Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria
This refreshing and vibrant Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria brings together the perfect balance of sweet watermelon, tangy citrus, crisp white wine, and a fizzy finish. Ideal for hot summer days, this fruity cocktail is both easy to make and a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for pool parties, BBQs, or casual gatherings, offering a cool and colorful twist on traditional sangria.
Equipment
- 1 Large pitcher (2 - 3 liters)
- 1 Blender or Food Processor
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
- 1 stirring spoon
- 1 measuring cup
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Strainer (optional for pureed watermelon)
Ingredients
- 4 cups approx. 600g Fresh watermelon, cubed and pureed
- 1 bottle 750ml White wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1/2 cup 120ml White rum
- 1/4 cup 60ml Peach schnapps (optional)
- 1 Lemon thinly sliced
- 1 Lime thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup 120ml Club soda or lemon-lime soda (for fizz)
- 2 tablespoons Simple syrup optional, adjust for sweetness
- Ice as needed
- Fresh fruit for garnish optional: additional watermelon, lemon, lime slices, or strawberries
Instructions
Prepare the Watermelon:
- Cube the watermelon into 1-inch pieces and blend it in a blender or food processor until smooth. You’ll need about 4 cups of pureed watermelon for the sangria.
Mix the Alcohol:
- In a large pitcher, combine the bottle of white wine, 1/2 cup of white rum, and 1/4 cup of peach schnapps (if using). Stir gently to combine the alcohols.
Add the Fruit:
- Slice the lemon and lime into thin rounds and add them to the pitcher. Pour in the watermelon puree, stirring everything together.
Sweeten & Add Fizz:
- If desired, stir in 2 tablespoons of simple syrup for extra sweetness. Then, add the club soda or lemon-lime soda to give the sangria a refreshing, fizzy lift.
Chill & Serve:
- Refrigerate the sangria for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to blend. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the sangria over. Garnish with additional fruit slices and enjoy!
Notes
- Sweetness Level: Watermelon is naturally sweet, so start with less simple syrup and taste the sangria before adding more. You can always adjust to your preferred level of sweetness.
- Wine Choice: For a dry sangria, choose a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer a sweeter sangria, Moscato works wonderfully.
- Make-Ahead: The longer the sangria sits, the more the fruits will infuse the wine. You can prepare it a day ahead for optimal flavor.
- Frozen Fruit: If you prefer your sangria extra cold, add frozen watermelon cubes instead of ice. This will chill the drink without diluting it.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: For a family-friendly version, simply omit the alcohol and replace the wine with white grape juice or sparkling water.