Sparkling Sweet Tea Sangria is a refreshing summer cocktail easily made with sweet tea, sparkling wine, orange liqueur and fresh berries. The star-spangled fruit kabobs give each glass a fun and festive touch!

Sparkling Sweet Tea Sangria: The Ultimate Refreshing Summer Cocktail Recipe

As the sun climbs higher and the days grow longer, there’s a universal craving for something wonderfully cool and undeniably delicious. Forget the heavy, complicated concoctions; this summer, we’re inviting you to discover the pure joy of our Sparkling Sweet Tea Sangria. It’s the quintessential warm-weather beverage, marrying the beloved comfort of Southern sweet tea with the festive sparkle of wine and a burst of fresh fruit.

Imagine a vibrant pitcher, brimming with juicy berries and citrus, dancing with effervescent bubbles, just waiting to be poured over ice. This isn’t just a drink; it’s a celebration in a glass, perfect for beating the summer heat, enhancing a backyard barbecue, or adding a patriotic flair to your Fourth of July or Labor Day gatherings. The ease of preparation makes it a go-to recipe for any host, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company of friends and family, and less time behind the bar.

Why This Sparkling Sweet Tea Sangria is Your Summer Must-Have

What makes this particular sangria so irresistible? It’s a delightful fusion of familiar comfort and sophisticated refreshment. The base of sweet tea provides a soothing, familiar sweetness that’s instantly cooling, reminiscent of lazy afternoons on the porch. Introducing sparkling wine elevates it from a simple tea to a celebratory cocktail, with a playful fizz that tickles the palate.

The addition of a quality orange liqueur weaves in a bright, citrusy complexity, complementing the tea and wine perfectly. But the true stars of this sangria are the fresh berries – raspberries, blueberries, and pineapple chunks – infusing every sip with natural sweetness and vibrant color. And for those special occasions, especially patriotic holidays, our optional star-spangled fruit kabobs transform each glass into a mini work of art, making every toast a memorable moment.

This recipe is not only incredibly flavorful but also remarkably simple to assemble. You can whip up a large pitcher in mere minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully as it chills. This make-ahead convenience makes it an entertainer’s dream, ensuring you’re never scrambling for drinks when guests arrive. It’s truly a summer hit that will have everyone asking for the recipe!

Essential Ingredients for Your Sparkling Sweet Tea Sangria

Crafting the perfect Sparkling Sweet Tea Sangria begins with selecting the right ingredients. Each component plays a vital role in achieving that harmonious balance of sweet, tart, bubbly, and boozy.

• Fresh Raspberries: These provide a delicate sweetness and a beautiful deep red hue. Look for plump, firm berries.
• Fresh Pineapple Chunks and Thick Pineapple Slices: Pineapple adds a tropical sweetness and a lovely texture. The thick slices are specifically for creating our decorative star garnishes.
• Fresh Blueberries: Offering a burst of tangy sweetness and a gorgeous deep blue, blueberries are essential for patriotic themes and overall flavor.
• Orange Liqueur: This is where the citrusy magic happens. Options include Triple Sec for a classic, affordable choice; Cointreau for a smoother, slightly more refined orange flavor; or Grand Marnier for a richer, more complex orange brandy liqueur. Choose based on your preference and budget, as any will impart a delightful citrus note.
• Sweet Tea: The heart and soul of this Southern-inspired sangria. You can use your favorite store-bought brand or brew a fresh batch at home. For the best flavor, ensure it’s well-chilled before mixing.
• Sparkling Wine: Prosecco is an excellent, generally more affordable choice for its crisp, fruity notes and lively bubbles. Champagne offers a more refined, drier profile, while Cava (Spanish sparkling wine) can also be a fantastic option, often hitting a sweet spot between price and quality. The key is a dry to off-dry sparkling wine to balance the sweetness of the tea and fruit.
• Star-shaped Cookie Cutter: A small, sharp cutter is essential for transforming pineapple slices into festive stars.
• 6-inch Bamboo Skewers: Perfect for assembling the individual fruit kabobs that will garnish each glass.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Prepare Your Sparkling Sweet Tea Sangria

Making this delightful sangria is incredibly straightforward, perfect for even novice mixologists. Follow these simple steps for a flawless pitcher every time:

• Combine the Fruits: Begin by placing all the raspberries, pineapple chunks, and blueberries into the bottom of a large pitcher. This allows the fruit to marinate and release its juices, infusing the sangria with deep, natural flavors.
• Add the Liquids: Pour in the orange liqueur, followed by the chilled sweet tea. Finally, gently add the entire bottle of sparkling wine. It’s important to add the sparkling wine last and stir gently to preserve its effervescence.
• Gently Stir and Chill: Give the mixture a gentle stir to combine all the ingredients without losing too much fizz. Once mixed, place the pitcher in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours. This chilling period is crucial; it allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more complex and satisfying taste profile. For the best results, aim for 4-6 hours, or even overnight, allowing the fruit to truly infuse the liquids.
• Prepare Garnishes While Chilling: While your sangria is chilling, use this time to prepare your star-spangled fruit kabobs. These not only add a festive touch but also provide a delicious snack between sips.

Crafting Festive Star-Spangled Fruit Kabobs

These adorable fruit kabobs are the perfect patriotic garnish, adding a touch of whimsy and an extra burst of fresh fruit to each glass of sangria. They’re surprisingly simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser.

