The 4th of July is right around the corner and it’s one of my favorite holidays to host. I love the family BBQ, making blueberry pie, and of course the fireworks! It’s a sweet summer holiday to celebrate our country with our nearest and dearest. And in my home, nothing is truly a celebration without some bubbly! I made this sparkling 4th of July sangria last year and it was a huge hit. I always love to have a fun drink for my guests that’s easy for them to serve themselves. Hello sangria!
I wanted to refresh the recipe this year with a new addition that my mom introduced me to. Blueberry vodka! If you haven’t tried it, you need to! Even if you don’t make this sangria. Add blueberry vodka to a little soda water and voila, deliciousness in your mouth! But back to sangria. I decided to add blueberry vodka to my recipe, and it worked wonderfully. Now its not sweet, if that’s what you are thinking. My husband loathes sweet drinks, so usually we have minimal sweetness in our cocktails. However, this recipe can be modified by adding a little more juice if sweet is your thing. I think this sangria has just enough sweetness but to each their own! Now on to the recipe!
First, I cut strawberries into fourths (about two cups worth) and mixed them with a cup of blueberries. Next, I sliced up an apple and made apple stars. I got this adorable star cookie cutter from Sur La Table years ago (though amazon sells them too!) and its perfect for patriotic holidays (and making my kids star shaped foods). Its super easy to use, just punch them out like you are making cookies!
I then added ½ cup of blueberry vodka and 1 cup of apple juice to the fruit mixture and let it sit for 2 hours. When guests are getting close to arriving, add one bottle of sparkling wine and a half a bottle of sparkling cider. Stir and serve!
I also love to add a little something extra to the drink like star straws or these cute metallic drink picks! Adding a little detail goes a long way. I hope you love the recipe and it adds a little spark to your celebration next week. Have a happy and safe 4th of July!
Sparkling White Sangria
- 1 cup of blueberries
- 2 cups of strawberries (sliced in fourths)
- 1 apple sliced and made into stars
- 1 cup of apple juice
- ½ cup of blueberry vodka
- 1 bottle of sparkling wine
- ½ bottle of sparkling cider
Cut strawberries into fourths and put into a pitcher or drink dispenser. Add 1 cup of blueberries to the strawberries. Wash and cut apple into slices. Use star cookie cutter to make apple stars and add to the strawberry and blueberry mixture. Measure ½ cup of blueberry vodka and 1 cup of apple juice. Add to fruit mixture and let sit for two hours.
When ready to serve, add 1 chilled bottle of sparkling wine and ½ bottle of chilled sparkling cider to the fruit mixture in the pitcher or drink dispenser. Stir and serve!
Notes: you can add a little ice to keep cool (just not too much or it will water it down) Also make sure you have a spoon for guests to top their drink with the sangria fruit. It’s the best part to eat!
Not a strawberry fan or have an allergy? Use raspberries or pomegranates instead!
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