Whether you’ve adopted “rosé all day” as your life’s mantra, or just want to invoke tropical temperatures, rosy-hued sangrias are an excellent spin on the Spanish classic.
Because sangria combines intensely flavorful elements, the best rosés for the job have serious body and flavor to match. That means ballet-slipper pink bottles from Provence are out, and robust, dark rosés from the U.S., Spain, and South Africa are in.
Likewise, slightly sweet wines work wonders here. Instead of feeling heavy and cloying, a touch of sugar gives sangria body, and elevates the flavors of tart citrus and berries, transforming the hodgepodge of flavors into a balanced, delicious batched cocktail.
On the same note, bottles over $15 are out when it comes to Sangria — you want a rosé that’s easy to buy in bulk for multi-gallon blending sessions. In a punch-style beverage like sangria, the delicate undertones that make pricier wines ideal for sipping get overpowered. And that’s a lose-lose.
Mix up a win-win with these 10 rosés.
Liquid Geography Rosado, Bierzo Spain, $11
Floral and dry, this robust Spanish rosado lets you drink well and do good all at once. All of its proceeds are donated to charity, and its wild berry and citrus flavors are perfect for sangria.
King Estate Acrobat Rosé of Pinot Noir, Oregon, $14
From Oregon’s Pinot Noir country, Acrobat is a flexible, neon-hued rosé with flavors of pomegranate, strawberry, and citrus zest. It’s practically sangria already!
Bodegas Muga Rioja Rosado, $14
This grocery-store staple deserves its shelf space — with intense cherry aromatics and bright acidity, it’s a $10 winner. Whatever you toss into this Rioja classic turns to Sangria gold.
DMZ Cabernet Sauvignon Rosé, South Africa, $11
The rare Cabernet Sauvignon rosé, DMZ’s budget bottle is everything Sangria needs and more. Dry, crisp, and full of cherry and wild berry flavors, all it needs for sangria perfection is a handful of fruit. (Pro tip: Go with peaches.)
Bota Box Dry Rosé, $14
Consistently rated a top boxed wine, with Bota Box rosé you don’t need a pile of glass bottles, just this bright, berry-scented juice.
Sutter Home White Zinfandel, $6
I know what you’re thinking, but give the classic White Zin a chance here. A touch of sugar gives this sweet wine body and makes it perfect for recipes that rely on tart citrus additions like pineapple, ruby red grapefruit, and blood orange.
Apothic Rosé, $11
Another sweet treat, this strawberry-scented juice is great when lifted by fresh berries and herbaceous touches like basil or mint. Serve it extra cold and your friends will be begging for the recipe.
Blanc Pescador Rosé, $12
From the Penedes region of Spain known for Cava, this bargain rosé brings a touch of fizz to the party. Exploding with fresh fruit flavors, Blanc Pescador just needs a handful of sliced citrus to make a party-perfect sangria.
Broadbent Vinho Verde Rosé, $10
Northern Portugal’s Vinho Verde region is known for cranking out light white wines, but the region’s rosés are a well-kept secret. Low-alcohol and slightly sparkling, Fuzelo makes it easy to embrace “rosé all day,” and stay standing.
Dark Horse Rosé, $8
This Golden State rosé is ready to party with big red fruit flavors and that elusive hint of sweetness.
