Sweet & Fruity Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria Recipe You’ll Love

When the warm weather rolls in, few drinks are as refreshing and crowd-pleasing as the Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria.

This vibrant, fruity cocktail brings together the light and sweet flavors of fresh watermelon, tangy citrus, and a touch of crisp white wine.

With a perfect balance of refreshing fruitiness and fizzy effervescence, it has become a go-to choice for summer gatherings, BBQs, or just relaxing by the pool.

Olive Garden’s version of watermelon sangria offers a delightful twist on the classic sangria, making it an ideal beverage for those who enjoy a sweeter, fruit-packed drink with a burst of color.

Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a glass of sunshine in a pitcher, this sangria is sure to brighten any occasion.

In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to recreate this sensational drink at home, so you can impress your friends and enjoy it in the comfort of your own space. Let’s dive into what makes this sangria so special.

What Makes Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria Special?

The Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria stands out for its combination of simplicity and sophistication. Unlike many traditional sangria recipes that lean heavily on red wine and fruits like oranges and berries, this version features the fresh, juicy flavor of watermelon as the star of the show. It’s light, refreshing, and perfectly suited for those who love their cocktails on the sweeter side.

The magic lies in the balance of flavors. The sweet, slightly mellow taste of watermelon pairs beautifully with the bright citrus notes from lemons and limes.

The addition of white wine, often a crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, provides a smooth base that doesn’t overwhelm the fruitiness, while a touch of rum adds depth and complexity. If you opt for peach schnapps, it brings an additional layer of sweetness and tropical flair.

The sangria’s effervescence, provided by the addition of club soda or lemon-lime soda, gives the drink a refreshing and bubbly twist that makes it a perfect summer sip.

Served over ice and garnished with fresh fruit, the Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria becomes a visually stunning and absolutely delicious treat that will have everyone asking for seconds.

This sangria isn’t just about flavor—it’s also about creating an experience. Whether enjoyed at a summer party, during a cozy dinner, or as a casual afternoon refreshment, it effortlessly sets the tone for a laid-back yet festive atmosphere.

It’s no wonder this drink has earned its spot as a signature offering at Olive Garden, and now you can recreate that same joy at home.

Ingredients You’ll Need for the Perfect Watermelon Sangria

To make the perfect Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria, you’ll need a blend of fresh fruits, high-quality alcohol, and a few optional ingredients to customize the flavor to your liking.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Fruits

• Watermelon: The star of the show! Fresh watermelon is the key to that refreshing, sweet base flavor. You’ll blend it into a puree, so opt for a ripe, juicy watermelon for the best results.
• Citrus: Lemons and limes are essential for balancing out the sweetness of the watermelon. Their tangy notes add a zesty freshness to the sangria that complements the fruit and wine perfectly.
• Optional Fruits: Strawberries, if you like, can be added for an extra burst of flavor and color. They’re not essential, but they make a lovely addition.

Alcohol

• White Wine: The main alcoholic component of this sangria. A dry or semi-dry white wine like Pinot Grigio works wonderfully, providing a crisp and clean base without overpowering the fruity elements.
• Rum: White rum adds a subtle depth and enhances the tropical vibes of the sangria. You can also use coconut rum for an extra layer of sweetness.
• Peach Schnapps (Optional): A splash of peach schnapps can bring a lovely fruity sweetness to the sangria. It’s not a must, but it can elevate the drink with a hint of peach flavor.

Other Ingredients

• Club Soda or Lemon-Lime Soda: For that refreshing fizz. The soda adds a touch of effervescence that makes this drink feel light and bubbly. Choose a club soda for a more neutral, bubbly option, or go with lemon-lime soda for a bit more sweetness.
• Simple Syrup (Optional): If you prefer a sweeter sangria, a little simple syrup can be added to taste. Start with a small amount and adjust according to your sweetness preference.
• Ice: For chilling the sangria and diluting it just enough to keep it refreshing.

With these ingredients in hand, you’re all set to create a delicious and refreshing Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria that will impress your guests and keep you cool all summer long.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria

Making your own Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria is easy and fun.

Follow these simple steps to create a pitcher full of refreshing, fruity sangria that’s perfect for any occasion.

Step 1: Prepare the Watermelon

Start by cutting a ripe watermelon into cubes. You’ll need about 3 to 4 cups of cubed watermelon for the puree.

Once the watermelon is chopped, place it in a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. The watermelon puree forms the base of the sangria and gives it that signature, sweet, fruity flavor.

