Citrusy Champagne Sangria

by Kiran on January 27, 2012 · 160 comments

in Beverages, Celebration, Valentines

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!

We had a 5 pound bag of grapefruits staring at us for days. That usually happens only when produce are on huge sale and we kinda go amok to store as though as the world would suddenly be deprived of grapefruits.

At least, BJ’s went deprived of one huge bag, thanks to me.

Naturally I used whatever citruses I could lay my hands on and made sangria. Not only it’s good for you after a long, heavy and dreading cold — there should NEVER be any excuses to enjoy Sangria. Ever.

Mmmm…. Perfect sips to ease into a relaxing weekend. Now go make some and thank me later.

Print This Recipe Print This Recipe

Ingredients:

  • 4 cups freshly squeezed grapefruit juice
  • 1 cup ginger ale
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 blood orange, thinly sliced
  • 3 clementines, thinly sliced
  • 1 honey crisp apple, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate arils
  •  1/4 cup sugar
  • 1/3 cup water
  • pinch of salt
  • 1 bottle of chilled champagne

Directions:

  1. Prepare simple syrup by stirring sugar and water until sugar completely dissolves. Keep in refrigerator to chill while prepping other ingredients.
  2. In a tall pitcher, add all fruits + grapefruit juice + salt + simple syrup and ginger ale . Chill in refrigerator for a few hours, preferably overnight.
  3. To serve, add sangria in a fancy-schmancy glass and top it with bubbly champagne! Toast with your loved ones 🙂

 

Begin Valentine’s Day on a right foot — in this case, with the right toasts 😉

What is your favorite fancy-schmancy beverage? 

 

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1 balvinder January 27, 2012 at 12:46 PM

You got me for this sangria.
I do not have favourite fancy schmancy beverage but this one will become and I am going to make it. 100% I just have to buy ginger ale.
balvinder recently posted..Chikoo / Sapodilla Smoothie

2 Kiran January 31, 2012 at 4:42 PM

Balvinder,
Hahaha!! We all need a little sangria in our lives 🙂 Hope you had fun sipping! Let me know how it tastes 🙂

3 Emily Malloy January 27, 2012 at 1:29 PM

Oh, this is to die for!!
Emily Malloy recently posted..My Niece’s First Birthday Party

4 Kiran January 31, 2012 at 4:42 PM

Emily,
Thanks dear 🙂

5 Caroline January 27, 2012 at 1:42 PM

Happy Friday to you as well!! I LOVE how you photographed the sangria. I’m already a fan of the drink, but you made it look even better. The drink is stunning! x
Caroline recently posted..tgif. [chicken w. wild rice]

6 Kiran January 31, 2012 at 4:43 PM

Caroline,
Thanks sweetie — a must try recipe. Let me know how it tastes 😉

7 DessertForTwo January 27, 2012 at 3:48 PM

I adore champagne. I mean, truly LOOOVE it. I drink at least a bottle/week. We don’t save it for special occasions–Tuesday is special enough for us! 😉
DessertForTwo recently posted..Nutella Eclair Cake

8 Kiran January 31, 2012 at 4:50 PM

Christina,
Thanks sweetie — we love our share of champagne’s too! So glad we are not the only ones indulging during the week 😉

9 Tenille @ My Family Table January 27, 2012 at 5:15 PM

This would be the perfect drink for a hot and lazy afternoon, it looks very refreshing.

This last Christmas I bought some pimms, champagne, a heap of strawberries and limes to make some punch. The sad thing is that I didn’t end up making it! We were too busy cooking and then cleaning up after the hoards that invaded the house that we didn’t get time!
Tenille @ My Family Table recently posted..Breakfast Rolls

10 Kiran January 31, 2012 at 4:52 PM

Tenille,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the compliments 🙂

I hope you would have time making a punch/sangria during Valentines day this year 🙂

11 Jennifer (Delicieux) January 27, 2012 at 7:19 PM

What a gorgeous drink!!!!! Champagne sangria sounds so decadent and perfect for Valentine’s day.

