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I created this non-alcoholic sangria recipe because I wanted a celebratory drink that my kids could enjoy too. It’s such a joy watching them light up when they get to toast with a grown-up feeling drink. It’s perfect for your next big dinner, and the secret ingredient that takes it to the next level? A splash of Sambucol elderberry syrup. Trust me, it’s a game-changer. You can also make your own elderberry popsicles this summer using my easy-peasy recipe.
Why this Non-Alcoholic Sangria Rawks
My non-alcoholic sangria drink recipe has it all: fruity, festive, refreshing, and totally family-friendly. It’s the perfect drink to brighten up your holiday table or any special gathering. But this isn’t just a pretty drink, it actually packs some surprising health benefits too:
- Fruit-forward and flavor-packed: The magic of sangria is in the fruits. Berries have fiber and antioxidants to help you support immunity and digestion. Whereas, apples and pomegranates have polyphenols that fight inflammation.
- Alcohol-free: You don’t need alcohol to feel festive. This sangria drink brings all the celebratory flair. It’s a great option for anyone skipping booze, whether by choice, necessity, or just for the night. Everyone can raise a glass.
- Light, effervescent, and refreshing: This drink has the perfect balance of sweetness and fizz. It’s the kind of refreshing that hits just right on a warm day or when you want something clean and fun.
- Endlessly adaptable: You can customize in your own way. Try using grape juice and tropical fruit for a lighter twist, or bold flavors with pomegranate juice. Add fresh herbs like mint, basil, or rosemary for an elevated finish.
- Easy to make: This sangria looks like something straight out of a magazine. The colorful layers of fresh fruit and the sparkle of bubbles make it a guaranteed conversation starter. It takes just minutes to throw together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This non-alcoholic sangria recipe is simple to put together, but each ingredient plays a role in creating a fruity, festive drink that feels both refreshing and a little fancy. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Green apple: Crisp and tart, green apples add texture and balance the sweetness of the juice. Keep the skin on for extra fiber and color. Look for organic apples in the produce section to avoid waxy coatings.
- Orange: Sliced with the rind on, oranges add a citrusy brightness and gorgeous pop of color. Remove any large seeds before adding. Navel oranges or orange juice are a great choice and easy to find at most grocery stores.
- Lemon: The rind adds a subtle bitterness that rounds out the sweet notes of the drink. Slice thin and leave the skin on for a zesty punch. Choose bright yellow lemons with smooth skin for the juiciest results.
- Raspberries: These vibrant berries bring a tart burst of flavor and beautiful red hue. They’re also rich in antioxidants. You can find them fresh in the refrigerated produce section or frozen if out of season.
- Blackberries: Juicy, dark, and slightly sweet, blackberries help deepen the flavor and color of the sangria. Look for firm, plump berries that aren’t overly soft or leaky.
- Sambucol elderberry syrup: This is the secret weapon! It adds immune-supporting benefits and a deep, rich color. You can find Sambucol elderberry syrup at your local health food store or make your own. Check out our guide on how to make elderberry syrup at home.
- Grape juice: Acts as the sweet, fruity base of the sangria. Go for 100% concord grape juice with no added sugar, available at most supermarkets in the juice aisle.
- Sparkling water: Adds effervescence and makes the sangria feel like a real celebration. Choose unflavored sparkling water for a clean finish.
How to Make Non-Alcoholic Sangria
This simple non-alcoholic sangria recipe is as easy to make as it is beautiful to serve. Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner, brunch with friends, or just want a refreshing drink the whole family can enjoy, this recipe is a total win. It comes together in just a few simple steps:
- Chop the apple, orange, and lemon into small pieces and add them to a large pitcher along with the fresh raspberries and blackberries.
- Use a muddler or the back of a wooden spoon to gently press the fruit for about 45 seconds.
- Pour in the grape juice, Sambucol elderberry syrup, and sparkling water directly into the pitcher.
- Give the mixture another 30-second muddle to combine the flavors.
- Pour the sangria over ice into glasses. Garnish with extra orange slices or a sprig of mint.
- Cover and refrigerate any leftovers. It will stay fresh for up to 48 hours, although it’s best when served right after making for peak fizz and flavor.
Keeping Your Virgin Sangria Fizzy
To keep your non-alcoholic sangria sparkling and fresh, wait to pour in the sparkling water until just before serving. This helps preserve the fizz, especially important if you’re prepping the drink ahead of time.
Easy Swaps and Add-ins
Want to switch things up or use what you already have in your kitchen? These simple swaps and creative add-ins help you customize your non-alcoholic sangria without losing its fruity, festive charm.
- Juice swap: No grape juice on hand? Try cranberry for a tangy twist, pomegranate for bold flavor, or apple juice for a lighter, sweeter base. Just stick to 100% juice for the best results.
- Berry boost: Don’t have blackberries or raspberries? Blueberries or sliced strawberries work beautifully too, and frozen berries are totally fine. You can also check out other low sugar fruits for smoothies in one of my blogs.
