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If you’re looking for a refreshing, light, and utterly delightful drink to entertain friends or simply savor on a sunny afternoon, this Elderflower Sangria Recipe is exactly what you need. Combining the delicate floral notes of elderflower liqueur with crisp rosé wine and the natural sweetness of fresh summer fruit, this sangria is a vibrant party in a glass. It’s easy to prepare, beautifully balanced, and guaranteed to bring a smile to everyone’s face with every sip.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Elderflower Sangria Recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect flavor profile. Each element, from the rosé wine to the mint, works together to create a refreshing and aromatic experience that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- 750 ml bottle rosé wine: Provides a crisp, fruity base that’s light and inviting, perfect for sangria.
- 1 cup elderflower liqueur: Adds a distinctive, floral sweetness that makes this sangria stand apart.
- 1 ½ cups cubed watermelon: Brings juicy freshness and vibrant color to the mix.
- 1 ½ cups cubed cantaloupe: Offers a mellow, honeyed flavor that complements the rosé.
- 10 mint leaves plus extra for garnish: Infuses the sangria with bright, cooling herbal notes.
- 1 cup club soda: Lightens the sangria with a fizzy sparkle just before serving.
How to Make Elderflower Sangria Recipe
Step 1: Muddle the Mint and Mix the Base
Start by placing the mint leaves into a large pitcher and gently muddling them. This releases the essential oils that will infuse your sangria with a refreshing aroma and flavor. Then, pour in the rosé wine and elderflower liqueur, stirring everything together to combine the floral sweetness with the fruity base.
Step 2: Add the Fruit and Chill
Next, add the cubed watermelon and cantaloupe into the pitcher. These juicy fruits soak up the infused wine mixture beautifully, adding natural sweetness and complementing colors. Gently stir to mix. Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify for at least 8 hours — the longer, the better!
Step 3: Final Touch and Serve
When you’re ready to serve your Elderflower Sangria Recipe, remove the mint leaves from the pitcher, add the club soda to bring a pleasant fizz, and stir gently. Pour the sangria over ice-filled glasses and garnish each with fresh mint leaves for that perfect, inviting look.
How to Serve Elderflower Sangria Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh mint leaves are the go-to garnish here, adding an instant pop of green and a burst of refreshing aroma. You can also add a thin slice of watermelon or cantaloupe on the rim of the glass for a charming touch that hints at the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
Pair this sangria with light, summery fare like fresh cheeses, prosciutto-wrapped melon, or a vibrant garden salad. These dishes echo the sangria’s refreshing vibe without overpowering its lovely floral and fruity notes.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve your Elderflower Sangria Recipe in large, clear glass pitchers or wine glasses that showcase the beautiful colors and fruit cubes. Adding edible flowers or a sprig of fresh lavender can elevate the look for special occasions or casual gatherings alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover sangria can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but keep the club soda separate until you’re ready to serve again to prevent it from going flat. This helps maintain the sangria’s refreshing fizz and lively taste.
Freezing
We don’t recommend freezing this sangria because the texture of the fresh fruit and the effervescence from the club soda won’t hold up well after thawing. Instead, prepare smaller batches if you anticipate leftovers.
Reheating
This recipe is best enjoyed cold and refreshing, so reheating is not advised. Simply stir gently and add fresh ice or club soda as needed to revitalize any leftovers before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use white wine instead of rosé for the Elderflower Sangria Recipe?
Absolutely! While rosé offers a lovely fruity character and pretty color, a dry white wine can also make a delicious base, especially something crisp like a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
Is elderflower liqueur necessary or can I substitute it?
Elderflower liqueur is the star ingredient that gives this sangria its unique floral sweetness. If you can’t find it, try a small amount of elderflower syrup or a similar floral-flavored liqueur, but the flavor will be slightly different.
How far ahead can I prepare this Elderflower Sangria Recipe?
You can mix everything except the club soda up to a day in advance. Chilling the mixture overnight really helps deepen the flavors, making the sangria more fragrant and delicious.
Can this recipe be made non-alcoholic?
Yes! Simply swap the rosé and elderflower liqueur for sparkling grape juice or a fruity white grape juice mixed with a splash of elderflower syrup, then add extra club soda for bubbles.
What other fruits can I add to the sangria?
Feel free to get creative with seasonal fruits like fresh strawberries, peaches, or even blueberries. Just keep in mind the balance of flavors so the elderflower and rosé remain the highlight.
Final Thoughts
A great Elderflower Sangria Recipe is like a little celebration in a glass, so why wait for a special occasion? With its vibrant hues, delicate floral notes, and cool, refreshing taste, this sangria quickly becomes a favorite. Give it a try the next time you want to add some sunshine to your day or wow your guests with effortless sophistication!
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Print
Elderflower Sangria Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes (including chilling time)
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Beverage
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
A refreshing and elegant Elderflower Sangria combining rosé wine, elderflower liqueur, fresh summer fruits, and mint, perfect for summer gatherings or relaxing on a warm day.
Ingredients
Liquids
- 1 750 ml bottle rosé wine
- 1 cup elderflower liqueur
- 1 cup club soda
Fruits
- 1 ½ cups cubed watermelon
- 1 ½ cups cubed cantaloupe
Herbs
- 10 mint leaves plus additional for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the Mint Base: Place the mint leaves in a large pitcher and muddle them gently to release their aromatic oils, infusing the sangria with a fresh herbal note.
- Combine Ingredients: Pour the rosé wine and elderflower liqueur over the muddled mint leaves and stir well to blend the flavors evenly.
- Add Fruit: Gently add the cubed watermelon and cantaloupe to the pitcher, stirring carefully to incorporate without breaking up the fruit.
- Chill: Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator to chill for at least 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Finish and Serve: Before serving, remove the mint leaves from the pitcher, add the club soda for a lively fizz, and pour the sangria over ice. Garnish each glass with fresh mint leaves for an attractive presentation.
Notes
- Chilling the sangria overnight enhances the flavor infusion.
- You can substitute elderflower liqueur with elderflower syrup for a non-alcoholic version.
- Use fresh, ripe fruits for the best taste and texture.
- Adjust the level of club soda to your preference for more or less fizz.
- Serve immediately after adding club soda to maintain carbonation.