I have to say I especially love that second photo!!! It’s just beautiful. I love the colour of the background contrasting agains the colours of the cocktail. It looks like sunset against the water. Beautiful!
Jennifer (Delicieux) recently posted..Orange Scented Olive Oil Cake

12 Kiran February 1, 2012 at 4:56 PM

Jennifer,
Thank you so much for the photo compliments, sweetie! You surely made my day 🙂

13 Hannah January 27, 2012 at 8:42 PM

I must admit, I’ve never had a sangria before and I’m not much of a drinker, but this sounds delicious! Punchy citrus, champagne, not too much sugar- Totally up my alley as far as party drinks go.
Hannah recently posted..Fine Dining For All

14 Kiran January 31, 2012 at 4:55 PM

Hannah,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂

We are not party drinkers as well, so sangria works out pretty well. It’s very citrusy and you are free to add how little or more champagne in each glass.

15 Sanjeeta kk January 27, 2012 at 9:08 PM

Good that the store has one bag less..else this wonderful drink would not be shared with us 🙂 Have to give a try during one of the parties at home.
Sanjeeta kk recently posted..Strawberry Scones for Breakfast – A Scrumptious Way to Start Your Day

16 Kiran January 31, 2012 at 4:56 PM

Sanjeeta,
Thanks sweetie — do give this recipe a try and let me know how it tastes 🙂

17 Ann January 27, 2012 at 9:59 PM

Wow – that looks PERFECT! The recipes, the photos….everything! You are amazing!
Ann recently posted..Hawaiian Bars

18 Kiran February 1, 2012 at 4:59 PM

Ann,
Thanks sweetie — can’t wait to meet at FBF 🙂

19 Maureen January 27, 2012 at 11:20 PM

This drink looks fantastic. I think I’ll have to make one tonight. 🙂
Maureen recently posted..Clean the Fridge Salad with Fregola Sarda

20 Khushboo January 28, 2012 at 12:36 AM

Oohh this recipe looks great- a mix between a bellini and sangria (my two faves)! Good thing it’s a Saturday night- perfect opportunity to try this recipe out!
Khushboo recently posted..Body for Life

21 Kiran January 31, 2012 at 11:23 PM

Khusboo,
Thanks sweetie — hope you loved this recipe 🙂

22 Richa@HobbyandMore January 28, 2012 at 12:49 AM

that is one gorgeous pitcher.. love the color play and the ginger, citrus, pomegranate!
Richa@HobbyandMore recently posted..Panch Phoran Shalgam(Turnip with indian 5 spice mix). Vegan glutenfree. And a Fundraiser for Vaidehi Ashram

23 Kiran January 31, 2012 at 11:56 PM

Richa,
Thanks sweetie 🙂

24 Zee January 28, 2012 at 1:38 AM

This is so lovely! I don’t drink so I can’t say anything about champagne but the pitcher looks incredibly welcoming!
Zee recently posted..Prawn and Vegetable Tempura

25 Kiran January 31, 2012 at 11:57 PM

Zee,
Thanks sweetie — you could also choose not to top your glass with champagne — it’s very tasty without it 🙂

26 Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella January 28, 2012 at 1:44 AM

We’re definitely in sync Kiran! I just had sangria the other night-although it wasn’t as fancy as this! 😉
Lorraine @ Not Quite Nigella recently posted..Win a Mixed Case of McGuigan “The Shortlist” Wines Worth $174!

27 Kiran January 31, 2012 at 11:58 PM

Lorraine,
Indeed we are 😉

28 Anna January 28, 2012 at 3:07 AM

Looks lovely! I tried grapefruit once, but it was a little bitter. Do you think it would be better if I use store bought grapefruit juice if i am not that good in picking the good kind of fresh grapefruit?

29 Kiran February 1, 2012 at 12:02 AM

Anna,
It’s been a while! Hope you are doing good 🙂

I would still prefer fresh grapefruit over store-bought to avoid too much sugar. The grapefruits are ever so slightly bitter in season, you might want to give it a try now 🙂 The simple syrup surely mellows everything out, so don’t worry about the bitterness.

