Chardonnay, pineapple, coconut water, rum, and mint—basically a tropical vacation in a glass.
🌴 Intro: A Sip of Paradise
This Tropical Pineapple Coconut Sangria is what you make when you’re dreaming of sandy beaches and sunshine—but you’re stuck at home.
It’s bright, fruity, a little boozy, and oh-so-refreshing. You only need a few ingredients, and the best part? You mix it all in one pitcher.
I’ve made this for BBQs, girl’s night, and lazy Sundays—and it always disappears fast.
🍹 Why I Love This Recipe
I first made this sangria for a backyard brunch with friends, and it became an instant favorite. It’s the kind of drink that makes everyone stop and say, “Wait, what is this?!” It tastes fancy, but it’s super simple.
- Only takes 10 minutes to make
- Tastes like a tropical cocktail but easier to sip
- Sweet, smooth, and not too strong
- Looks so pretty in a pitcher with floating fruit and mint
- Great for summer hangouts or to pretend it’s summer
👩🍳 What You’ll Need
- 1 bottle Chardonnay (750 ml), chilled
- 1 ½ cups fresh pineapple, diced
- 1 cup coconut water
- ½ cup white rum (like Bacardi)
- 2 tablespoons sugar (optional, if you like it sweeter)
- Fresh mint leaves (about 8–10)
- Ice cubes
- Optional: extra pineapple slices and mint for garnish
🧠 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Chardonnay has crisp, fruity notes that pair well with pineapple’s sweetness.
- Coconut water keeps it light and adds a smooth tropical vibe.
- Rum adds warmth and depth without overpowering the drink.
- Mint gives it a cool, refreshing finish.
- Letting it sit for an hour blends the flavors together like magic.
🍍 Pro Tips
- Use fresh pineapple for the best flavor—canned works, but fresh is juicier.
- Chill everything ahead so you don’t need much ice (ice can dilute the flavor).
- Gently slap the mint leaves before adding—releases more aroma.
- Add the sugar only if your pineapple isn’t super sweet.
- If serving later, wait to add mint and ice right before pouring.
🔪 Tools You’ll Need
- Large pitcher (at least 2 quarts)
- Cutting board + knife
- Measuring cup
- Long spoon for stirring
- Wine glasses or clear tumblers
- Optional: fine mesh strainer if you want a smoother pour
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Wine: Swap Chardonnay for Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc.
- Rum: Use coconut rum for extra flavor, or skip it for a lighter version.
- Fruit: Try mango or passionfruit instead of pineapple.
- Sparkle: Add sparkling water just before serving for fizz.
⏳ Make-Ahead Tips
Make it up to 24 hours ahead, but wait to add:
- Mint until just before serving (so it stays fresh)
- Ice so it doesn’t water down
Keep it covered in the fridge.
🍷 Recipe Instructions
Step 1: Dice the Pineapple
Cut your pineapple into small chunks. You want them bite-sized so they float and soak up all that flavor.
Step 2: Add Fruit to the Pitcher
Toss the diced pineapple into your pitcher. You’ll build the flavor from the bottom up.
Step 3: Pour in the Coconut Water
Measure out and pour in the coconut water over the pineapple.
Step 4: Add the Rum
Add the white rum to the mix. It brings just the right amount of kick.
Step 5: Pour in the Chardonnay
Slowly pour the chilled Chardonnay into the pitcher.
Step 6: Stir in Mint and Sugar (Optional)
Add the fresh mint leaves and stir in sugar if using. Give everything a good mix.
Step 7: Chill
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24). This lets all the flavors soak together.
Step 8: Serve Cold with Ice and Garnish
When ready to serve, add ice to glasses and pour the sangria. Garnish with extra pineapple and mint if you want to get fancy.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Keep leftover sangria in the fridge, covered, for up to 3 days.
- The flavor gets even better overnight.
- If it starts to taste too strong or sweet, add a splash of coconut water or soda water before serving again.
⚠️ Common Mistakes
- Using warm wine or ingredients – always chill first.
- Too much sugar – taste your fruit before adding sweetener.
- Adding ice to the pitcher – it’ll dilute everything. Add to glasses instead.
- Over-stirring mint – it can get bitter. Gently press it or slap before adding.
🍴 What to Serve With It
- Fresh fruit skewers
- Shrimp tacos
- Tropical charcuterie board (think: mango, prosciutto, coconut chips)
- Grilled chicken with lime
- Mini pulled pork sliders
❓ FAQ
Can I use red wine instead?
You can, but it will totally change the flavor. Stick with white for that light, tropical vibe.
Is it strong?
It’s light and fruity! You can always cut the rum or add more coconut water.
Can I make it non-alcoholic?
Yep! Skip the rum and use white grape juice instead of wine. Still tasty.
Do I have to let it sit?
You’ll get the best flavor if you let it chill for at least an hour. But if you’re short on time, it’s still delicious right away.
🏖️ Wrapping It Up
This sangria is everything I want in a summer drink—easy, fruity, and a little fancy. Whether you’re hosting or just treating yourself, it’s a sip of vacation in every glass. Try it out, snap a pic, and let me know how it turned out in the comments! 🍍✨
