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An alcohol-free sangria perfect for picnics, featuring fresh fruits and fizz.
We celebrated our own kind of magnificence that summer afternoon. It was the day our neighborhood came together for an impromptu potluck picnic at the park—a culmination of the little kindnesses and shared laughs that had grown among us in the building. The emails flew back and forth a few days before, coordinating dishes and the all-important drink options. When someone suggested a sangria, I volunteered an alcohol-free version. A variety of juices and sliced fruit would fit right in with the family-friendly vibe.
That morning, I ventured to the local market, a habit that never waned even after years of quick grocery runs. The produce aisle greeted me with abundant colors, and I picked high and vibrant apples, oranges, and pears. There is something uniquely satisfying about slicing fruits with the peel on, and the citrusy zest that fills the room. I whisked the juices—grape, apple, and orange—together in a heavy glass pitcher, a gift from my partner after my first year blogging.
Practicality dictated an early mixing of the fruits and juices, letting them marinate a couple of hours before the party. The flavors melded beautifully as if in a spirited conversation. While packing up, I made a chef's note to add the ginger ale just before serving—it keeps the fizz bright and refreshing. As the sun dipped below the horizon, my alcohol-free sangria stood proud among the offerings. It turned out to be just the bubbly bridge we all needed, sparking connections old and new.
Ingredients
- 1 apple sliced, cored, and peel-on
- 1 orange thinly sliced and peel-on
- 1 pear thinly sliced and peel-on
- 1 lemon sliced
- 3 1/2 cups grape juice
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1 cup orange juice
- 4 cups ginger ale or carbonated mineral water for a less sweet drink
Directions
- Combine the apple, orange, pear, lemon, grape juice, apple juice, and orange juice together in a large pitcher or punch bowl.
- Stir the mixture and let it chill in the fridge for at least 2 hours and up to 4 hours.
- Transfer the mixture from the fridge and stir in the soda.
- Serve cold.
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