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Labor Day Watermelon Mint Sangria - featured image

Labor Day Watermelon Mint Sangria: Easy Budget-Friendly Party Drink


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

A refreshing, budget-friendly watermelon and mint sangria that is perfect for summer parties. This make-ahead drink is easy to prepare, costs under $20, and serves 6-8 people.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 medium watermelon (68 pounds), cut into 1-inch cubes (about 67 cups)
  • 1 bottle (750ml) dry white wine (Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
  • 1 cup (240ml) orange juice
  • 1 large bunch fresh mint (about 1/2 cup packed leaves)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) Triple Sec or Cointreau
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) fresh lemon juice
  • 24 tablespoons sugar or simple syrup
  • Large ice cubes or frozen watermelon cubes
  • Extra mint sprigs and watermelon wedges for garnish

Instructions

  1. Wash the watermelon, remove the rind, and cut the flesh into 1-inch cubes. Place in a large bowl.
  2. Rinse and pat dry the mint leaves. Place them in the bottom of a large pitcher (3-quart or larger).
  3. Add sugar or simple syrup to the mint in the pitcher. Gently muddle or bruise the mint with a wooden spoon or muddler to release oils.
  4. Pour in the white wine, orange juice, lemon juice, and Triple Sec. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
  5. Taste the liquid and adjust sweetness or tartness if needed.
  6. Add the watermelon cubes to the pitcher and gently stir to submerge the fruit.
  7. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow flavors to meld.
  8. Just before serving, add large ice cubes or frozen watermelon cubes.
  9. Ladle into glasses, ensuring each serving gets some fruit.
  10. Garnish with a mint sprig and a small watermelon wedge.

Notes

For best results, freeze watermelon cubes to use as ice to prevent dilution. Make a separate non-alcoholic batch for kids using sparkling water and extra orange juice. The sangria tastes better after chilling overnight. Do not freeze the finished sangria as the wine may separate and fruit will become mushy.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Category: Beverage
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 glass
  • Calories: 140
  • Sugar: 16
  • Carbohydrates: 18
  • Fiber: 1
  • Protein: 1

Keywords: watermelon sangria, mint sangria, labor day drinks, budget party drinks, summer cocktails, make-ahead sangria, white wine sangria, non-alcoholic sangria