The New Zealander Sangria Recipe – Australian Special

The New Zealander Sangria is a delightful twist on the traditional Spanish cocktail. Infused with fresh New Zealand flavors, this sangria features the unique notes of kiwifruit and a splash of local wine. It’s a refreshing, fruity, and slightly exotic drink that’s perfect for summer gatherings or any time you want a taste of New Zealand.

  • Prep Time5 min
  • Perform Time5 min
  • Total Time10 min

The New Zealander Sangria Recipe Ingredients:

  •  1 bottle (750 ml) of New Zealand white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris)
  • 1/4 cup of New Zealand sauvignon blanc or other white wine
  • 1/4 cup of New Zealand honey (or substitute with regular honey)
  • 1/2 cup of brandy
  • 1 cup of kiwi fruit, peeled and sliced
  • 1 cup of fresh pineapple chunks
  • 1/2 cup of fresh strawberries, hulled and sliced
  • 1/2 cup of green apple, cored and sliced
  • 1 orange, sliced
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 2 tablespoons of fresh mint leaves (optional)
  • 1 to 2 tablespoons of sugar (adjust to taste)
  • Club soda or sparkling water (to top up)
  • Ice cubes

Prepare the Fruit:

1

Peel and slice the kiwifruit.

2

Cut the pineapple into chunks.

3

Hull and slice the  trawberries.

4

Core and slice the green apple.

5

Slice the orange and lemon.

Mix the Base:

6

In a large pitcher or bowl, combine the New Zealand white wine, brandy, and honey. Stir well until the honey is completely dissolved.

Add the Fruit:

7

Gently fold the prepared fruit into the wine mixture. If using fresh mint leaves, add them at this stage for a hint of herbal freshness.

8

Sweeten to Taste: Taste the mixture and add sugar if you prefer a sweeter sangria. Stir until the sugar is fully dissolved.

9

Chill: Cover the pitcher or bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the fruit to infuse the sangria.

10

Serve: Before serving, add ice cubes to the pitcher. Top up with club soda or sparkling water to add a bit of fizz and to adjust the flavor to your preference.

11

Garnish: Garnish with additional mint leaves if desired, and serve in glasses filled with ice.

Recipe Notes:

Wine Selection: Choose a New Zealand white wine for the most authentic flavor, but any dry white wine will work if you can’t find one from New Zealand.

Adjusting Sweetness: Depending on your preference and the sweetness of the fruit, you might want to adjust the amount of honey and sugar.

Fruit Variations: Feel free to experiment with other fruits, such as peaches or mangoes, if you want to give the sangria a different twist.

Make Ahead: Sangria can be made a day in advance for even more developed flavors. Just make sure to add the sparkling water or club soda just before serving to maintain its fizz.