Crisp, cool, and a little fancy – but still super easy.
🍈 Hey there!
If you’re looking for a light, refreshing drink that tastes like summer in a glass, you’ve got to try this Melon Mint White Sangria.
It’s cool, fruity, slightly floral, and ridiculously easy to make.
The cantaloupe and honeydew bring that juicy sweetness, the mint adds a crisp pop, and the Sauvignon Blanc and elderflower liqueur pull it all together.
You can make a big pitcher ahead of time for parties, brunches, or just to sip on the patio.
I’ve brought this to potlucks, served it on date nights in, and even made it on lazy Sundays. Every time – gone in minutes.
🛒 What You’ll Need
- 1/2 medium cantaloupe, balled or diced
- 1/2 medium honeydew melon, balled or diced
- 1 bottle (750 ml) Sauvignon Blanc
- 1/4 cup elderflower liqueur (like St-Germain)
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves
- 1 tbsp honey (optional, for sweetness)
- 1 cup sparkling water or club soda, chilled (add before serving)
- Ice cubes (for serving)
💡 Why I Love This Recipe
This sangria just screams “relax and enjoy.” It’s fruity, a little floral, and super refreshing.
Here’s why I keep coming back to it:
- It’s easy to throw together in under 15 minutes.
- No fancy bar tools – just a pitcher and a spoon.
- You can make it ahead (actually, it tastes even better that way).
- It’s always a crowd-pleaser, but still feels a little elevated.
- You can totally switch it up depending on what fruit you have.
🧪 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Sauvignon Blanc has citrusy, grassy notes that pair well with melon and mint.
- Melons are over 90% water, so they soak up the wine and liqueur, acting like mini flavor bombs.
- Elderflower liqueur adds a floral sweetness that rounds out the acidity of the wine.
- Mint adds brightness and a cooling effect that makes each sip more refreshing.
🍽 Servings + Time
- Servings: 4–6
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Chill time: 2–4 hours (best flavor)
⚖️ Macros (Per Serving, Approx.)
- Calories: 160
- Carbs: 12g
- Sugar: 10g
- Alcohol: ~11% ABV (before dilution with ice/sparkling water)
🛠 Tools You’ll Need
- Melon baller or knife
- Large glass pitcher
- Long wooden spoon
- Measuring cups
- Ice cube tray
🧊 Make Ahead Tips
- Prep it up to 24 hours in advance.
- Add sparkling water right before serving to keep it fizzy.
- Keep the melon and mint steeped in the wine for max flavor.
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- No elderflower liqueur? Try orange liqueur (like Cointreau) or a splash of peach schnapps.
- Other fruits: Try strawberries, cucumber, or peaches.
- Wine swap: Use a dry Riesling or Pinot Grigio instead of Sauvignon Blanc.
- Non-alcoholic: Use white grape juice + elderflower syrup and sparkling water.
📝 Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Melons
Use a melon baller or knife to scoop/dice the cantaloupe and honeydew. You want small, bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Pitcher (Except Sparkling Water)
Add melon balls, mint leaves, Sauvignon Blanc, elderflower liqueur, and honey (if using) to a large pitcher. Stir gently.
Step 3: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours. The longer it sits, the better the flavor.
Step 4: Add Sparkling Water and Serve Over Ice
Just before serving, pour in the chilled sparkling water. Serve over ice in glasses, making sure each glass gets a bit of melon and mint.
Step 5: Enjoy!
Pour into glasses and garnish with extra mint or melon slices if you like. Sip and enjoy!
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store leftovers (with the fruit!) in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- The melon may get softer, but the flavor keeps getting better.
- Add fresh mint and a splash of sparkling water when serving again.
❌ Common Mistakes
- Adding sparkling water too early: It’ll go flat. Add just before serving.
- Not chilling long enough: Give it at least 2 hours to let the flavors mix.
- Using super sweet wine: It can make the drink cloying. Dry whites are best here.
🍴 What to Serve With It
- Prosciutto and melon skewers
- Light pasta salads
- Grilled shrimp
- Cheese boards with brie, goat cheese, and fresh fruit
- Fresh bread with herbed olive oil
❓FAQ
Can I use frozen melon?
Yes! It’ll actually help chill the sangria, but the texture will be softer.
What if I don’t have elderflower liqueur?
Use peach schnapps, orange liqueur, or skip it and add a touch more honey and mint.
Can I use red wine instead?
You can, but it’ll be a totally different vibe! Stick with whites or rosés for the crisp feel.
❤️ Wrap-Up
If you’re looking for a drink that feels fancy but takes almost no effort, this Melon Mint White Sangria is it. It’s fresh, light, and perfect for sharing. Try it out, and let me know how it went in the comments – or if you made any fun tweaks!
Cheers! 🥂