However, you can always use store-bought juice, just make sure you reduce the use of simple syrup. Taste as you go along!

30 Nava Krishnan January 28, 2012 at 4:36 AM

Simple tempting and I would love to have a glass of this sangria but wonder if I can afford the 1 bottle of champagne. Here for sangria, we add our local fruits and one of those fav ones are watermelon and more of wine.
Nava Krishnan recently posted..Fried Apple Fritters

31 Kiran February 1, 2012 at 12:04 AM

Nava,
Thanks sweetie — champagne’s aren’t that expensive. There’s a lot of variety out there. We are quite picky with out pockets too. This one bottle only costed about $10. Not too shabby 😉

The authentic sangria recipe calls for red wine — I made it festive with champagne to commemorate the upcoming Valentines’ Day 🙂

32 chinmayie @ love food eat January 28, 2012 at 5:35 AM

Beautiful Beautiful photos!! I need a drink now 🙂
chinmayie @ love food eat recently posted..Fiery Hot Noodles with Bell Peppers

33 Kiran February 1, 2012 at 12:05 AM

Chinmayie,
Hahaha!! Me too 😉

34 Deeps @ Naughty Curry January 28, 2012 at 7:39 AM

im game for anything with champagne in it! these look so so pretty, love that peach colour 🙂
Deeps @ Naughty Curry recently posted..Thai Iced Tea (cha- yen)

35 Kiran February 1, 2012 at 12:13 AM

Deeps,
Thanks sweetie 🙂

36 Angie@Angie's Recipes January 28, 2012 at 7:54 AM

Such a luscious and delightful drink!
Angie@Angie’s Recipes recently posted..Soft Whole Wheat Rolls

37 Kiran February 1, 2012 at 12:13 AM

Angie,
Thanks sweetie 🙂

38 Julie M. January 28, 2012 at 8:41 AM

You hit the nail on the head with t his one Kiran! I love sangria. All that citrus looks like a perfect compliment. I’ve really been craving grapefruit lately and this would surely take care of that! Have a great weekend!
Julie M. recently posted..Bacon and Brie Flatbread

39 Kiran February 1, 2012 at 12:57 AM

Julie,
Thanks sweetie — grapefruit surely tastes better in sangria’s’ 🙂 Have a great week!

40 Simply Life January 28, 2012 at 12:18 PM

Sangria is my favorite drink! We even had it at our wedding! this looks fabulous!
Simply Life recently posted..Baked Spicy Chickpeas & GIVEAWAY!!

41 Kiran February 1, 2012 at 12:58 AM

Gina,
Thanks sweetie 🙂

42 Magic of Spice January 28, 2012 at 12:49 PM

That looks fantastic! A sangria with champagne, means I can have it with breakfast right? 🙂
Magic of Spice recently posted..What’s on the side? Vegetarian "Meatballs" with 5 Star Flair

43 Kiran February 2, 2012 at 4:17 PM

Magic of Spice,
Thanks sweetie — yup, having sangria with breakfast is perfectly legit 😉

44 Autumn@Good Eats Girl January 28, 2012 at 3:26 PM

Sangria and champagne…I’m in. YUM!
Autumn@Good Eats Girl recently posted..Blueberry Muffin Top Cookies

45 Kiran February 2, 2012 at 4:21 PM

Autumn,
Thanks — perfect for V-day. Or any day 😀

46 Ira Rodrigues January 29, 2012 at 12:46 AM

i can imagine how delicious this drink, its so refreshing! the colour and the ingredients are great. i definitely book mark your recipe kiran 🙂 oh, i love your photos anyway, so soft.
Ira Rodrigues recently posted..Matcha (green tea) sea salt cookies

47 Kiran February 2, 2012 at 4:23 PM

Ira,
Thanks sweetie — coming from you, it means too much 🙂

48 beti January 29, 2012 at 3:48 AM

I will sure go and make it, it looks so refreshing and delicious
beti recently posted..Chocolate Cake for Two

