This Vanilla Chai White Sangria is one of my favorite fall drinks. It’s cozy, light, and just a little bit fancy without being fussy.
The combo of crisp white wine, warm chai spices, sweet vanilla, and juicy apples and pears is just chef’s kiss.
It’s super easy to throw together, and it tastes even better after it chills for a bit—so it’s great for make-ahead hosting.
Whether you’re sipping it on a patio or curled up on the couch, it’s the kind of drink that makes you go, “Yup, I’m gonna make this again.”
Why I Love This Recipe
This recipe hits that sweet spot between refreshing and cozy, which makes it perfect for transitioning into fall. I first made this after a wine tasting trip where someone poured chai over ice wine and called it “experimental.” This sangria is my version of that—but way more balanced.
- Perfect for fall parties or quiet nights
- Only takes minutes to mix together
- Looks super impressive with very little effort
- Gets better the longer it sits in the fridge
- Warm vanilla and chai flavors are perfect with crisp fruit
Servings: 6
Total Time: 15 minutes (plus chill time if desired)
What You’ll Need
- 1 bottle (750 ml) Pinot Grigio, chilled
- ½ cup chai tea concentrate (unsweetened or lightly sweetened)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- 1 red apple, thinly sliced
- 1 green pear, thinly sliced
- Optional: cinnamon stick or star anise for garnish
- Ice for serving
Pro Tips
- Use a crisp, light Pinot Grigio—not too oaky or buttery
- Let the sangria sit for at least an hour to let the flavors blend
- Slice fruit thin so it infuses better and is easier to eat
- Add ice only when serving so you don’t water it down
- A splash of sparkling water right before serving adds a nice fizz
Tools You’ll Need
- Large glass pitcher or carafe
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Liquid measuring cup
- Wooden spoon
Substitutions and Variations
- Swap Pinot Grigio with Sauvignon Blanc for more citrusy notes
- Use honeycrisp apples or Asian pears for more sweetness
- Add sliced oranges or a splash of orange liqueur for a twist
- For a non-alcoholic version, use white grape juice instead of wine
Make Ahead Tips
- Mix the sangria (without ice) and let it chill in the fridge for up to 24 hours
- Add fresh fruit the day of for best texture and color
Instructions
Step 1: Slice the Fruit
Thinly slice 1 red apple and 1 green pear. Try to keep the slices around ¼ inch thick so they soak up the sangria nicely but don’t get mushy.
Step 2: Add Fruit to Pitcher
Place all the sliced fruit into a large glass pitcher. You want the fruit to be layered so it looks beautiful and infuses evenly.
Step 3: Pour in Wine
Pour the entire 750 ml bottle of chilled Pinot Grigio over the fruit in the pitcher.
Step 4: Add Chai Concentrate
Measure and pour ½ cup of chai tea concentrate into the pitcher with the wine and fruit. Stir gently to mix.
Step 5: Add Vanilla
Add 1 tsp of vanilla extract into the pitcher. Stir again to evenly distribute the vanilla flavor.
Step 6: Chill and Serve
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 24 hours). When ready to serve, pour into glasses over ice and garnish with extra fruit or a cinnamon stick.
Macros (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 160
- Carbs: 14g
- Sugar: 12g
- Alcohol: ~12% ABV
- Fat: 0g
- Protein: 0g
Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The alcohol in wine acts as a solvent that draws out the flavors of the chai and the natural sugars from the fruit. The acidity of Pinot Grigio balances the sweetness, while vanilla adds depth. Chilling the sangria lets all these flavors mellow and blend, giving you a smoother, rounder taste.
Common Mistakes
- Using too sweet of a wine—makes it cloying
- Adding ice too early—it waters down the drink
- Using overly ripe fruit—it can turn mushy and murky
- Not letting it chill long enough—the flavors won’t blend well
What to Serve With
- Cheese boards (goat cheese, brie, manchego)
- Roasted nuts or candied pecans
- Apple tart or vanilla shortbread cookies
- Savory crostini with fig jam or prosciutto
- Herby chicken skewers or light pasta dishes
FAQ
Can I use another type of wine?
Yes! Sauvignon Blanc or a dry Riesling work great.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Definitely. Make it up to a day ahead and keep it in the fridge (no ice yet!).
Do I have to use chai concentrate?
Chai concentrate gives it bold flavor fast, but you can steep strong chai tea and use that instead.
What if I want it sweeter?
Add 1–2 tbsp of maple syrup or honey to the mix before chilling.
Leftovers and Storage
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Remove the fruit if storing longer than overnight so it doesn’t break down too much. You can strain and freeze the liquid in ice cube trays for a quick sangria spritzer later!
Wrap-Up
This Vanilla Chai White Sangria is that perfect mix of cozy and refreshing, and I think you’re gonna love how easy it is. Once you’ve tried it, come back and let me know how it went—drop a comment, share your twist, or ask anything. Cheers!
