This Pina Colada Sangria is a fun twist on the classic! It’s made with fruity white wine, coconut rum, pineapple juice, and fresh fruit. Perfect for summer gatherings!
Trust me, this drink is a real crowd-pleaser. The mix of flavors is fruity and refreshing. I love to sip it by the pool—it’s like a mini vacation in a glass! 🍹
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
White Wine: A dry or semi-sweet white wine is perfect here. I recommend Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio. If you want a non-alcoholic option, try a non-alcoholic white wine or sparkling grape juice!
Pineapple Juice: Use 100% pure pineapple juice for the best flavor. You can substitute with orange juice or a blend of tropical juices if you’re looking for a twist!
Coconut Rum: This adds that signature tropical flavor. If you prefer, you can use regular rum or even coconut extract (just a small amount!) for a lighter version.
Toasted Shredded Coconut: This brings extra texture. Feel free to omit it if you’re not a fan, or try sweetened coconut for a different taste. You can toast it easily at home in a dry skillet for a few minutes.
Fresh Fruit: Pineapple and cherries are classic, but you can add other fruits like mango or berries to change it up, depending on what’s in season!
How Do I Make Sure My Sangria is Well Mixed?
Mixing your Pina Colada Sangria well is essential for a balanced flavor. Here’s how to do it:
- Combine all liquids first, ensuring they are fully mixed. This prevents separation later.
- Add the fruit gently so it doesn’t break apart, which can cause muddiness.
- Give it a gentle stir before serving to keep ingredients mixed and flavors bright.
Remember, letting it sit for a few hours (or overnight) in the fridge helps all the flavors blend beautifully—this patience pays off!
Refreshing Pina Colada Sangria
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 bottle (750 ml) dry or semi-sweet white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- 1 cup pineapple juice
- 1/2 cup coconut rum
- 1/4 cup toasted shredded coconut (plus extra for garnish)
- 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
- 1/2 cup maraschino cherries, plus whole cherries for garnish
- Pineapple wedges for garnish
- Ice cubes
- Paper straws with pineapple prints (optional, for presentation)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This refreshing Pina Colada Sangria takes about 15 minutes to prepare and should chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours (or overnight for the best flavor!). So all in all, you’re looking at about 15 minutes of prep and a little patience while it chills—totally worth it!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Mix the Base
In a large pitcher, pour in the dry or semi-sweet white wine, pineapple juice, and coconut rum. Give it a good stir with a spoon to blend all those tropical flavors together.
2. Add the Fruit and Coconut
Next, toss in the toasted shredded coconut, fresh pineapple chunks, and maraschino cherries. Stir gently so that the fruit is well distributed, but be careful not to mash the fruit!
3. Chill the Sangria
Cover the pitcher and place it in the refrigerator. Let the sangria chill for at least 2 hours—or better yet, overnight. This allows the flavors to blend beautifully, making for a truly refreshing drink!
4. Prepare the Glasses
Before serving, prepare your glasses by moistening the rims with a bit of pineapple juice or simple syrup, then dip the rims in some toasted shredded coconut for a fun tropical touch.
5. Assemble the Drink
Fill each prepared glass with ice cubes, and add a spoonful of the delicious pineapple chunks and cherries from the pitcher.
6. Pour and Garnish
Top off each glass by pouring the chilled sangria over the fruit and ice. For a finishing touch, garnish each drink with a pineapple wedge and a couple of maraschino cherries on a skewer or cocktail pick.
7. Serve and Enjoy!
Insert a fun pineapple-patterned straw into each glass and serve your Pina Colada Sangria immediately. Enjoy your tropical getaway in a glass!
FAQ for Refreshing Pina Colada Sangria
Can I Use Different Fruits in This Sangria?
Absolutely! While pineapple and cherries are classic, you can add other fruits like mango, strawberries, or even citrus slices. Feel free to get creative based on what’s in season or your personal preferences!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Sangria?
Leftover Pina Colada Sangria can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days. Just keep it in an airtight container to maintain freshness. Note that the fruit may continue to soak up the liquid and change in texture over time.
What if I Want a Non-Alcoholic Version?
No problem! You can create a delicious non-alcoholic version by replacing the white wine with a sparkling grape juice or coconut-flavored sparkling water. The coconut rum can be omitted or replaced with a splash of coconut milk for creaminess.
Can I Make This Sangria the Night Before?
Yes! In fact, making it the night before allows all the flavors to blend beautifully. Just remember to add the ice and garnishes right before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant!