Fresh, crisp, and just a little fancy.
There’s something about this Cucumber Citrus Sangria that makes you feel like you’re sipping at a spa or on a sunny patio—calm, cool, and totally refreshed.
It’s light, citrusy, and just boozy enough to keep things interesting. I love this recipe for summer get-togethers or even just winding down after a long day.
It’s so simple but tastes like something you’d order at a trendy spot.
🥂 Why I Love This Recipe
This sangria has been my go-to for brunches and warm weather hangs. It’s easy to throw together, looks gorgeous, and the flavor is so clean and smooth. It’s also a fun way to use up citrus that’s a little past its prime.
- It’s light and refreshing—perfect for warm weather.
- The cucumber gives it a fancy, spa-like flavor.
- Easy to make ahead for guests.
- Looks beautiful in a glass with all the citrus ribbons and slices.
- It’s not too sweet (unless you want it to be!).
Yields: 6 servings
Total Time: 10 minutes prep + 1–2 hours chill time
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 1 English cucumber, peeled into ribbons
- 1 large orange, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 lime, sliced into thin rounds
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- ½ cup cucumber vodka (or plain vodka if needed)
- Optional: 1–2 tablespoons honey or simple syrup
- Ice
- Fresh mint, for garnish
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Use thin ribbons of cucumber—they infuse better than chunks.
- Chill your wine before mixing to cut down on dilution from ice.
- Let it sit for at least an hour to let the flavors mingle.
- Use a dry white wine so it doesn’t get too sweet.
- Don’t skip the mint—it adds such a fresh final note!
🛠️ Tools You’ll Need
- Vegetable peeler or mandoline (for cucumber ribbons)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Large pitcher
- Stirring spoon
- Measuring cup
- Citrus juicer (optional)
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Swap cucumber vodka for gin or plain vodka.
- Add sparkling water or prosecco for a fizzy version.
- Use grapefruit or blood oranges for a twist.
- Add berries or sliced green apple for extra fruitiness.
- Sweet tooth? Stir in a bit more honey or simple syrup.
⏳ Make-Ahead Tips
- You can prep the fruit and cucumber a day in advance—just store them in airtight containers.
- Mix the sangria up to 8 hours ahead and chill it covered in the fridge.
📋 Instructions
Step 1: Slice the Citrus
Slice 1 orange, 1 lemon, and 1 lime into thin rounds. Discard any seeds.
Step 2: Peel the Cucumber into Ribbons
Use a vegetable peeler or mandoline to peel the English cucumber into long, thin ribbons.
Step 3: Add Fruit & Cucumber to the Pitcher
Place all citrus slices and cucumber ribbons into a large glass pitcher.
Step 4: Pour in Wine and Vodka
Pour in the whole bottle of dry white wine and ½ cup of cucumber vodka over the fruit.
Step 5: Add Sweetener (Optional)
If desired, stir in 1–2 tablespoons of honey or simple syrup to taste.
Step 6: Chill
Cover and chill the pitcher in the fridge for at least 1 hour, up to 8.
Step 7: Serve Over Ice with Mint
Fill glasses with ice, pour the sangria, and top with fresh mint sprigs.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Strain out the fruit after the first day to avoid bitterness.
- Want to save it longer? Remove the fruit and store the sangria in an airtight container.
🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Citrus + alcohol = flavor infusion. The acidity of citrus helps extract flavors from the cucumber and adds brightness.
- Cucumber ribbons = more surface area. This means faster flavor infusion without making the drink cloudy.
- Chilling time allows balance. Alcohol, sweetness, and citrus all mellow into a smoother blend after an hour.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Using sweet wine: It can make the sangria too sweet—stick with dry white wine.
- Too thick cucumber slices: Thin ribbons work best for flavor and presentation.
- Not chilling long enough: Give it at least an hour to meld the flavors.
🍽️ What to Serve With
- Light tapas or charcuterie board
- Grilled shrimp or chicken skewers
- Caprese salad
- Fresh guacamole and chips
- Goat cheese crostini
❓ FAQ
Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Yep! Just swap the wine for white grape juice and the vodka for cucumber-infused water or club soda.
Can I make a big batch?
Absolutely. Just double or triple the recipe and use a punch bowl or drink dispenser.
Do I have to use cucumber vodka?
Nope—plain vodka works fine. You’ll just get a slightly lighter cucumber flavor.
💬 Let’s Wrap It Up
This Cucumber Citrus Sangria is like a chilled glass of sunshine—easy, pretty, and oh-so-sippable. Whether you’re hosting or just treating yourself, it’s a crowd-pleaser that feels special without the work. Give it a try, and let me know in the comments how it turned out or if you have any questions. Cheers! 🥂