49 Kiran February 2, 2012 at 4:31 PM

Beti,
Thanks dear — let me know how it tastes 🙂

50 NikS January 29, 2012 at 9:28 AM

Kiran, this is just what the doctor ordered for today’s Sunday brunch!
NikS recently posted..chilled almond milk-drunk cake

51 Kiran February 2, 2012 at 4:31 PM

Niks,
Hahaha… let me know if the doctor approved 😉

52 Ina gawne January 29, 2012 at 10:56 AM

Wow – so pretty looking as well as tasty. Your photo’s are gorgeous!
Ina gawne recently posted..JOY BAUER’S FOOD CURES

53 Kiran February 2, 2012 at 4:34 PM

Ina,
Thanks sweetie 🙂

54 Suzi January 29, 2012 at 6:54 PM

Definitely looks refreshing, a great cocktail for these warm afternoons here in Florida. Some chips and salsa, yum. Lovely photos too.
Suzi recently posted..Oyster Mushrooms Rockefeller – Vegan

55 Kiran February 2, 2012 at 4:35 PM

Suzi,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the compliments 🙂

56 Christy January 29, 2012 at 11:03 PM

I am loving the idea of this sangria, and the idea of grapefruits in it just makes me wanna go ga-ga!:)
This just looks so good and tempting as I sit here and stare at the hot and blazing sun out there now…:p
Christy recently posted..CNY Goodies: Homemade Pineapple cookies

57 Kiran February 3, 2012 at 1:37 AM

Christy,
Thanks sweetie — hope you are having a great vacation 🙂

58 subhorup dasgupta January 30, 2012 at 12:37 AM

Thanks, this was an absolutely new drink for me, I have never heard of a sangria. I guess it can be made without the champagne too, but wouldn’t know if it will be the same. But a very nice idea.
subhorup dasgupta recently posted..Google’s New Privacy Policy: The Story Behind It

59 Kiran February 3, 2012 at 1:38 AM

Subhorup,
Thanks — the champagne adds a very little touch. Without it, the overall flavors are absolutely sublime. Try it and let me know how it tastes 🙂

60 Seema January 30, 2012 at 12:58 AM

Wow…yummy…and really beautiful pictures

61 Kiran February 3, 2012 at 1:39 AM

Seema,
Thanks sweetie 🙂

62 Gursahiba @ Exquisite Niche January 30, 2012 at 3:51 AM

Kiran!

I just love Sangaria. The flavors of grapefruit and celmentine sound very tasteful! Your pictures are Fab!

63 Kiran February 3, 2012 at 1:43 AM

Gursahiba,
Thanks dear 🙂

64 Sommer@ASpicyPerspective January 30, 2012 at 9:35 AM

That looks heavenly!! Pinning!
Sommer@ASpicyPerspective recently posted..Chocolate Pomegranate Petit Fours

65 Kiran February 3, 2012 at 2:07 AM

Sommer,
Thanks for pinning, sweetie 🙂

66 Jen at The Three Little Piglets January 30, 2012 at 12:01 PM

That is so beautiful! I just pinned it – it would be so lovely for a Sunday Brunch!
Jen at The Three Little Piglets recently posted..Peanut Blossom Cookies

67 Kiran February 3, 2012 at 5:25 PM

Jen,
Thanks sweetie for pinning it 🙂

68 Carolyn Jung January 30, 2012 at 2:00 PM

Now, THAT is the way to get your daily does of Vitamin C! 😉
Carolyn Jung recently posted..“The Sorcerer’s Apprentices” and a Food Gal Giveaway

69 Kiran February 3, 2012 at 5:27 PM

Carolyn,
Favorite way 😉

70 Asmita January 30, 2012 at 2:40 PM

The sangria looks divine! Perfect for Valentine’s day.
Asmita recently posted..Strawberries dipped in chocolate

71 Kiran February 3, 2012 at 6:52 PM

Asmita,
Thanks sweetie 🙂

72 Sophie January 30, 2012 at 7:00 PM

Waw! What a festive yet fereshing drink for grown-ups!
Yummy!
A must make! Such an alternative drink too! 🙂
Sophie recently posted..Two Home-made cashew milks

73 Kiran February 3, 2012 at 6:56 PM

Sophie,
Thanks sweetie — do try and let me know how it tastes 🙂

74 Katherine Martinelli January 30, 2012 at 7:38 PM

Oooh this sounds so lovely! I really do want some right now 🙂

75 Kiran February 3, 2012 at 6:59 PM

Katherine,
Thanks sweetie — don’t we all? 😉

76 Rosa January 31, 2012 at 4:23 AM

A divine drink and gorgeous clicks!