Step 2: Mix the Alcohol Base

In a large pitcher, pour in your white wine. A bottle of Pinot Grigio (around 750ml) is the perfect amount for this recipe. Next, add about 1/2 cup of white rum.

If you want a stronger fruit kick, you can also add a splash of peach schnapps—about 1/4 cup will do. Stir the mixture gently to combine the alcohols.

Step 3: Add the Fresh Fruits

Take your citrus fruits—sliced lemons and limes—and add them to the pitcher. For extra color and flavor, you can also add a handful of fresh strawberries, sliced or halved.

The citrus helps balance out the sweetness of the watermelon and wine, while the strawberries add a lovely burst of color.

Now, pour the freshly blended watermelon puree into the pitcher. Stir everything together to mix the fruits and alcohol.

Step 4: Sweeten & Add Fizz

If you prefer a sweeter sangria, now’s the time to add a little simple syrup. Start with about 1 to 2 tablespoons and taste before adding more, as the sweetness of the watermelon may already be enough for some people.

Once your sangria is sweetened to your liking, pour in about 1/2 cup of club soda or lemon-lime soda to give it that refreshing fizz.

Stir gently to combine, ensuring that everything is well-mixed but not overly stirred to preserve the carbonation.

Step 5: Chill & Serve

For the best flavor, let the sangria chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours (or even overnight). This allows the fruits and alcohol to infuse, creating a harmonious blend of flavors. The longer it sits, the more intense the fruity flavors become.

When you’re ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the chilled sangria over. Garnish with extra fruit slices—watermelon, lemon, lime, or strawberry—depending on what you have on hand. For a fun touch, you can even add a sprig of mint for an aromatic, visual flair.

Tips for Perfecting Your Watermelon Sangria

While the Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria recipe is easy to follow, a few small adjustments can take your sangria to the next level.

Here are some helpful tips to make sure your sangria is always a showstopper:

1. Use Fresh, Ripe Watermelon

The key to a flavorful watermelon sangria is the watermelon itself. Choose a ripe watermelon with a sweet, fragrant aroma and a deep red color.

The fresher the watermelon, the more vibrant and flavorful your sangria will be. If you’re short on time, you can use frozen watermelon cubes as a shortcut, which also helps keep the sangria chilled without watering it down.

2. Choose the Right Wine

A good white wine is the backbone of any sangria, so make sure to choose one that you enjoy drinking on its own. Pinot Grigio is ideal for this recipe because it’s crisp and dry, complementing the sweetness of the fruit.

However, you can also experiment with other white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or even a semi-sweet Moscato if you prefer a sweeter base. Just be sure not to pick anything too sweet, as it could overpower the fruit flavors.

3. Adjust Sweetness to Your Taste

Watermelon is naturally sweet, so you may find that the sangria doesn’t need much additional sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter drink, start with a small amount of simple syrup or honey and gradually add more to taste.

Remember, you can always add sweetness, but you can’t take it out once it’s in, so taste as you go!

4. Let the Sangria Chill for Longer

If possible, let your sangria sit in the fridge for several hours or even overnight. The longer it chills, the more the fruits infuse into the wine, creating a richer, more flavorful drink.

The citrus and watermelon flavors will meld together beautifully, making each sip even more refreshing.

5. Add Fizz Just Before Serving

To keep the carbonation fresh and bubbly, wait to add your soda or lemon-lime soda until right before serving. Adding it too early can cause the bubbles to fizzle out, leaving you with a flat sangria.

For an extra fizzy touch, opt for a flavored soda like ginger ale for a little added complexity.

6. Experiment with Fruit Add-ins

While watermelon and citrus are classic, you can experiment with other fruits to elevate your sangria. Try adding a handful of chopped berries like strawberries or raspberries, or even some chunks of pineapple for a tropical twist.

Fresh herbs, like mint or basil, can also add an unexpected, aromatic touch that’s perfect for summer.

7. Keep It Chilled with Frozen Fruit Cubes

To prevent your sangria from getting watered down, use frozen watermelon cubes (or other frozen fruits) instead of regular ice cubes.

They’ll keep your sangria cold without diluting the flavors, and they make for a fun and visually appealing addition to your drink.

How to Serve Watermelon Sangria Like Olive Garden

When you serve your Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria, presentation matters just as much as flavor.

Here’s how to serve it like the pros at Olive Garden:

1. Use Tall, Elegant Glassware

Opt for tall, clear glasses that allow the vibrant colors of the sangria to shine through. The beautiful pink hue of the watermelon sangria, paired with the floating citrus slices, will make your guests want to snap photos.

