Non Alcoholic Sangria Recipe: Red Grape Juice, Citrus, and Sparkling Water

By Aquarium Guides Editorial Team · Updated November 9, 2026

Last Updated: November 9, 2026

A good non alcoholic sangria starts with 3 cups of red grape juice, 1 cup of orange juice, and a handful of sliced fruit, chilled for at least two hours and topped with sparkling water just before serving. Grape juice gives the deep, fruity body that wine would, and citrus brings the tang. The fruit steeps in the liquid, so the pitcher tastes better after resting.

Traditional sangria is a Spanish and Portuguese wine punch. This version keeps the look and flavor profile of the original with no alcohol, which makes it a fine choice for baby showers, school events, and anyone skipping alcohol.

Ingredients (Serves 6 to 8)

• 3 cups red grape juice (100 percent juice, no added sugar if possible)
• 1 cup orange juice, preferably fresh
• 1/2 cup pomegranate or cranberry juice, unsweetened if you prefer less sugar
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 orange, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 apple, cored and diced
• 1 cup strawberries or red grapes, halved
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 1/2 cups chilled sparkling water or ginger ale
• Ice to serve

Instructions

1. In a large pitcher, combine the grape juice, orange juice, pomegranate juice, and lemon juice.
2. Add the sliced orange, lemon, apple, and berries. Drop in the cinnamon stick.
3. Stir gently, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or up to 8 hours.
4. Taste before serving. If it is too tart, add a spoonful of honey or sugar. If too sweet, add more lemon juice.
5. Just before serving, stir in the sparkling water or ginger ale.
6. Pour over ice into wine glasses or tumblers, making sure each glass gets a few pieces of fruit.

How to Give It “Wine” Depth

The main thing missing from juice is tannin, the dry, slightly astringent feel that makes wine taste grown-up. You can add some of this back with a few simple tricks:

• Add strong black tea. Replace 1/2 cup of the grape juice with cooled, strongly brewed black tea. Tea contains tannins and a subtle dryness.
• Use a splash of pomegranate juice. It is tart and slightly astringent.
• Add citrus peel. A strip of orange peel (without pith) adds aromatic oils.
• Include a spice. A cinnamon stick or two or three whole cloves gives warmth.
• Use dealcoholized wine. If you want the true flavor, replace part of the juice with non-alcoholic red wine.

Fruit and Juice Combinations

Instructions for White Non Alcoholic Sangria

1. Combine 3 cups white grape juice, 1 cup pineapple juice, and 2 tbsp lime juice in a pitcher.
2. Add sliced peaches, green grapes, and a sliced lime.
3. Chill for at least 2 hours.
4. Top with 1 1/2 cups sparkling water and serve over ice.

Tips

• Use thin slices. Thin citrus slices release flavor into the liquid faster.
• Do not add the fizz too early. Carbonation fades in the pitcher.
• Choose firm fruit. Soft fruit like ripe berries can turn mushy after a few hours. Add them late if you prefer.
• Chill your glasses. A cold glass keeps the drink fresh longer.
• Balance sweetness. Grape juice can be very sweet; lemon juice and sparkling water help even it out.
• Use unsweetened juices if you can. This leaves you in control of the sugar.

Make-Ahead Plan

This is among the easiest party drinks to prepare in advance. Mix the juice and fruit the night before and refrigerate. On the day of the event, strain out any fruit that has gone too soft, add fresh fruit, and add sparkling water. Keep the pitcher on ice at the table if the event is outdoors, and use a large pitcher with a lid or cover to keep insects out.

Serving and Pairing

Non alcoholic sangria is at home with Spanish-style tapas and casual outdoor meals:

• Patatas bravas and garlic shrimp
• Manchego cheese with quince paste
• Tortilla española
• Grilled vegetable skewers
• Paella or rice dishes
• Chicken or pork tacos

Serving in Glasses or a Bowl

For a party, serve from a glass dispenser or punch bowl with a ladle so guests can scoop some fruit. A block of ice melts more slowly than cubes, helping the pitcher stay cold and keeping the drink from watering down. Freeze some grapes or berries and use them in place of ice cubes in each glass.

FAQ

What can I use instead of wine in sangria?

Red or white grape juice is the usual replacement. Cranberry, pomegranate juice, and strong tea help recreate the dry, tart feel of wine.

How long should non alcoholic sangria sit?

At least 2 hours in the refrigerator. Overnight is fine, but remove very soft fruit if it breaks down.

Can I make it ahead without it going flat?

Yes. Make the juice-and-fruit base ahead and add sparkling water only when you serve.

Is non alcoholic sangria suitable for kids?

It contains no alcohol, but fruit juices are naturally high in sugar. You can dilute it with extra sparkling water for younger children.

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