Fresh Watermelon Rosé Sangria
This Fresh Watermelon Rosé Sangria is a light and refreshing cocktail made with juicy watermelon, crisp rosé, fresh lime, and mint. Easy to make and naturally sweet, it’s the perfect pitcher cocktail for BBQs, parties, or entertaining a crowd.
Servings: 6 cocktails
Calories: 144kcal
Equipment
- 1 high speed blender
- 1 strainer *to strain the blended watermelon
- 1 large pitcher
Ingredients
- 4 cups seedless watermelon cubes *about 1/2 of a mini watermelon
- 1 bottle of dry rosé, chilled
- Juice from 2 limes *about 2 tablespoons
- 1 tablespoon pure maple syrup *add another tablespoon for more sweetness
- 1 cup sparkling water, chilled
Optional
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish
- watermelon wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Add the watermelon cubes to a high-speed blender and blend until completely smooth and juicy. Strain the watermelon juice through a fine-mesh strainer to remove any pulp, then pour the fresh juice into a large pitcher.
- Pour the chilled rosé, fresh lime juice, and maple syrup into the pitcher with the watermelon juice. Stir until everything is combined, then cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to chill and allow the flavors to come together.
- When you’re ready to serve, pour the sparkling water into the chilled watermelon mixture and gently stir to combine. Serve immediately over ice and, if desired, garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves and a small watermelon wedge for a beautiful finishing touch.
Notes
Storage:
This watermelon rosé sangria is best enjoyed immediately and is not a cocktail I recommend saving for the next day. The fresh watermelon flavor and sparkling water are at their best right after mixing, and the sangria will lose its fresh taste and fizz as it sits.
If you want to prep ahead, mix everything except the sparkling water and mint, cover, and refrigerate for up to several hours. Add the sparkling water just before serving and plan to enjoy the entire pitcher that day.
Tips and Modifications:
Use a ripe watermelon for the best flavor. Since watermelon is the star of this sangria, a sweet, juicy watermelon makes a big difference in the finished drink.
Keep everything chilled. Chill the rosé, watermelon, and sparkling water before assembling the sangria so you don’t have to rely on a lot of ice, which can water it down.
Adjust the sweetness to your watermelon. Taste the blended watermelon before adding the maple syrup. If your watermelon is especially sweet, you may want to use less or skip it altogether. You may want to add more maple syrup as well.
Choose a dry rosé. A crisp, dry rosé balances the natural sweetness of the watermelon and keeps the sangria light and refreshing.
Add the bubbles last. Wait until you’re ready to serve before adding the sparkling water so your sangria stays fresh and fizzy.
Make watermelon ice cubes. Freeze watermelon cubes ahead of time and add them to each glass instead of regular ice for an extra-cute touch that won’t water down your cocktail.
Switch up the sparkling water. Plain works perfectly, but lime or watermelon sparkling water can add another subtle layer of flavor.
Make it extra pretty. Add fresh mint, lime wheels, or small watermelon wedges to the glasses right before serving.
Nutrition
Serving: 10ounces | Calories: 144kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 10mg | Potassium: 128mg | Fiber: 0.4g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 579IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 0.3mg