Watermelon Sangria

Make this breezy watermelon sangria the easy way with white wine, fresh fruit, and a splash of Grand Marnier.

Do you remember biting into juicy watermelon on a sweltering summer day and letting the juice drip down your arms? This easy watermelon sangria recipe brings that same perfect summer feeling but with a grown-up twist! Naturally sweetened with just a touch of honey, this simple recipe is light, refreshing, and not too sweet. Best of all, there’s no chilling time required!

Traditional Spanish sangria–whether red or white–typically requires hours in your fridge. This allows the fruit to macerate and flavor the drink. But with watermelon’s tender texture, there’s really no need to wait. Simply blend with white wine, lime juice, honey, and Grand Marnier, and you’re good to go in 10 minutes or less! 

Table of Contents

1. What is in Watermelon Sangria?
2. How to Make Watermelon Sangria
3. What to Serve with Watermelon Sangria
4. More Summer Cocktail Recipes
5. 5-Minute Watermelon Sangria Recipe

What is in Watermelon Sangria?

To make watermelon sangria, I mix fresh watermelon, lime, white wine, honey, and Grand Marnier for a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and refreshing. Here’s what you should know:  

• Watermelon: Look for a ripe watermelon that’s heavy for its size. See my How to Pick a Watermelon guide for more tips!
• Lime juice: Balances the sweetness, giving the sangria a nice zing. Lemon juice is a great substitute, or use orange juice and dial back the honey. 
• White wine: You don’t need to get fancy, just make sure to use a bottle you would enjoy on its own. I recommend using a dry wine like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay.
• Honey: Use any high-quality honey you have on hand. I love matching the citrusy notes with our Italian Citrus Honey.
• Grand Marnier: This French orange liqueur is made from Cognac brandy, distilled bitter orange essence, and sugar, which adds layers of oak and vanilla along with the citrus. Cointreau is a solid substitute, or you could always add a splash of brandy and orange juice. 

How to Make Watermelon Sangria

There are only 2 steps to make this watermelon sangria recipe:

• Blend. To a blender, add 8 cups of cubed watermelon, 1/4-1/2 cup honey, and a splash of white wine. Juice in 4 limes. Blend until the watermelon has liquified, then pour through a fine mesh strainer into a large serving pitcher.
• Finish and serve. Stir in 1/2 cup Grand Marnier and remaining wine (one 750 ml bottle in total). Cover and chill in your refrigerator, or pour into serving cups over ice and garnish with the reserved watermelon cubes and lime wheels. Enjoy!

What to Serve with Watermelon Sangria

Watermelon sangria is the perfect warm-weather cocktail. Serve it with Spanish appetizers like Gambas al Ajillo. If you’d like to stir up two batch cocktails to offer your guests some variety, try an Aperol Spritz or Rosé Lemonade.

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*This post has recently been updated with new information for readers’ benefit.