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When the temperature rises, nothing beats an authentic summer sangria to cool down and entertain guests. This easy summer sangria combines the rich flavors of wine with seasonal fruits and a special twist – natural honey instead of processed sugar. Our honey-sweetened red wine sangria has become a staple at backyard barbecues, beach outings, and evening gatherings. Many guests tell us it's their favorite drink after just one sip! You'll love it more than any other sangria recipe you try.
For those who prefer a lighter option, this recipe works beautifully with a crisp white wine as the base instead of red wine. Either way, the addition of orange juice creates a perfect balance of sweet and tangy notes that make this the perfect drink for hot days.
What Makes This Easy Summer Sangria Special?
Unlike traditional sangrias that rely on cane sugar, our recipe uses Raw Eastern Shore Honey as a natural sweetener, creating a more complex and satisfying flavor profile. This simple swap not only enhances the taste but also adds subtle floral notes that complement the orange slices and other fresh fruits perfectly. The unique combination of tea and wine makes this easy summer sangria truly stand out.
Mixed Berry Honey would be a great choice for this sangria
Fresh Fruit Summer Sangria: The Ultimate Seasonal Beverage
Summer is prime time for using nature's candy in your sangria. This versatile drink allows you to showcase the best seasonal fruits while creating a refreshing crowd-pleaser. Here's why our summer sangria stands out:
- Fruit-forward flavor: The extended chilling time (1-2 hours) allows the fruit essences to fully infuse into the wine
- Customizable: Works beautifully with both red wine sangria and white wine bases
- Make-ahead friendly: Perfect for preparing before guests arrive
- Naturally sweetened: Using honey instead of refined sugar creates a smoother taste
Make honey sangria to celebrate the Summer Solstice
Perfect Summer Sangria Recipe
This delicious easy summer sangria requires only 20 minutes of prep time and creates a gorgeous pitcher that will impress all your guests. The combination of honey, fresh fruits, and quality wine makes this the ultimate summer refreshment. For an extra burst of citrus flavor, we recommend adding a generous amount of orange juice – it brightens all the other flavors beautifully.
Summer Sangria Ingredients
Our perfect summer sangria combines these flavorful ingredients:
- Dry red wine
- Bee Inspired Midnight Berry Tea
- Bee Inspired Honey
- Triple sec (or orange liqueur of your choice)
- Bourbon
- Apple
- Orange
- Blueberries
- Raspberries
- Limes
- Ice
- Fresh-picked mint
Use Florida Orange Blossom Honey for a more citrusy flavor
How to Make the Best Summer Sangria
One: Prepare the Fruit Base
Add apples, oranges, berries and mint to a large pitcher and muddle with a muddler or wooden spoon. This releases the natural juices and essential oils from the fruits and herbs, creating the foundation of your easy summer sangria's flavor profile.
Two: Add the Liquids
Add sweetened tea, lime juice and bourbon and triple sec and muddle again to combine. This step allows the flavors to begin melding together and creates a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy notes that makes this a truly favorite summer drink.
Three: Incorporate the Wine
Add red wine and stir, taste and adjust as preferred. This is the perfect moment to adjust any ingredients to suit your personal preference. For a traditional red wine sangria, you might want it sweeter with a touch more honey. The right balance of flavors makes this the perfect summer drink.
Four: Chill and Serve
Add ice and stir once more to chill. Garnish with fruit of your choice and fresh mint. The vibrant colors of this easy summer sangria make it as appealing to the eye as it is to the palate. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 48 hours, though it's best when fresh after cooling for a few hours.
Customize Your Summer Sangria
A recipe isn't complete until you've made it your own. Here are some delicious ways to adapt our honey-sweetened easy summer sangria:
- Fruit variations: Try different seasonal fruits like strawberries, peaches, cherries, or pineapple
- Wine options: Use a fruity red wine for a sweeter sangria or a crisp white wine for a lighter version
- Add some fizz: Incorporate club soda, ginger ale, or lemon-lime soda for a refreshing twist
- Juice combinations: Experiment with the ratio of orange juice to wine based on your preference, or add some lemon juice for a sour kick
- Herbal infusions: Experiment with herbs like basil, rosemary, or pineapple sage
- Presentation touches: Serve with decorative fruit skewers featuring orange slices and lime slices, or pour over frozen strawberries instead of ice cubes
Remember, the best summer sangria reflects your personal taste and the seasonal fruits available to you!
Honey Selection for Your Summer Sangria
The honey you choose can dramatically influence the flavor profile of your easy summer sangria. We recommend:
- Light honey (like Sunflower) for a milder flavor that lets the orange juice and fruits shine
- Berry honey (Blueberry or Blackberry) to complement berry-forward sangrias
- Citrus honey (Orange Blossom) for sangrias with prominent citrus notes from orange juice and orange slices
Our Bee Inspired honey varieties are not artificially flavored—the distinct tastes come from the specific flowers the bees pollinate, adding authentic depth to your favorite summer drink.
Try Raspberry Honey for a bright and sweet taste
The Perfect Make-Ahead Party Drink
One of the best features of this easy summer sangria is that it actually improves with a little time. Making it 1-2 hours before serving allows the flavors to meld beautifully. This makes it the ideal beverage for entertaining, as you can prepare it in advance and enjoy time with your guests. The extended chilling time creates that perfectly balanced flavor that makes this the perfect summer drink.
Why Your Summer Gatherings Need This Summer Sangria
As temperatures rise, having a go-to summer sangria recipe becomes essential for entertaining. This honey-sweetened version offers a beautiful balance of flavors while showcasing the season's best fruits. The combination of orange juice, honey, and midnight berry tea creates a uniquely refreshing profile that guests will remember. Whether you're hosting a backyard BBQ, a pool party, or just enjoying a warm evening on the porch, this easy summer sangria will quickly become your signature favorite summer drink.