• Cut Pineapple Stars: Take your thick pineapple slices and, using a small star-shaped cookie cutter, carefully cut out star shapes. You’ll want one star for each kabob you plan to make. For an extra pop, you can also consider cutting stars from watermelon or even jicama.
• Assemble the Skewer Base: On a 6-inch bamboo skewer, begin by alternating fresh blueberries and raspberries. Aim for a pattern that creates a visually appealing red and blue base, reminiscent of the American flag. About 3-4 berries of each type should suffice to fill the skewer nicely.
• Top with a Pineapple Star: Finish each skewer by adding a pineapple star to the very top. This not only secures the berries but also serves as a delightful edible centerpiece for your garnish. Super simple, incredibly cute, and absolutely delicious!

How to Serve and Store Your Sparkling Sweet Tea Sangria

Presentation and proper storage are key to maximizing your enjoyment of this delicious cocktail.

• Serving Suggestions: To serve, fill each glass with a generous amount of ice. Then, carefully pour the chilled sangria over the ice, ensuring each glass gets a good mix of fruit. Finally, adorn each glass with one of your festive star-spangled fruit kabobs. For an extra touch, you can rim the glasses with sugar or add a thin slice of orange or lime to the edge.
• Storage: Any leftover Sparkling Sweet Tea Sangria can be stored in a sealed pitcher or airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Please note that the sparkling wine will lose some of its fizz over time, but the flavors will continue to deepen and become stronger, which can be quite delightful!

Tips for the Perfect Sparkling Sweet Tea Sangria

• Chill Thoroughly: The longer the sangria chills, the better the flavors will meld. Aim for at least 2 hours, but 4-6 hours or even overnight is ideal.
• Gentle Stirring: When mixing, stir gently to avoid deflating the sparkling wine too much. The bubbles are part of the charm!
• Customize Your Fruit: While raspberries, blueberries, and pineapple are excellent, feel free to experiment with other fruits like sliced oranges, lemons, limes, peaches, or strawberries.
• Non-Alcoholic Version: For a family-friendly option, simply omit the orange liqueur and sparkling wine. Replace the sparkling wine with sparkling cider or lemon-lime soda for a festive fizz, and enjoy a delicious virgin sweet tea punch.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the sangria after chilling. If you prefer it sweeter, you can add a touch of simple syrup or a splash more sweet tea. If it’s too sweet, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can balance it out.

A Touch of History: Sangria with a Southern Twist

Sangria, with its vibrant colors and fruity flavors, has roots in Spain and Portugal, where it’s traditionally made with red wine, chopped fruit, and sometimes a splash of brandy or orange juice. The word “sangria” comes from “sangre,” meaning blood, referring to its deep red color. Over centuries, this refreshing punch has evolved, adapting to local tastes and available ingredients around the world.

Our Sparkling Sweet Tea Sangria offers a distinctly American, specifically Southern, twist on this classic. Sweet tea, a beverage deeply ingrained in Southern culture, provides a unique base that transforms the drink into something both familiar and wonderfully new. This fusion pays homage to both traditions, creating a cocktail that is as comforting as a glass of iced tea on a hot day, yet as festive and sophisticated as its Spanish ancestor. It’s a testament to how culinary traditions can evolve and merge, resulting in innovative and beloved recipes that cater to diverse palates and occasions.

If you make this Sparkling Sweet Tea Sangria and post a pic to social, be sure to tag me on Instagram @thebakermama so I can see! 😍 I just love seeing how inspired and creative y’all get with the ideas I share. Enjoy!

xoxo,

Print Recipe

Sparkling Sweet Tea Sangria

No reviews

• Author: The BakerMama
• Prep Time: 15 min
• Total Time: 15 min
• Yield: 6-8 servings

Print Recipe

---

Description

Sparkling Sweet Tea Sangria is a refreshing summer cocktail that’s perfect for sipping on the patio, poolside or at a picnic. It’s easily made with sweet tea, sparkling wine, orange liqueur and fresh berries. The star-spangled fruit kabobs give each glass a fun and festive touch!

---

Ingredients

Sweet Tea Sangria:

• 1 cup raspberries
• 1 cup pineapple chunks
• 1 cup blueberries
• 1/4 cup orange liqueur (triple sec, cointreau or grand marnier)
• 4 cups Red Diamond Sweet Tea (or your favorite sweet tea)
• 1 (750 ml) bottle sparkling wine (prosecco or champagne)

Star-Spangled Fruit Kabobs:

• Thick pineapple slices, cut into small stars
• Raspberries
• Blueberries

---

Instructions

Step 1: Place the raspberries, pineapple chunks, and blueberries in the bottom of a large pitcher. Add the orange liqueur, sweet tea, and the bottle of sparkling wine. Gently stir it all together and let it set in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. The longer it sits, the stronger the flavor of the drink.

Step 2: While the sweet tea sangria is refrigerating, make the star-spangled fruit kabobs to garnish each glass with. Start by cutting star shapes out of thick pineapple slices with a small star-shaped cookie cutter. On a 6-inch bamboo skewer, alternate blueberries and raspberries and then add a pineapple star to the top of each one.

Step 3: To serve the Sparkling Sweet Tea Sangria, fill each glass with some ice and a star-spangled fruit kabob. Pour the cold sweet tea sangria into each glass and enjoy!

---