The Best Easy Strawberry Kombucha Sangria for a Refreshing Summer

Refreshing strawberry sangria made on the spot with oranges, strawberries, and a kombucha flair. Perfect for outdoor summer entertaining!

There’s something truly magical about a well-made sangria, especially on a sun-drenched summer afternoon. I still vividly recall my favorite local winery, where they crafted the most exquisite sangria. It was the quintessential summer drink, served in a chilled, sweating glass, perfect for sipping while sharing laughter and stories with cherished friends and family. Once the ruby-red liquid was gone, I’d often find myself lingering, savoring the wine-soaked orange and apple wedges and the melting ice.

However, as with many good things, that winery eventually stopped offering their signature sangria. For years, I rarely ordered it anywhere else, convinced that nothing could quite measure up to those fond memories. But after experimenting with a cozy mulled wine recipe last winter, I felt inspired. It was time to bring that same warmth and creativity to a chilled wine concoction. And so, the idea for this unique Strawberry Sangria was born, ready to redefine my summer sips!

Why This Strawberry Kombucha Sangria Is a Must-Try

My version of sangria is truly special, setting itself apart with a vibrant strawberry flavor and an unexpected, yet delightful, kombucha twist. Forget the traditional brandy; this recipe embraces the zesty, slightly effervescent notes of kombucha, infusing your drink with a probiotic boost alongside its incredible taste. What’s more, this refreshing beverage is naturally sweetened. We rely on the inherent sweetness of fresh oranges and succulent strawberries, complemented by a touch of orange juice, ensuring a no-added-sugar profile that tastes incredibly fresh and vibrant.

This Strawberry Sangria recipe boasts simplicity and speed, requiring just seven core ingredients. You can effortlessly whip up a batch in less than 10 minutes, making it the ideal spontaneous refreshment for any gathering. It’s perfect for those warm evenings when you crave a fruity, cooling drink without any fuss.

The Story Behind This Recipe’s Creation

The inspiration for this particular recipe struck me quite unexpectedly during a car ride with my partner, M, on our way to go outdoor climbing. As I drove, with M navigating the passenger seat, we began brainstorming sangria ideas for this very post. “Read the ingredients,” I urged him, asking him to dictate recipes he was looking up on Google that I couldn’t see from behind the wheel. He rattled off the usual suspects: “Wine, oranges, apples, orange juice…”

“Sounds pretty easy,” I commented, and indeed, it was simpler than I’d imagined. That same evening, we eagerly put our ideas to the test, and our Strawberry Sangria experiment was an immediate, resounding success. We made a few key substitutions: fresh strawberries took the place of traditional apples, lending a distinct, juicy sweetness, and a splash of kombucha was incorporated in lieu of the more common brandy. This innovative combination not only lightened the drink but also introduced a fascinating depth of flavor and a gentle fizz. I truly couldn’t wait to share this delightful creation with you, ready to be enjoyed all summer long!

Essential Ingredients for Your Strawberry Sangria

Crafting this incredible Strawberry Sangria requires just a few simple, fresh ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

• Dry Spanish Red Wine: I highly recommend a chilled Tempranillo, known for its fruit-forward notes that complement sangria beautifully. However, any dry, affordable red wine will work perfectly. Save your fancier bottles for sipping straight!
• Orange: One large orange, thinly sliced. Make sure to remove any seeds, but leave the peeling on for a vibrant color and extra citrusy aroma. The zest contains much of the fruit’s essential oils and flavor.
• Strawberries: Fresh, ripe strawberries are key! You’ll want to dice them into bite-sized pieces for optimal flavor release.
• Orange Juice: Freshly squeezed orange juice is always best, but a good quality store-bought 100% orange juice will do. This adds natural sweetness and a tangy base.
• Mad Magic Strawberry Kombucha: This is our secret ingredient for a unique twist! Its strawberry flavor enhances the fruit, and the probiotics add a healthy component. If Mad Magic isn’t available, any good quality strawberry kombucha will be a fantastic substitute.
• Maple Syrup*: (Optional) Add to taste if you prefer a sweeter sangria. I often find I don’t need it, but it’s a great natural sweetener to have on hand for customization.
• Ice: For serving, to keep your sangria perfectly chilled and refreshing.

That’s it! With these seven easy ingredients, you’re ready to create a truly memorable drink.

Step-by-Step Guide to Crafting Your Perfect Sangria

Preparing the Fruit

First, let’s focus on the heart of the sangria: the fruit. Add your diced strawberries and the sliced (unpeeled) orange rounds to a large mixing bowl or a sturdy pitcher. Now comes the fun part: muddling! Using a muddler, gently press and twist the fruit for about a minute. The goal is to bruise the fruit slightly and release its delicious juices and aromatic oils.

