Sangria with Vodka (made in the bottle!)

Half Bottle of Wine Sangria, say less

Sometimes I hesitate opening a fresh bottle of wine if its just Jack and I. It may be a week day and we both just want one glass of wine, but I fear the rest of the bottle going to waste. 

Fear no more, as I’ve discovered the most delicious way to use up the other half of the bottle even if the wine is a few days old. Enter this Sangria with Vodka made right in the wine bottle! 

This easy sangria recipe is just 6 ingredients and takes no more than 10 minutes to whip up before you have a perfectly fruity and flavorful cocktail. This white sangria recipe was a part of the  #BottomOfTheBarrel Series I am doing with Lee, founder of Fit Foodie Finds which is where we are on a mission to use up all of those jars in the refrigerator with not much left. This Pickle Juice Martini was the first of the series. Check it out!

Or if you want to try another Sangria recipe at your next dinner party, you might also love this Thanksgiving Sangria for something more seasonal or this Sparkling Peach Sangria as something a little lighter (and by far my the best summer sangria recipe in my opinion).

Recipe Ingredients

• White Wine - I used Sauvignon Blanc and have also tried this with Pinot Grigio (If you have a half drank bottle of red wine, use that to make a red sangria – any wine you enjoy!)
• Orange - I do NOT recommend using store bought orange juice in place of freshly juiced orange juice. It changes the flavor profile of the sangria. If you do not have a fresh orange, try juice from a grapefruit or tangerine – still in the citrus flavor profile. 
• Vodka - You can used flavored if you’d like. I think peach could be really good!
• Triple Sec - Or other orange liqueur like grand marnier.
• Apple - Use crisp apples, something like granny smith or honey crisp are best because they won't get soggy.
• Sparkling Water – I used Tangerine La Croix.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

Substitutions and Variations

• Any type of wine! You know what you like – if you have a half drank bottle, make it with that! Red, white, sparkling, rose wine. You name it, it will work.
• Add different seasonal fruit and fruit juices. Try peaches, pears, lemons, limes, grapefruit, blueberries, fresh raspberries or fresh strawberries. Use fresh lemon juice, lime juice, apple juice, or even cider for an apple cider sangria
• Incorporate a different liqueur. Instead of the triple sec try Peach Schnapps, rum or brandy if you like something darker.

How to Make Sangria with Vodka

1. First, dice the apple and thinly slice the orange. You'll need the pieces small enough to be able to fit through the neck of the wine bottle.

2. Add the fruit, vodka, triple sec, and orange juice to the half empty wine bottle (If you prefer to make this in a large pitcher, add all the ingredients and mix).

3. Add the cap to the wine bottle and shake. Note, if it’s a corked bottle, just ensure the cork is fastened tightly before shaking.

4. Optional: Chill for 2-4 hours to let the fruit flavors marinate into the cocktail.

5. Pour over ice and top each glass with 3-4oz of sparkling water. Garnish with a rosemary sprig and fruit. ENJOY!

Pro Tip

Do not add the sparking water to the wine bottle. 1. It won’t fit as the recipe will fill up almost the whole wine bottle. 2. Never shake carbonation darlings 🙂

Serving Suggestions

Hosting a happy hour or girls night? Serve this delicious drink in a fancy cocktail glass with some light appetizers like these Strawberry Crostinis and these Honey Goat Cheese Balls on a charcuterie board, which will pair well with your wine cocktail and surely a crowd pleaser.