If you’re on the hunt for a refreshing and vibrant drink that perfectly blends Southern charm with a touch of elegance, this Sweet Tea Sangria Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with the sweetness of classic iced tea, the lightness of white wine, and the bright flavors of fresh blueberries and strawberries, this cocktail is a crowd-pleaser that’s incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re gearing up for a sunny afternoon gathering or simply want to treat yourself to a delightful beverage, this Sweet Tea Sangria Recipe offers a harmonious, fruity sip that’s cool, sweet, and utterly satisfying.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is easier than you might think. Each component plays a vital role, from the base of sweet tea that gives it that familiar warmth to the fresh fruit adding bursts of flavor and color, making your sangria as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 6 cups sweet tea: The heart of the sangria, offering sweetness and a familiar Southern touch.
- 1 bottle white wine: Choose a crisp, fruity white wine to complement and lighten the tea’s sweetness.
- 2 cups blueberries: These add a juicy pop and deep blue hues that make the drink visually stunning.
- 2 cups sliced strawberries: Bright, sweet, and a hint tart, strawberries balance the flavors perfectly.
- Fresh mint (for garnish): Adds an aromatic freshness that elevates every sip.
How to Make Sweet Tea Sangria Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Sweet Tea and White Wine
Start by pouring the sweet tea and white wine into a large pitcher. This base creates the perfect balance of sweet and light, setting the stage for the fruity enhancements that follow. Mixing these two together early solidifies the unique pairing that makes this sangria stand out.
Step 2: Add the Fresh Fruit
Next, gently add the blueberries and sliced strawberries to the pitcher. The fruit not only imparts natural sweetness and tang but also infuses the sangria with beautiful colors that are almost too pretty to drink. Stir them in lightly to distribute the flavors without bruising the berries.
Step 3: Chill Thoroughly
Let the sangria chill in the refrigerator for at least two to three hours. This step is crucial because it allows the fruit to meld with the drink, soaking up those lovely wine and tea notes and intensifying the flavor. Plus, serving it cold is key to keeping it refreshingly crisp.
Step 4: Serve Over Ice and Garnish
When you are ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the sangria over generously. Finish each glass with a sprig of fresh mint and a few extra berries for that inviting, festive look and a burst of fresh aroma. This step turns a simple drink into an experience worth savoring.
How to Serve Sweet Tea Sangria Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves and a handful of extra blueberries or sliced strawberries make delightful garnishes. They add a pop of color and a refreshing scent, giving the drink an elegant finishing touch that impresses every guest.
Side Dishes
Sweet Tea Sangria pairs beautifully with light and fresh fare like grilled chicken skewers, shrimp salads, or a fresh garden salad. Its fruity sweetness complements savory dishes, creating a harmonious balance that’s perfect for an afternoon or evening meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a charming presentation, serve the sangria in clear mason jars or tall stemmed glasses. Layer the fruit in the glass for a beautiful effect. You can also freeze some strawberries and blueberries into ice cubes to keep the drink cold without diluting it.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Sweet Tea Sangria in a tightly sealed pitcher or container in the refrigerator. It’s best consumed within 24-48 hours to enjoy the freshest flavors and prevent the fruit from becoming overly soft.
Freezing
While the sangria itself isn’t ideal for freezing due to the wine content, you can freeze the fruit separately to keep on hand for your next batch. Frozen berries work perfectly as cooler-friendly garnishes too.
Reheating
This sangria is designed to be enjoyed chilled, so reheating isn’t recommended. However, if you prefer a warm drink, try simmering the ingredients separately to create a mulled wine-inspired twist instead.
FAQs
Can I use black tea instead of sweet tea for this recipe?
Absolutely! Black tea would add a richer, deeper flavor while still complementing the fruit and wine nicely. Just be sure to sweeten it to your taste before mixing.
What type of white wine works best in Sweet Tea Sangria Recipe?
A dry or off-dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or a light Chardonnay works wonderfully. The key is to pick a wine that’s crisp and not too heavy to keep the drink refreshing.
Can I make this sangria vegan-friendly?
Yes, as long as the wine you use is vegan-certified. Most sweet teas and fresh fruits are naturally vegan, so it’s an easy adjustment.
Is it possible to make this recipe without alcohol?
Certainly! Swap the white wine with an extra 6 cups of cold sparkling water or a non-alcoholic white wine substitute to keep it delicious and refreshing without the alcohol.
How far in advance can I prepare this sangria?
It’s best prepared a few hours ahead to allow the flavors to meld, but you can make it up to one day in advance and store it chilled to maximize convenience while maintaining freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Tea Sangria Recipe is a delightful way to bring friends and family together over a glass of summer sweetness with a twist. Its simplicity, vibrant flavors, and that signature Southern charm make it a go-to beverage for warm days and good times. Don’t wait to mix up a batch—you’ll thank yourself once that first refreshing sip hits just right.
Print
Sweet Tea Sangria Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and flavorful Sweet Tea Sangria combining the classic Southern sweet tea with crisp white wine and fresh berries, perfect for warm-weather gatherings.
Ingredients
Drink Base
- 6 cups sweet tea
- 1 bottle white wine (750 ml)
Fruit
- 2 cups blueberries
- 2 cups sliced strawberries
Garnish
- Fresh mint leaves
Instructions
- Combine liquids. In a large pitcher, mix the sweet tea and the bottle of white wine thoroughly to blend the flavors.
- Add fruit and chill. Stir in the blueberries and sliced strawberries, then cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 to 3 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve over ice. Pour the sangria mixture into glasses filled with ice to keep it cool and refreshing.
- Garnish and enjoy. Add fresh mint leaves and extra berries on top of each glass for a vibrant, aromatic finish before serving.
Notes
- Use a dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio for best flavor balance.
- Sweet tea can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Chilling longer enhances the infusion of fruit and mint flavors.
- Adjust sweetness by adding simple syrup if desired.
- This recipe is ideal for summer parties or casual get-togethers.
