Introducing the Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria Copycat Recipe! This refreshing drink combines Moscato wine with juicy watermelons, ginger ale, and fruity slices of strawberries and oranges.
It’s a delightful and light cocktail, perfect for summer gatherings or any occasion.
Jump to:
- Why you’ll love this recipe
- What ingredients do you need to make this Olive Garden watermelon sangria copycat recipe?
- The best moments to serve a refreshing watermelon sangria
- Customizations and substitutions for the Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria
- How to make ahead of time
- Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria Copycat Recipe
- Frequently asked questions about Olive Garden watermelon sangria
Learn how to make this Olive Garden-inspired beverage at home and enjoy its sweet and sparkling flavors!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Refreshing Summertime Sip: The Watermelon Sangria is a delightfully refreshing drink, making it the perfect choice for hot summer days or gatherings by the pool. With its blend of fruity flavors and sparkling ginger ale, this sangria offers a thirst-quenching and light option that keeps you cool and satisfied.
- Quick and Easy to Make: This recipe’s simplicity and ease of preparation make it a favorite among busy individuals or those looking to whip up a refreshing drink without much fuss. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can enjoy a batch of homemade sangria in no time, leaving more moments to relax and enjoy with friends and family.
- Versatile and Crowd-Pleasing: The Watermelon Sangria’s blend of Moscato wine, watermelon syrup, and fresh fruit slices creates a well-balanced and versatile beverage. Its fruity sweetness appeals to a wide range of taste preferences, making it a crowd-pleaser at parties, gatherings, and special occasions. Whether hosting a summer BBQ or a casual get-together, this sangria will impress and delight your guests.
What ingredients do you need to make this Olive Garden watermelon sangria copycat recipe?
1. Moscato: Moscato is a sweet, fruity white wine known for its floral and aromatic characteristics. It brings a delightful sweetness to the Watermelon Sangria, complementing the flavors of the other ingredients.
2. Ginger Ale: Ginger ale is a carbonated soft drink infused with the distinct taste of ginger. Its effervescence adds a refreshing fizz to the sangria, contributing a zesty and slightly spicy note to the overall flavor profile.
3. Monin Watermelon Syrup: Monin Watermelon Syrup is a flavored syrup that captures the essence of juicy, ripe watermelon. It enhances the sangria’s watermelon flavor, infusing the drink with a luscious sweetness and vibrant fruitiness.
4. Ice: Ice is a crucial ingredient that cools down the sangria, creating a chilled and refreshing beverage. It also helps dilute the drink slightly, ensuring a smooth and balanced taste.
5. Sliced Strawberries: Fresh strawberries are sliced and added to the sangria, imparting a sweet and juicy berry flavor. Their bright red color adds a beautiful visual appeal to the drink.
6. Orange Slices: Fresh orange slices are included in the sangria to provide a citrusy tang and a hint of natural sweetness. The orange slices add color and elevate the drink’s flavor profile.
7. Watermelon Slices (optional): Watermelon slices may be served with the sangria as a decorative and refreshing garnish. These juicy slices enhance the watermelon theme and offer a delightful treat alongside the beverage.
The best moments to serve a refreshing watermelon sangria
- Summer BBQ Party: Serve the Watermelon Sangria at your next summer BBQ or outdoor gathering. It pairs perfectly with grilled dishes like barbecue chicken, burgers, or skewers, adding a refreshing touch to the smoky flavors.
- Brunch Delight: Offer the sangria at a weekend brunch gathering. Its light and fruity profile complements brunch favorites like quiches, fruit salads, and pastries, creating a rich and enjoyable brunch experience.
- Poolside Relaxation: Enjoy the Watermelon Sangria poolside or at a beach outing. Its refreshing and cooling properties make it an ideal beverage to sip while soaking up the sun and staying hydrated.
