Sangria is a classic summer drink that's perfect for any occasion. But if you're looking for something a little different, then you need to try Vinho Verde Sangria. This refreshing green sangria recipe is sure to become a new favorite.
What Is Vinho Verde?
Vinho Verde wines are made from a blend of native Portuguese grapes grown in northern Portugal, and released without being aged. This 'green wine' is crisp, dry, light and refreshing.
Most have slight effervescence but not enough to be considered a true sparkling wine. Vinho verde is also characterized with very low alcohol, and is inexpensive.
My favorite variety is sold at Trader Joe's under the Espiral Vinho Verde brand, for less than $6 a bottle! It's the perfect backdrop for a light, unfortified summer sangria!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This recipe for Vinho Verde Sangria is a delicious twist on the classic, made with fresh, sparkling Vinho Verde wine.
- Refreshing. The vinho verde gives the sangria a light, refreshing flavor, while the honeydew melon, green apples, lemon, and limes add a touch of sweetness and tartness.
- Versatile. You can adjust the ingredients to suit your own taste. For example, if you don't like honeydew melon, you can substitute another type of fruit, such as green grapes, apple slices, or sliced peaches.
- Perfect for Entertaining. Vinho verde sangria is perfect for any occasion, whether you are having a backyard barbecue or a pool party.
Jump to:
- What Is Vinho Verde?
- Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Vinho Verde Sangria Ingredients
- How to Make Vinho Verde Sangria
- Serving Suggestions
- Related Recipes
- Substitutions and Variations
- Equipment
- Storage and Reheating
- Tips for Success
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Food Safety
- Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
- Connect with Smells Like Delish!
- 📖 Recipe
Vinho Verde Sangria Ingredients
This Portuguese 'green' sangria is made with fresh, sparkling vinho verde, honeydew melon, green apples, lemon, and limes. It takes just minutes to pull together, and is delicious with any seasonal fruits.
- Honeydew melon - Cut into chunks or as melon balls, and frozen.
- Granny Smith apple - Sliced ultra thin.
- Lime - Sliced very thin.
- Lemon - Sliced very thin.
- Mint - Fresh mint leaves for garnish.
- Sugar - Optional.
- Espiral Vinho Verde wine - Available at Trader Joe's.
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
How to Make Vinho Verde Sangria
This classic Portuguese sangria recipe takes just minutes to mix up and ready to serve.
PRO TIP: Cut and freeze, or buy frozen melon chunks, this will prevent melting ice from diluting the vinho verde effervescence.
Freeze The Melon Balls
- Cut into chunks, or use a melon baller on the honeydew melon. Freeze the melon chunks or melon balls the day before, as you will use frozen melon instead of ice. You can also purchase frozen melon instead.
- Chill the Espiral Vinho Verde a few hours before making this sangria.
Slice Apples, Lime, and Lemon
- Slice the Granny Smith apple, lemon, and lime as thin as you can slice them, and place them into a large pitcher.
- Add the chilled Espiral Vinho Verde wine to the pitcher of sliced fruit. Taste, and if you want a sweeter beverage, stir in the sugar.
Add Frozen Melon Balls
- Add the frozen melon chunks or melon balls to the pitcher of vinho verde and sliced fruit.
Garnish with Mint Leaves
- Bruise the washed, fresh mint leaves by crumpling them briefly in your hand. Add them to the pitcher and stir. Serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
Vinho Verde Sangria is a crisp, sparkling summer drink that's perfect for any occasion. This refreshing and light beverage complements fish, and spicy foods without feeling heavy.
This vinho verde Portuguese sangria is best served chilled. You can serve it in individual glasses or in a large pitcher. If you're serving it in a pitcher, be sure to garnish it with fresh fruit and herbs.
Serve with appetizers on a hot summer evening, at a brunch, or at any time. Some recipes that go well with this effervescent, green vinho verde sangria recipe are:
- Chipotle Traeger Chicken Kabobs
- Air Fryer Salmon Bites
- Longhorn's Salmon Recipe
- Lime Marinated Flat Iron Steak
- Broiled Swordfish Kabobs
Full ingredient amounts and preparation instructions are in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Related Recipes
Substitutions and Variations
Here are a few easy variations when making this sparkling vinho verde sangria recipe:
- You can substitute other types of fruit for the honeydew melon, such as watermelon, green grapes, or berries.
- You can also fortify the sangria, with orange liqueur, brandy, or peach schnapps.
- If you want a non-alcoholic version of the sangria, simply substitute sparkling water or sparkling grape juice for the vinho verde.
Equipment
Equipment can have a big impact on how a recipe turns out. Below are some of my favorite pieces of equipment that I use when making Portuguese Vinho Verde Sangria.
- Clear Beverage Pitcher
- Mandoline
- Espiral Vinho Verde (at Trader Joe's)
- Melon baller
Storage and Reheating
Vinho verde sangria is meant to be consumed shortly after making it. Chilling for several hours, or pouring over ice will make the effervescent fade away. Instead, freeze the melon and use them as 'ice cubes'.
Tips for Success
- If you don't like honeydew melon, you can substitute another type of fruit, such as watermelon or grapes.
- You can also add other flavors, such as orange liqueur or brandy.
- Chill the sangria for at least 3 hours, or overnight. This will allow the flavors to blend and the wine to become more refreshing.
- Serve the sangria over ice. This will help to keep it cool and refreshing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Sangria using vinho verde should be mixed right before serving so that the effervescence does not fade away. Freeze strawberries, melon chunks and use as 'ice' instead.
Yes, you can use other types of white wine for this sangria. However, I recommend using a light, crisp wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc.
Yes, you can add other fruits to this sangria. Some popular fruits to add include strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, peaches, and nectarines.
Food Safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat.
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
Some Other Recipes We Are Sure You Will Love
Connect with Smells Like Delish!
📖 Recipe
Portuguese Vinho Verde Sangria
Equipment
- Espiral Vinho Verde at Trader Joe's
Ingredients
- ¼ honeydew melon cut or balled, frozen
- 1 granny smith apple sliced thin
- 1 lemon sliced thin
- 1 lime sliced thin
- ¼ cup sugar optional
- ¼ cup mint leaves fresh, lightly bruised
- 1 bottle vinho verde Espiral or any white variety
Instructions
- Cut into chunks, or use a melon baller on the honeydew melon. Freeze the melon chunks or melon balls the day before, as you will use frozen melon instead of ice. You can also purchase frozen melon instead.
- Chill the Espiral Vinho Verde a few hours before making this sangria.
- Slice the Granny Smith apple, lemon, and lime as thin as you can slice them, and place them into a large pitcher.
- Add the chilled Espiral Vinho Verde wine to the pitcher of sliced fruit. Taste, and if you want a sweeter beverage, stir in the sugar.
- Add the frozen melon chunks or melon balls to the pitcher of vinho verde and sliced fruit.
- Bruise the washed, fresh mint leaves by crumpling them briefly in your hand. Add them to the pitcher and stir. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you don't like honeydew melon, you can substitute another type of fruit, such as watermelon or grapes.
- You can also add other flavors, such as orange liqueur or brandy.
- Chill the sangria for at least 3 hours, or overnight. This will allow the flavors to blend and the wine to become more refreshing.
- Serve the sangria over ice. This will help to keep it cool and refreshing.
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