Cheers,

Rosa

77 Kiran February 3, 2012 at 6:59 PM

Rosa,
Thanks sweetie 🙂

78 Tes January 31, 2012 at 5:45 AM

This truly is a recipe for celebration 🙂
Tes recently posted..Seafood and Vegetable Soup (Thai Sukiyaki)

79 Kiran February 3, 2012 at 7:00 PM

Tes,
Thanks dear 🙂

80 Denise January 31, 2012 at 5:46 AM

I love sangria, it reminds me of holidays and sunny days (so much better than these cold winter days). But the strange thing is that I never made it myself before, I know: that’s crazy and has to change! So thanks for this post:)
Denise recently posted..Individual Cottage Pies

81 Kiran February 3, 2012 at 7:01 PM

Denise,
You are welcome sweetie — do try this recipe and let me know how it tastes! Cheers 🙂

82 Nami | Just One Cookbook January 31, 2012 at 7:52 PM

I’m sending this recipe to a friend who’s in charge of drinks for the superbowl party. I am not a drinker but love citrusy drink!!! I have lots of grapefruits at home too, might as well bring them all. =) Great timing!!
Nami | Just One Cookbook recently posted..Pineapple Upside Down Cake

83 Kiran February 3, 2012 at 8:21 PM

Nami,
I hope you all would enjoy not only the superbowl, but also sipping on this sangria — you could also have it minus the champagne and it would still be delicious 🙂

84 Meenakshi February 1, 2012 at 6:57 AM

Simply beautiful! I love sangria but have never had champagne sangria before. My favourite fancy-shmancy drink is actually a Shirley Temple with some mint in it. I know it’s a mocktail and meant for kids but I still love it 🙂 I am really enjoying your blog!!
Meenakshi recently posted..Bounty Cake: Textured Treat

85 Kiran February 4, 2012 at 1:02 AM

Meenakshi,
Thanks yaar — I enjoy mocktails more than anything else, really 🙂

86 Cass @foodmyfriend February 1, 2012 at 5:18 PM

Yum Kiran! I had a sangria at a restaurant over the weekend and it didn’t look or taste as good as yours looks! Perfect for the weekend, and just in time!
Cass @foodmyfriend recently posted..Mums Cranberry and Pistachio Biscotti

87 Kiran February 4, 2012 at 1:03 AM

Cass,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for the compliments, dear — surely made my day 🙂

88 easyfoodsmith February 2, 2012 at 7:44 AM

The sangria is looking so inviting! The pictures are gorgeous
easyfoodsmith recently posted..MASALEDAAR DHABA CHICKEN (SPICY HIGHWAY CHICKEN)

89 Kiran February 4, 2012 at 1:04 AM

EasyFoodSmith,
Thanks dear 🙂

90 Helene Dsouza I Masala Herb February 2, 2012 at 8:00 AM

Lovely klicks Kiran!
I like sangria… I hadnt had it in 10 years. last time was when we missed a class and hid in a bar with a bucket of sangria. ahh nostalgie..
I wish I had some grapefruits around, in fact we bought a tree some days ago but he is still too small to give fruits. I ll have to wait then…
thank u for sharing!
Helene Dsouza I Masala Herb recently posted..Onion Pakora & Green chutney dip

91 Kiran February 4, 2012 at 1:05 AM

Helene,
Thanks sweetie — aah, those were the college days 😉

92 mycookinghut February 4, 2012 at 11:42 AM

So refreshing! I long for summer!
mycookinghut recently posted..valentine’s day giveaway from hotel chocolat!