- Citrus options: No lemons or oranges? Use lime juice or tangerines for a citrusy kick. Blood oranges are a fun, colorful swap if they’re in season.
- Fizz factor: Swap the sparkling water with club soda for a clean taste, ginger ale for a spicy-sweet finish, or berry-flavored sparkling water for a burst of extra flavor.
- Herb upgrade: Add a few sprigs of fresh mint, basil, or rosemary to elevate the aroma and give your sangria a refreshing herbal note. Lightly muddle the herbs with the fruit for best flavor.
- Spice it up: Toss in a cinnamon stick or star anise for a cozy twist, especially lovely for fall or holiday gatherings. Let the spices infuse as the sangria chills.
More Fruity Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Looking for healthy ways to stay cool? These are some of my all-time favorite non-alcoholic drinks—perfect for keeping you refreshed and energized all summer long:
- When I want a sweet and tangy refreshment, I make Homemade Strawberry Lemonade. It’s simple, hydrating, and packed with fresh fruit flavor, perfect for a summer day.
- For a hydrating, energy-boosting drink, I turn to my Chia Fresca Endurance Drink. It’s full of electrolytes, omega-3s, and fiber, making it an excellent pre- or post-workout choice.
- When I’m craving something a bit exotic, I go for a Mangonada recipe. This sweet, tangy, and spicy frozen treat is a fun way to enjoy mangoes and is a total crowd-pleaser.
- For a fun, bubbly treat, I love Homemade Italian Soda. It’s easy to make and can be customized with your favorite flavored syrups and sparkling water.
If you make this non-alcoholic sangria, I’d love to hear how it turned out in the comment box below. Your feedback helps me and all the readers in this community. And if you’re interested in more plant-based recipes (and exclusive content), sign up for my weekly recipe newsletter.
Non-Alcoholic Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 apple green, cored, skin on, chopped into small pieces
- 1 orange rind on, sliced into small pieces, large seeds removed + more for garnish
- 1 lemon rind on, sliced into small pieces
- 1 cup raspberries
- 1 cup blackberries
- ¼ cup
Samubcol elderberry syrup - 3 cups grape juice
- 4 cups sparkling water
Instructions
- Add all fruit to large pitcher and muddle with a muddler or wooden spoon for 45 seconds.
- Add grape juice, elderberry syrup and sparkling water. Muddle again to combine for 30 seconds.
- Serve in glasses with ice.
- Store leftovers, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, though best when fresh.
Equipment
- Large pitcher
- Wooden spoon
Video
Notes
- Thoroughly wash all fruit before using in recipe, especially the rinds of the lemon + orange.
- You can swap grape juice with apple juice.
- Swap sparkling water with soda water, club soda, or a flavored sparkling water for variety.
- While the fruit can be washed + prepped beforehand, I recommend saving this recipe until the very end to be put together so it is super fresh when served.
- Feel free to change up the fruit depending on the season. Pomegranate would be delicious, as well as other berries, and lime.
Nutrition
Common Questions
Non-alcoholic sangria is typically made with a mix of fruit juices (like grape, cranberry, or pomegranate), sparkling water or soda for fizz, and a variety of fresh fruits such as apples, oranges, lemons, and berries. Some versions also include herbal elements like mint or a splash of elderberry syrup for extra flavor and health benefits. It’s designed to have the festive, fruity feel of traditional sangria, without the alcohol.
Letting your non-alcoholic sangria sit for at least 30 minutes to 1 hour in the fridge allows the flavors from the fruit to infuse into the juice. The longer it rests, the more the fruit juices blend and deepen in flavor. Just wait to add the sparkling water until right before serving to keep it bubbly.
Yes, you can definitely chill sangria overnight, especially if you’re prepping ahead for a party. It allows the flavors to fully meld and makes the drink even more delicious. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge and wait to add the sparkling water until you’re ready to serve, so it stays fizzy and fresh.
Just made it for my birthday party as a summer drink for fourty people. Everybody loved it – me included – and wanted the recipe. Thank you for this awsome non alcoholic summer treat!
Sounds wonderful. Can’t wait to try your summer beverages.
I enjoyed the adult version of this drink last weekend lol. Great holiday addition! Thanks for the recipe!
Thanks for giving it a go, Nicole! 🙂
Loved this recipe!!
This sounds so good! Could I use wine? Would I just leave out the grape juice and sparkling water? Or do I want the sparkling water still?
We say give the wine a go! We haven’t tried swapping in wine for the other liquid here at SGS Jennifer, yet if you do def let us know what you think!
Yum! This is also a great mixer to add to flavor homemade kombucha. (Same with your other beverage recipes)
This sounds amazing! I will probably use club soda instead of sparkling water to give it that extra sparkle 🙂
This sounds awesome. Can’t wait to try it…. it’s still warm here but I think in a few weeks this will be perfect for an autumn festive drink.