco or Moscato: Prosecco is very fruity and less sweet, whereas Moscato is very sweet, fragrant, and less acidic. Choose whichever one you prefer.
- Limes: Sliced lime rounds for color, flavor, and garnish.
How to Make Sangria
The general rule for preparing sangria is to let the wine and fruits mingle in the fridge for about 12-24 hours. This allows the fruit chunks to fully soak up the wine. It not only makes the overall flavor better, but also preserves the fruits so they’ll last longer. We recommend chilling for at least 6 hours, but the longer the better.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Clean and cut the watermelon: Wash the outside of the watermelon really well. Cut into chunks, making sure the rind is intact for some of the cubes and they have a nice amount of fruit still attached.
- Fill a punch bowl or drink dispenser: Transfer the chunks of watermelon to a large punch bowl or drink dispenser. Add in the rosé.
- Chill: Cover and chill in the fridge for a minimum of 6 hours (ideally between 12-24 hours. The longer, the better.)
- Add in chilled Proseco or Moscato: Right before serving, stir in the chilled Proseco or Moscato.
- Serve: Serve in glasses, using tongs to add individual pieces of watermelon to each one along with a lime slice.
How to Pick the Best Watermelon
Since watermelon is a main ingredient here, let’s make sure to pick the best one. Here are some tips:
- The shape matters: Typically, a rounder watermelon will be sweeter than an oblong shaped one.
- Pick it up and feel it: No matter if it’s small or large, the watermelon should feel heavy for its size.
- Look for the biggest yellow spot: Watermelons develop a splotch where they lie on the ground. When this splotch is yellow, it’s ripe. The bigger the splotch, the sweeter the melon will be.
- Tap the underbelly: Give the watermelon’s lower surface a thump. You’re listening for a deep hollow sound, which indicates it’s ripe and full of wonderful juice. If it sounds dull, it’s either over-ripe or not ripe enough.
Making Ahead and Proper Storage
- Make Ahead: As mentioned above, make the sangria at least 6 hours in advance and store, covered, in the refrigerator. Ideally you want to make it 12-24 hours in advance for the best flavor and to help the fruit last longer. If you’re serving the entire batch of sangria within a day, you can simply keep it in a punch bowl or pitcher covered in plastic wrap. If you’re going to enjoy it over several days, it needs to be in an airtight container.
- How long does Sangria last? The shelf life of sangria can vary, depending on the type of wine and fruit used in the mixture. As a general rule, sangria will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days if stored properly. If you let it sit out, it will cause the wine to oxidize and you’ll need to toss it.
More Summer Drinks
I hope you love this delicious and simple recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Watermelon Sangria
Ingredients
- 1/2 medium seedless watermelon , well washed
- 3 (750 ml each) bottles rosé , chilled
- 1 (350 ml) bottle Proseco or Moscato , chilled
- 1-2 small limes , sliced into rounds, for garnish
Instructions
- Wash the outside of the watermelon really well. Slice thick slabs of watermelon, then cut into chunks, making sure the rind is intact for some of the cubes and they have a nice amount of fruit still attached. (You should have about 12 cups.)
- Transfer the chunks to a large punch bowl or drink dispenser. Add in the rosé.
- Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 6 hours (ideally 12-24. The longer the better.)
- Right before serving, stir in the chilled Proseco or Moscato.
- Serve in glasses, using tongs to add individual pieces of watermelon along with a slice of lime.
- NOTE: Prosecco is very fruity and less sweet, whereas Moscato is very sweet, fragrant, and less acidic. Choose whichever one you prefer.
Nutrition
Other Notes