93 Kiran February 13, 2012 at 5:29 PM

Leemei,
Thanks dear, me too 🙂

94 brian February 5, 2012 at 5:39 PM

How many people does this recipe serve?

95 Kiran February 13, 2012 at 5:31 PM

Brian,
Welcome to Recipebox and thanks for commenting 🙂

It makes about 6-7 glasses, depending on the size of glasses and amount of champagne that is poured, individually.

I hope you had a chance to make it. Let me know how it tastes and hope your guests loved it!!

96 Christina Leigh Events April 4, 2012 at 2:39 PM

Wow! I can not wait to try this sangria! Until I can get there I have included your pretty pictures in my blog post today. I hope you enjoy my inspiration board as much as I have enjoyed your blog post!
http://christinaleighevents.com/blog/sunset-easter/
xo Christina

97 Kirsten April 7, 2012 at 8:19 PM

Can’t wait to make this for Easter lunch! When do you add the ginger ale….when preparing the simple syrup or with the champagne? Thanks!

98 Kiran April 8, 2012 at 10:59 AM

Kirsten — Welcome to Recipebox and Happy Easter

99 Marabous May 26, 2012 at 9:04 AM

Divine! We can’t wait to try this delicious recipe!
Marabous recently posted..Something Sweet! {A Workshop}

100 shannon June 8, 2012 at 1:05 PM

i’m not a drinker…what could i substitute instead of the champagne? maybe sprite or sparkling cider? looks delish!

101 April February 14, 2013 at 2:57 PM

I just featured this on my Valentine’s Day post. I can’t wait to make it.
April recently posted..Celebrate Valentine’s Day with a little drinkipoo…

102 katie February 27, 2013 at 12:26 PM

What brand are these wine glasses? They are beautiful! I have to have them 🙂

103 Gretchen Tyree March 27, 2013 at 11:28 PM

I don’t know this brand of glasses and they are pretty, but I was checking out champagne and mojito glasses from Mikasa at Macys.com. They have a contemporary selection and classics. I think they have a sale, but if not now they will and it is generally good sale.

104 Gretchen Tyree March 27, 2013 at 11:24 PM

I truly don’t know how to pick a suitable champagne for this drink. I read you used a 10 dollar bottle, but could you be more specific? Sweet or dry, etc. Thanks and I loved reading the comments and responses. It felt like a kind place to be.

105 Kiran October 25, 2013 at 9:48 PM

Gretchen — so sorry for the very late reply. somehow the old comments was buried so deeply in the archives 😉

I used a Korbel rose champagne (sweet) that was on sale. You can definitely use any rose champagne that you like.

106 Terra April 7, 2013 at 11:24 PM

I told hubby this year we are so making loads of sangria:-). I love how much fun you can have with the drink, and be so creative! Your recipe sounds sooooo refreshing, a perfect summer drink! Hugs, Terra
Terra recently posted..Strawberry Chia Pudding {and an Eatsmart Scale Review}

107 Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious December 6, 2013 at 11:21 PM

This is the most gorgeous sangria ever!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious recently posted..Starbucks Pumpkin Scones Copycat Recipe and a Giveaway!

108 phương June 2, 2014 at 4:28 AM

drink good : I do not have favourite fancy schmancy beverage but this one will become and I am going to make it. 100% I just have to buy ginger ale.
phương recently posted..Canh rau dền nấu tôm- món ăn ngon ấm áp nghĩa tình

109 phương June 2, 2014 at 4:30 AM

I’m already a fan of the drink, but you made it look even better. The drink is stunning!
phương recently posted..Canh rau dền nấu tôm- món ăn ngon ấm áp nghĩa tình

110 Rebecca September 20, 2014 at 3:14 AM

I just love the way you told the story of your visit there. It made me feel like I was there, too. Beautiful, photos, too, and tart looks delicious!
Rebecca recently posted..Burnt Sugar Ice Cream

111 Meg December 30, 2015 at 11:07 AM

what type of wine was used in this?

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