Strawberry Basil Sangria

Make this refreshing Strawberry and Basil Sangria for your next summer party! I know most people are used to the flavor combination of tomatoes and basil, but what about strawberries and basil? Add in some wine, and you have the perfect match!

This idea came from a cocktail I had recently on one of our date nights out, and I knew I had to remake it! I fell in love with sangria for the first time after having it at a local restaurant. I immediately went home and made a similar version of their red wine sangria. 

A year later, I made a cherry sangria. But this strawberry sangria might just be my favorite!

What is Sangria?

Sangria is a Spanish mixed alcoholic drink. There are many variations of sangria, but it will typically include these things: fruit juice, sweeteners, red or white wine, sparkling water, fruit, and flavored liqueur.

What is the best wine to use with Sangria?

When I started making sangria recipes, I heard, “Don’t use a wine for sangria that you wouldn’t enjoy on its own!” That has been a great tip! Whether your sangria has red wine or white wine, I would also recommend using a dry, fruity wine.

Strawberry Basil Sangria Ingredients

Here’s what you will need to make this delicious sangria recipe:

• 1 pound strawberries, hulled and quartered
• 1 bottle of Sauvignon Blanc
• ½ cup brandy
• ¼ cup triple sec
• 8-10 basil leaves
• ¼ cup sugar
• ½ cup club soda

If you garden, using fresh strawberries and basil right from the garden would kick it up a notch! Otherwise, strawberries and fresh basil leaves from the grocery store work just fine.

How to make Strawberry Basil Sangria

To make this sangria, start by rinsing the strawberries. Hull the strawberries by using a paring knife to cut around the hull. Cut at a slight angle as close to the stem as possible. Then remove the hull and discard it.

Slice the strawberries into quarters with the paring knife. Then place strawberries, wine, brandy, triple sec, basil leaves, and sugar in a large pitcher. Stir with a wooden spoon until the sugar dissolves.

Add the club soda, then refrigerate the sangria for 2-3 hours. This allows the flavors to deepen before you serve the sangria to your guests. Pour the sangria into ice-filled glasses, use a wooden spoon to distribute the fruit, and enjoy!

It really is the perfect drink for those sizzling summer months!

How to make a non-alcoholic Strawberry Basil Sangria

If you love the flavors of this drink but want to skip the alcohol, you can make a virgin sangria! Make the following swaps to cut out the alcohol:

• Replace the Sauvignon Blanc with seltzer water or white grape juice.
• Swap orange juice or grenadine syrup for the trip sec.
• Omit the brandy.

Tips for Serving Sangria

• When you are ready to serve this drink, top off your pitcher with some extra club soda first.
• Use a clear glass pitcher to show off this beautiful drink!
• You could also serve it in a punch bowl with a ladle. This is a wonderful choice for bridal showers and brunch gatherings.
• Sangria is a sweet drink usually served at parties or other informal events. Or, serve it with a Mexican meal, such as these Mexican Street Corn and Chorizo Tacos.

How long will Sangria last?

Once prepared, sangria will last 2-3 days in the refrigerator.

Can I make this the night before?

You can make sangria the night before an event! Don’t forget to top it off with some fresh club soda before serving!

Try one of these delicious drink recipes:

If you enjoyed this sangria, why not try one of my other drinks? Here are some more sangria recipes:

This Apple Cider Sangria is a cocktail full of rich Autumn flavors. Made with white wine, apples, pears, club soda, and brandy, this cocktail is perfect for your Fall holiday parties or weekend evenings!

Summer Rose Sangria combines watermelon, kiwis, and peaches with rose wine for a sweet, refreshing drink!

Cherry Sangria combines cherries (of course), strawberries, and plums with Pinot Noir for a rich, fruity sangria.

This Red Wine Sangria started my sangria journey with its tasty combination of red apples, oranges, and lemons in a red wine mixture.

Here are some other fan-favorite mixed drinks:

• Skinny Sparkling Margarita
• Winter Cosmopolitan
• Frozen Cherry Margaritas
• Tequila Sunrise Margarita
• Pomegranate Lime Martini

As always, friends, drink responsibly. Let me know if you try any of these recipes out, and if so, which one is your favorite!

This post was originally published 7/7/2014. It has been updated in format and with pictures on 5/19/23.