Wine glasses, highball glasses, or even mason jars all work wonderfully.

2. Garnish with Fresh Fruit

The fruit is not only for flavor but also adds to the visual appeal of your sangria. Garnish each glass with a few slices of fresh watermelon, lemon, lime, and strawberries.

You can even thread small pieces of fruit onto a cocktail stirrer for an extra touch of elegance. This will give each glass a refreshing, colorful pop and enhance the tropical feel.

3. Add a Touch of Mint for Aroma

A sprig of fresh mint can elevate your sangria’s presentation and aroma. Gently slap the mint between your hands before adding it to the glass to release its oils, giving your drink an extra fragrant, fresh kick.

4. Serve with Ice or Frozen Fruit Cubes

Serve your watermelon sangria chilled with a handful of ice cubes or frozen fruit cubes. Frozen fruit will not only help keep your sangria cold but also add a fun and colorful element to the drink. It’s an easy way to make your sangria look extra fancy and inviting.

5. Serve in a Pitcher for a Casual, Yet Festive Look

If you’re serving a crowd, use a large glass pitcher for a casual yet stylish presentation. Add all the sangria ingredients to the pitcher, and let it chill in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.

This way, your guests can help themselves and pour their own drinks, keeping things relaxed and festive.

6. Pair with the Perfect Food

Just like at Olive Garden, watermelon sangria pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Serve it with light appetizers such as bruschetta, a fresh salad, or a cheese board.

It also goes beautifully with Mediterranean or Italian-inspired dishes like pasta, seafood, or grilled chicken. The refreshing nature of the sangria complements rich, savory flavors, making it an ideal drink for meals.

7. Add Decorative Straws or Drink Stirrers

For a fun and trendy touch, add a decorative straw or drink stirrer to each glass. Opt for colorful paper straws, or for a more elegant look, try wooden stirrers with a fun shape.

Not only does this enhance the drink’s appearance, but it also gives your guests a way to enjoy their sangria in style.

Conclusion

The Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria is the perfect drink to enjoy during the warm summer months, whether you’re hosting a lively party or simply relaxing with friends.

With its refreshing blend of sweet watermelon, tangy citrus, and crisp white wine, it’s a crowd-pleasing cocktail that’s as visually stunning as it is delicious.

By following the simple recipe and tips shared here, you can easily recreate this signature drink at home and elevate any occasion with its vibrant flavors.

Whether you’re customizing the recipe with your own favorite fruits or perfecting the balance of sweetness and fizz, this sangria offers plenty of room for creativity.

It’s the perfect way to cool down on a hot day and impress your guests with minimal effort. So, gather your ingredients, chill your sangria, and get ready to serve up some smiles.

Don’t forget to share your creation with others and let us know how your sangria turned out in the comments. Cheers to great drinks, great company, and even better memories!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use a different type of wine for the sangria?

Yes! While Pinot Grigio is a popular choice for its crisp and dry characteristics, you can experiment with other white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

If you prefer a sweeter sangria, a semi-sweet Moscato would also work well. Just avoid wines that are too heavy or oaky, as they might overpower the fresh fruit flavors.

2. How long should I let the sangria chill?

For the best flavor, allow the sangria to chill for at least 2 hours in the fridge. However, if you can let it sit overnight, the fruits will have more time to infuse into the wine, making the flavors even richer.

Just be sure to add the soda right before serving to maintain its fizz!

3. Can I make this sangria non-alcoholic?

Absolutely! To make a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the wine and spirits. Replace the wine with a chilled white grape juice or a sparkling water for some bubbles.

The watermelon puree and citrus fruits will still provide plenty of flavor, making it a refreshing mocktail that’s perfect for all ages.

4. Can I store leftover sangria?

Yes, you can store leftover sangria in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The fruit will continue to infuse into the wine, but it’s best to enjoy it within the first couple of days for the freshest flavor.

If you have leftovers with the soda already added, it might lose some of its fizz, so consider adding fresh soda when you serve it again.

5. What can I pair this sangria with?

The Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria pairs wonderfully with a variety of foods. Try it with light appetizers like bruschetta, a fresh green salad, or a cheese platter.

It’s also a perfect match for Italian dishes such as pasta, grilled chicken, seafood, or Mediterranean fare. The sweetness and effervescence of the sangria complement savory and tangy flavors, making it a versatile drink for any meal.