This Iced Tea Sangria is cool, fruity, and so easy to make.
It has fresh fruit, chilled tea, and a splash of wine for a refreshing drink that is perfect for warm days, parties, or relaxing on the patio.
It looks beautiful, tastes light, and comes together with very little work.
Servings: 8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Chill Time: 2 hours
Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Why I Love This Recipe
The first time I made this drink was for a backyard dinner on a hot summer evening. I wanted something lighter than regular sangria, so I swapped some of the juice for fresh brewed iced tea. Everyone kept asking for another glass, and the pitcher was empty before dinner was over. Since then, it has become one of my favorite drinks to make whenever friends stop by.
What I love most is how simple it is. You can make it ahead of time, it looks colorful on the table, and every glass is filled with fresh fruit.
- It is fresh, light, and refreshing.
- The fruit adds natural sweetness.
- The tea keeps the drink from being too sweet.
- It is easy to make ahead.
- It looks beautiful with very little effort.
- Every glass tastes a little different because of the fruit.
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
Tea contains natural tannins that add a light, crisp flavor. These tannins balance the sweetness from the fruit and orange liqueur. Letting the fruit sit in the tea and wine allows the flavors to slowly mix together. Sparkling water is added at the end so it keeps its bubbles instead of going flat.
What You’ll Need
- 4 cups brewed black tea, completely chilled
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry white wine, chilled
- ¼ cup orange liqueur
- 1 cup sparkling water, chilled
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 lime, thinly sliced
- 1 cup strawberries, sliced
- ½ cup blueberries
- 2 cups large ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Pro Tips
- Chill every ingredient before mixing for the best flavor.
- Use fresh fruit instead of frozen for a brighter taste.
- Add sparkling water just before serving so it stays fizzy.
- Let the sangria chill for at least 2 hours so the fruit flavors blend well.
- Use large ice cubes because they melt more slowly.
Tools You’ll Need
- Large glass pitcher
- Cutting board
- Sharp chef’s knife
- Measuring cup
- Measuring spoons
- Long wooden spoon
- Serving glasses
Substitutions and Variations
- Replace black tea with green tea for a lighter flavor.
- Use peaches, raspberries, or blackberries instead of strawberries.
- Replace sparkling water with lemon sparkling water.
- Use rosé wine instead of white wine.
- Skip the orange liqueur for a lighter drink.
Make Ahead Tips
- Brew the tea one day ahead.
- Slice the fruit several hours ahead.
- Mix everything except the sparkling water and ice up to one day before serving.
- Add sparkling water and ice just before serving.
Recipe
Step 1: Brew and Chill the Tea
Brew 4 cups black tea according to the package directions. Let it cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until completely cold.
Step 2: Slice the Fruit
Thinly slice 1 orange, 1 lemon, and 1 lime. Slice 1 cup strawberries and measure ½ cup blueberries.
Step 3: Mix the Sangria
Pour the 4 cups chilled black tea, 750 ml chilled dry white wine, and ¼ cup orange liqueur into a large glass pitcher. Add the thinly sliced orange, thinly sliced lemon, thinly sliced lime, sliced strawberries, and blueberries. Stir gently with a wooden spoon until everything is mixed.
Step 4: Chill
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 2 hours so the fruit flavors blend into the drink.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Add 1 cup chilled sparkling water and 2 cups large ice cubes. Stir gently. Pour into glasses, making sure each serving gets fruit. Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if using.
Macros Information
Per Serving (Approximate)
- Calories: 165
- Protein: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 9g
- Sodium: 12mg
Common Mistakes
- Adding warm tea instead of chilled tea.
- Using too much ice at the beginning, which waters down the drink.
- Adding sparkling water too early.
- Skipping the chilling time.
- Using sweet wine, which can make the drink overly sweet.
What to Serve With
- Grilled chicken
- Shrimp skewers
- Cheese board
- Fresh fruit platter
- Spinach salad
- Turkey sandwiches
- Lemon cookies
Leftovers and Storage
- Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Remove the fruit after the second day to prevent bitter flavors.
- Add fresh sparkling water before serving leftovers.
- Do not freeze.
FAQ
Q: Can I make this the day before?
A: Yes. Mix everything except the sparkling water and ice. Add those just before serving.
Q: Can I use green tea?
A: Yes. Green tea gives the drink a lighter flavor.
Q: Can I use different fruit?
A: Yes. Peaches, raspberries, blackberries, and apples all work well.
Q: How do I keep it from getting watery?
A: Use large ice cubes and add them right before serving.
Q: Can I make a larger batch?
A: Yes. Simply double all of the ingredients and use a larger pitcher.
Final Thoughts
This Iced Tea Sangria is one of those recipes that feels special without being difficult. Fresh fruit, chilled tea, and crisp wine come together to make a drink that is bright, refreshing, and beautiful to serve. Make a pitcher, share it with family and friends, and don’t forget to leave a comment with your favorite fruit combination or any tips you discovered along the way.