If you don’t have a muddler, absolutely no worries! There are several easy alternatives. My partner, M, often likes to give the berries and orange wedges a good squeeze with his hands before tossing them into the bowl, ensuring some juices are already flowing. I, on the other hand, prefer to use a fork or the back of a wooden spoon to smash and press the fruit. There’s no exact science here; simply ensure that all the fruit starts to soften and release its vibrant flavors. This initial muddling step is crucial for building a deep, fruity base for your sangria. Once the fruit is adequately muddled, you’re good to proceed!

I typically mix mine up in a large mixing bowl first, allowing me more space to muddle, and then later transfer it to a beautiful pitcher for serving.

Infusing with Citrus and Kombucha

Next, pour in the fresh orange juice and the star of our unique twist, the Mad Magic Strawberry Kombucha. Give everything another gentle muddle for about 30 seconds to thoroughly combine the liquids with the fruit.

This Strawberry Kombucha is truly exceptional. It’s bursting with natural berry flavors and is traditionally brewed without any artificial ingredients, added sugar, or extracts. Mad Magic Kombucha masterfully ferments its brew using organic black tea leaves and organic raw cane sugar, resulting in a pure and invigorating beverage.

Instead of opting for traditional liquor or brandy, I decided to experiment with a splash of kombucha. This choice not only enhances the vibrant strawberry profile of the sangria but also adds the fantastic benefits of powerful probiotics to your happy hour. It introduces a delightful effervescence and a subtle tang that beautifully balances the sweetness of the fruit. I’ve found that ¼ cup works wonderfully in this recipe, but if you desire an even bolder flavor and more fizz, feel free to increase it to ½ cup.

Adding the Wine & Perfecting the Taste

Finally, it’s time to introduce your chilled bottle of dry red wine. Pour it into the pitcher or bowl with the muddled fruit and kombucha, then give it a good stir to thoroughly incorporate all the ingredients.

As mentioned before, I prefer a Tempranillo for its complementary notes, but any dry red wine will do the trick. There’s no need to reach for your most expensive bottle; an affordable, good-quality red wine will taste absolutely amazing in this sangria. Save those fancy favorites for enjoying neat! The fruit and kombucha will transform even a modest bottle into something spectacular.

Now for the critical step: taste the mixture and adjust the flavor as needed. This is your chance to customize it perfectly to your palate. If you desire more fruity sweetness, add a bit more Strawberry Kombucha, extra diced strawberries, or a splash more orange juice. For those who enjoy a sweeter sangria, incorporate 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup. Personally, I generally prefer less sweet drinks and found that my batch didn’t require any additional sweetener, as the fruit and orange juice provided plenty. However, my partner, M, sometimes insists I add a little more orange juice to truly capture that authentic, vibrant sangria sweetness!

Serving and Enjoying Your Refreshing Sangria

And just like that, your exquisite Strawberry Sangria is ready to be enjoyed! I highly recommend starting with a chilled bottle of wine, as this ensures your sangria is already at the perfect temperature for immediate enjoyment. However, for prolonged coolness, I still suggest serving it with a few ice cubes in each glass.

To elevate the presentation and add an extra touch of fresh flavor, garnish each glass with a few fresh strawberry slices. Then, simply sit back, relax, and enjoy immediately!

Tips for the Best Homemade Sangria Experience

You are truly going to adore this Strawberry Sangria! It’s the epitome of a perfect summer drink: incredibly fruity, beautifully balanced in sweetness, and wonderfully refreshing. Imagine sipping it on a balmy summer evening, by the poolside, or making it the star of your next Taco Tuesday – it truly enhances any occasion.

One of the best aspects of this recipe is its make-ahead potential. I often create and photograph this recipe in the morning or afternoon, then my partner, M, and I enjoy the entire pitcher with dinner later that day. While you can certainly store any sangria leftovers covered in a pitcher in the fridge for up to 48 hours, keep in mind that this recipe is *best* enjoyed fresh, ideally within 24 hours. The fruit remains vibrant, and the kombucha retains its delightful effervescence.

This sangria is absolutely ideal for sharing with friends and family during outdoor entertaining. If you’re hosting a larger crowd, don’t hesitate to double or even triple the recipe contents. Just be sure to use an adequately sized pitcher or punch bowl! The beauty of sangria lies in its adaptability and its ability to bring people together. Enjoy every refreshing sip!

If you decide to make this delightful Strawberry Sangria, I would absolutely love to hear from you! Please be sure to leave me a comment, rating, and review below so I can use your valuable feedback to create even more delicious recipes. You can also give me a shout-out on Instagram and use #floraandvino to show off your beautiful creations. For more inspiring recipes, check out my Pinterest page and pin this recipe to make later.

Looking for more sweet and refreshing drink ideas? Be sure to explore my Easy Orange Kombucha Floats and Cherry Berry Spritzers. And if you love this post and want more delicious content delivered straight to your inbox, head over to my homepage and subscribe to my newsletter!

XO Lauren

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