This virgin sangria mocktail will wow your dinner guests tonight. Bursting with flavor, it combines several juices and fruit to create a wonderfully sweet, alcohol-free cocktail that everyone can enjoy!
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Imagine this. It’s your favorite holiday and you’re visiting with family members or friends to celebrate. They break out the cocktail glasses and vibrant drinks that look so tasty, but reek of alcohol. Normally you wouldn’t mind a sip, but you just so happen to be pregnant.
Or maybe you’re on medications that prevent you from drinking. Maybe you’re driving and want to be responsible, you have children with you, or you just hate the taste or alcohol.
You hate that you have to decline the drink and wish they could have just left out that one key ingredient: the booze.
Well, I’m here to tell you that many of those cocktail drinks that we’ve all tried at one point or another taste just as good without the alcohol. The secret is finding something bubbly to add in that won’t impair your senses.
You still need to find the right blend of ingredients, use fun party glasses (of course!), and garnish them with fruit that makes them feel like the real thing. But believe me, it is so good once you find the right beautiful combination.
These days I tend to shy away from alcohol. One drink in and I’m drowsy and ready for a nap.
The last couple of years, I’ve realized I tend to make a delicious sangria mocktail around the holidays that is heavenly. It can be enjoyed by anyone without changing any of the ingredients. Kids, picky eaters, designated drivers, and pregnant/breastfeeding women can all still enjoy this intoxicating alcohol-free drink.
It is such a pretty and vibrant color, too, which is why I tend to save it for the holidays and serve it to my favorite guests.
It is also pretty sweet, so it’s not something I would drink on any ordinary day of the week. But it sure feels like a special pleasure when I do.
Today, I’m going to show you exactly how to whip up a quick 5-minute virgin sangria mocktail whenever you please. Here’s how I do it.
Do I have to use all these juices?
No! In fact, this recipe is very forgiving. It’s a very loose recipe. For example, it isn’t necessary to use all of these ingredients if you are short on one. Just try to find a similar addition or double up on another juice.
You can use sparkling grape juice or a lemon-lime soda in place of ginger ale. (Just be sure to have one bubbly addition to the drink.) White or red grape juice can be used. Cranberry or cherry juice can add robust flavor and deep color. There are so many juice combinations to play around with.
What types of glasses should I serve these in for guests?
- Highball glasses
- Red wine glasses
- Rocks glasses
- Goblet glasses
Is there a healthier version of this with less sugar?
Yes and no. You can always try substitutions with low-sugar juices, but it won’t quite be the same. Honestly, one glass of this on a special occasion isn’t going to hurt your health. However, I understand certain medical conditions can prevent some people from consuming fast-digesting, refined sugars like those contained in juices.
In that case you can try the following tips:
- Try a low-sugar cranberry juice
- Use diet ginger ale
- Switch out traditional grape juice for no-sugar-added grape juice
What are some optional add-ins?
Add some interest by throwing in one or two of these for some extra color and fun:
- Sliced apples
- Cinnamon sticks
- Slices/wedges of limes, lemons, or oranges
- Fresh cranberries
Virgin Sangria Mocktail
Tools | virgin sangria mocktail
Liquid measuring cup
Large wooden spoon
Cutting board and knife, for slicing garnishes
Ingredients | virgin sangria mocktail
Grape juice – Grape juice adds lots of robust flavor to this tasty mocktail. Red or white grape juice will work. Even sparkling grape juice can be used.
Cranberry juice – Use a cranberry juice to add a slight tartness and a deep color to this festive drink. Cran-cherry or cherry juice also work.
Orange juice – I like to add just a bit of orange juice for some tang and a pleasant surprise.
Ginger ale – Ginger ale is the perfect sweet, bubbly addition to make this drink cozy and fun.
Orange slices – Orange slices are the perfect garnish for this dish. They add a pop of color and look so pretty floating in the pitcher and glasses.
Steps | virgin sangria mocktail
1. Start by slicing oranges about ¼” thick. Set aside for later.
2. Measure out liquid ingredients to pour into the pitcher.
3. In a tall pitcher, combine the grape, orange, and cranberry juice. Top with ginger ale. Stir with a large wooden spoon.
4. Add orange slices and lots of ice when pouring into glasses.
5. Serve chilled. Enjoy!
Tips for Success | virgin sangria mocktail
Don’t forget to serve in fun plastic cups with straws for any kids you’re serving this to. You can even purchase plastic cocktail-style glasses for extra fun.
Add ice to glasses, not the pitcher, to ensure it doesn’t melt over time and water down the mocktail.
If using a white grape juice instead of red, you’ll need to adjust the measurements slightly to achieve the same deep red color of a sangria. In this instance, use 4 cups of cranberry juice and 3 cups of whip grape juice. All other measurements stay the same.
More Recipes for Entertaining
Homemade Lemonade with Simple Syrup
Creamy Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese
Spinach Mozzarella Crustless Quiche
Refined Sugar Free Hot Chocolate
Classic, Fluffy Cinnamon Rolls
Virgin Sangria Mocktail
Equipment
- liquid measuring cup
- glass or plastic pitcher
- large wooden spoon
- cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- 4 cups grape juice
- 3 cups cranberry juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 12 oz can ginger ale
- 1 orange
Instructions
- Start by slicing oranges about ¼” thick. Set aside for later.
- Measure out liquid ingredients to pour into the pitcher.
- In a tall pitcher, combine the grape, orange, and cranberry juice. Top with ginger ale.
- Stir with a large wooden spoon.
- Add orange slices and lots of ice when pouring into glasses.
- Serve chilled. Enjoy!
