Southern Garden Sangria: A Vintage-Inspired Summer Sip

There’s something about a Southern summer that invites slow afternoon, porch swings, and a glass of something cold in hand. This Southern Garden Sangria is my take on a warm weather classic, inspired by vintage garden parties, worn recipe cards, and the kind of fruit-filled drinks our grandmothers might have made from what they had growing in the yard.

Why This Sangria Feels Special

This isn’t the overly sweet sangria you may have had at a chain restaurant. This version is subtle, fragrant, and anchored by summer’s best fruits.

The addition of peach schnapps adds a soft floral note that pairs beautifully with ripe peaches, blueberries, and a handful of mint that I grow out on my sleeping porch.

And while you can absolutely serve it in a mason jar, I love to pour it into these vintage inspired glasses. It turns even a weeknight sip into something memorable.

Fresh summer fruit perfect for a southern garden sangria

Southern Garden Sangria

  • Servings: 6-8
  • Difficulty: easy
  • Print

This sangria uses seasonal fruits and herbs, nodding to vintage garden gatherings and Southern flavors.

Credit: BelleAntiquarian.com

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle dry white wine (I am using a dry Riesling.)
  • 1/2 cup peach schnapps
  • 1/4 cup bourbon (for extra Southern charm)
  • 1 ripe peach, sliced
  • 1/2 cup blueberries
  • 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
  • A handful of fresh mint
  • Sparkling water or club soda, to top

Directions

  1. In a large pitcher, combine wine, liqueur, and bourbon
  2. Add sliced fruits and mint. Stir gently.
  3. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better).
  4. Just before serving, top with sparkling water for a bit of fizz.
  5. Serve over ice in your prettiest glasses. Garnish with more fresh mint or edible blooms if you’d like.

Entertaining Tip: Serve It in Something Beautiful

I always say, “The glass matters.” Pull out the vintage stemware, even if it’s just for yourself. Here are a few favorites you can find online:

vintage glass pitcher with a beautiful southern garden sangria

(affiliate links – thank you for supporting Belle Antiquarian!)

Make It Your Own

This sangria is forgiving. Use what’s in season or growing near you. Swap the peaches for plums, or the blueberries for strawberries. Add a splash of rose instead of white wine. The beauty is in the mix.

Save and Share

If you make this sangria, I’d love to see! Tag me on Instagram @BelleAntiquarian so I can raise a glass with you from afar.

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Christmas Cocoa Cocktail Kit

If you’re looking for an easy, last minute gift idea, I have the perfect one for you…Christmas Cocoa Cocktail Kits! I have made and given these away these several times in past years, but they are really perfect for 2020 and those who are social distancing.

Here are the supplies that I gathered: small bottles of peppermint flavored vodka, individual packets of mint flavored cocoa, red and green marshmallows, disposable cups, paper shred, and a cookie tin. I found the cups, cocoa, and shred paper at Walmart. These fun red and green marshmallows are a Target find. And this cookie tin is one that I picked up the day after Christmas on clearance last year. In Georgia the only place you can buy liquor is a liquor store, and you can usually buy individual bottles this size for around one dollar. You can easily substitute a little bottle of Bailey’s or Kahlua.

Arrange everything inside your tin, and wrap it up with a sweet ribbon. Another idea is to use Coca-Cola bottles and straws instead of the cocoa and marshmallows. Make sure your recipients know that this is an adults-only gift so that they don’t mistakenly hand it over to the under 21 crowd. Although you could easily make this a kids-friendly version.

  • A few other ideas for a cookie tin:
  • peppermint tea and cookies
  • cocoa and cookies for the kiddos
  • a kit for sharing while looking at Christmas lights
  • gingerbread decorating kit
  • Everything needed to leave out for Santa, like a little plate, carrots, cookies, and a drink
  • Individual bags of coffee (World Market) or k-cups, disposable coffee cups, biscotti

Only eleven more days until Christmas, and this will be an easy gift to pull together. I hope you enjoy it!

Abby