- Girls’ Night In Host a girls’ night in with a pitcher of Watermelon Sangria
Customizations and substitutions for the Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria
The Watermelon Sangria recipe allows various customizations and substitutions to suit your taste preferences or dietary restrictions. Here are some ideas to make it uniquely yours:
Customizations:
- Additional Fruits: Get creative and add other fruits to the sangria, such as fresh blueberries, raspberries, or diced apples. These additions will bring the drink colors, flavors, and textures.
- Mint Infusion: For a refreshing twist, muddle a few fresh mint leaves in the pitcher before adding the other ingredients. Mint complements the watermelon and citrus flavors, enhancing the aroma and taste.
- Agave Nectar: If you prefer a sweeter sangria, substitute the Monin Watermelon Syrup with agave nectar. Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less agave.
- Sparkling Water: Replace the ginger ale with sparkling water or club soda for a lighter version. This modification reduces the sweetness and alcohol content, making it suitable for those who prefer a less potent drink.
Substitutions:
- Wine Type: While Moscato is the traditional choice for this sangria, you can experiment with other wine varieties. For different flavor profiles, try using a semi-sweet white wine like Riesling or a fruity rosé.
- Non-Alcoholic Version: If you prefer a non-alcoholic version, replace the Moscato with white grape juice or sparkling wine. The result will still be a delicious and refreshing mocktail version of the Watermelon Sangria.
- Sugar-Free Syrup: To reduce sugar content, use a sugar-free watermelon syrup or create your own by blending fresh watermelon and a sugar substitute.
- Frozen Watermelon: For a slushier texture, blend fresh watermelon chunks and freeze them in advance. Use the frozen watermelon cubes instead of some or all of the ice in the recipe.
Remember to taste and adjust the proportions of ingredients as you go, based on your preferences, to create a Watermelon Sangria that suits your taste and style. Enjoy your customized creation!
How to make ahead of time
To make the Watermelon Sangria ahead of time, follow these steps:
1. Prepare the Fruit: Wash and cut the strawberries and oranges into small slices as instructed in the recipe.
2. Mix the Sangria: In a large pitcher, combine the Moscato, Ginger Ale, and Monin Watermelon Syrup. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
3. Add Fruit and Refrigerate: Add the sliced strawberries and oranges to the pitcher with the wine mixture. Cover the pitcher with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate the sangria. Allow it to chill for at least 2 to 4 hours, preferably overnight. This chilling time allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste of the sangria.
4. Serve: Before serving, stir the sangria gently to incorporate any settled fruit and flavors. Add the ice to the pitcher or individual glasses, if desired. Garnish with watermelon slices or other fruit for a beautiful presentation.
By preparing the sangria and allowing it to chill in the refrigerator, you can have a ready-to-serve and flavorful beverage for your guests or yourself. It’s a convenient and time-saving way to enjoy the Watermelon Sangria without rushing through the preparation when you want to relax and unwind. Store any leftover sangria in the refrigerator and enjoy it within a day or two for the best taste.
Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria Copycat Recipe
Ingredients
- 750 mls Moscato wine
- 6 ounces Monin Watermelon Syrup
- 8 ounces Ginger Ale
- 5 cups ice
- 3/4 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 orange and lime sliced
- 1/2 Cup watermelon cubed
Instructions
- Pour the wine into a large pitcher. Add the watermelon syrup and stir. Add the strawberries, orange, lime and watermelon and stir to incorporate.
- Once you are ready to serve add the ice and the ginger ale and give it a gentle stir.
Frequently asked questions about Olive Garden watermelon sangria
Watermelon Moscato is a delightful addition to the infused wine category. It combines premium Moscato wine with the natural juices of perfectly ripe watermelons, resulting in a clean and crisp flavor profile that captures the essence of the fruit.
Yes, with fresh watermelon, lime juice, and orange liqueur, this sangria recipe is perfectly sweet and refreshing. It strikes the ideal balance of sweetness, making it a delightful drink to quench your thirst on a hot day or to savor during a leisurely gathering with friends and loved ones.
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