Rosé Sangria with Pineapple and Guava: A Taste of Sunshine

The scent of ripe fruit, the gentle clinking of ice, and a blush-pink hue that mirrors a perfect sunset – these are the sensory cues that transport me back to sun-drenched afternoons spent on a friend’s patio, laughter flowing as freely as the sangria. This Rosé Sangria with Pineapple and Guava isn’t just a drink; it’s an invitation to slow down, to savor the moment, and to create memories. I recall the first time I tasted it; it was a revelation – a perfect balance of sweet, tart, and subtly spiced, far removed from the overly sweet, syrupy sangrias I’d encountered before. It became my go-to for gatherings, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that always sparks conversation.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Chill Time: At least 6 hours (preferably overnight)
• Total Time: At least 6 hours 10 minutes
• Servings: 12
• Yield: Approximately 2 liters
• Dietary Type: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

This vibrant concoction is wonderfully straightforward, relying on the natural sweetness and tropical notes of its components.

• 1 (750 ml) bottle rosé wine
• 4 (6 ounce) cans pineapple juice
• 2 (11.5 ounce) cans guava nectar
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 2 cups fresh pineapple, cut into 3/4-inch cubes
• 2 oranges, halved through the stem end and sliced thinly, crosswise
• Ice cubes (for serving)

Ingredient Notes:

• Rosé Wine: Opt for a dry to off-dry rosé. A Grenache, Syrah, or Cinsault-based rosé works beautifully, offering a delicate fruitiness without being overly sweet.
• Pineapple Juice: Use 100% pure pineapple juice, unsweetened if possible, to control the sweetness of the final sangria.
• Guava Nectar: This adds a lovely tropical depth and a unique floral note. If you can’t find guava nectar, you could experiment with a blend of passion fruit and pineapple nectar, though guava is truly special here.
• Fresh Pineapple: The cubes of fresh pineapple not only infuse flavor but also offer a delightful, softened bite as they soak in the wine.
• Oranges: Slicing the oranges thinly ensures they release their citrus oils and juices effectively into the sangria.

Equipment Needed

While this sangria is incredibly simple, a few key items will make its preparation and presentation seamless.

• Large pitcher (at least 2-liter capacity)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board (for fruit)
• Serving glasses

Instructions

The magic of this sangria lies in its simplicity and the way the flavors meld over time. The “cook time” here is actually chilling time, allowing the ingredients to harmonize beautifully.

1. Begin by gathering all your ingredients.
2. In a large pitcher, combine the entire bottle of rosé wine.
3. Next, add the four cans of pineapple juice.
4. Pour in the two cans of guava nectar.
5. Add the four cinnamon sticks to the pitcher.
6. Reserve about a dozen of the thinnest orange slices for garnishing your finished sangria.
7. Add the remaining orange slices to the pitcher, along with the fresh pineapple cubes.
8. Gently stir the mixture to ensure all ingredients are well combined.
9. Cover the pitcher tightly.
10. Chill the sangria in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours. For the most vibrant and integrated flavors, it is preferable to chill it overnight. This extended chilling period allows the fruit to infuse, the spices to release their warmth, and the wine and juices to marry perfectly.
11. When you are ready to serve, fill your serving glasses generously with ice cubes.
12. Pour the chilled sangria over the ice.
13. Garnish each glass with one or two of the reserved orange slices.
14. Serve immediately and enjoy the refreshing tropical symphony of flavors.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Crafting exceptional sangria is all about patience and quality ingredients. Here are a few insider tips to elevate your Rosé Sangria:

• The Power of Overnight Chilling: While 6 hours is the minimum, I truly cannot stress enough the benefit of letting this sangria sit overnight. The flavors deepen, the fruit softens to perfection, and the cinnamon infuses more subtly, creating a far more complex and satisfying drink. If you’re planning a party, make it the day before!
• Fruit Preparation: When slicing the oranges, aim for thinness. This maximizes surface area for flavor infusion without making the slices overwhelming in the glass. If you prefer, you can also use orange wedges, but thin slices generally yield a better result for infusion.
• Batching for a Crowd: This recipe is easily scalable. For larger gatherings, simply multiply the ingredient quantities and use a larger vessel or multiple pitchers. Just ensure you still have adequate chilling time.
• Don’t Skip the Cinnamon: While it might seem like a small addition, the cinnamon sticks add a wonderful, subtle warmth and spice that beautifully complements the fruit. Ensure you’re using whole sticks, not ground cinnamon, which can make the sangria cloudy and gritty.
• Quality is Key: With so few ingredients, the quality of each one truly shines through. Use a rosé you enjoy drinking on its own, good quality pineapple juice, and ripe oranges for the best flavor.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This sangria is a celebration in a glass, and its presentation should reflect that.

Serving:
Serve this Rosé Sangria chilled, over plenty of ice. The reserved orange slices add a pop of color and a fresh citrus aroma. For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding a few fresh pineapple leaves as a garnish or a sprig of mint. It’s the perfect accompaniment to light appetizers, grilled dishes, or as a standalone refreshment at any gathering.

Storage:
Leftover sangria can be stored in the covered pitcher in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. The fruit will continue to soften and the flavors will deepen further, though the fruit may become quite soft after the first day. It’s best enjoyed within the first 24-48 hours for optimal texture and flavor. Do not leave sangria at room temperature for extended periods.

Nutritional Information

This nutritional information is an estimate per serving, based on the provided ingredients.

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	97.2 kcal
Calories from Fat	1 g	1%
Total Fat	0.1 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	4.5 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	14.1 g	4%
Dietary Fiber	1 g	4%
Sugars	10.1 g	40%
Protein	0.7 g	1%

Note: Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Individual needs may be higher or lower depending on calorie needs.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is exquisite as is, feel free to experiment and make it your own.

• Fruity Fun: Add other tropical fruits like mango chunks, sliced star fruit, or segments of grapefruit. You could also toss in a handful of raspberries or strawberries for added color and a different berry note.
• Sparkling Touch: For a lighter, more effervescent sangria, top off each glass with a splash of sparkling water, club soda, or even prosecco just before serving.
• Spice It Up: If you enjoy a bit more spice, consider adding a star anise pod or a few slices of fresh ginger to the pitcher during the chilling process.
• Booze Boost: For a stronger sangria, you could add a small amount of light rum, white rum, or brandy along with the wine. A splash of triple sec or orange liqueur can also enhance the citrus notes.

FAQs

Q: Can I make this sangria ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! In fact, it’s highly recommended. Chilling for at least 6 hours, and ideally overnight, allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Q: What kind of rosé wine should I use?
A: A dry to off-dry rosé is best. Look for varieties made from Grenache, Syrah, or Cinsault for a balanced flavor profile.

Q: Can I use bottled or canned pineapple chunks instead of fresh?
A: While fresh pineapple provides the best texture and flavor, you can use drained canned pineapple chunks in a pinch. However, fresh is always preferred for sangria.

Q: How long does the sangria last once made?
A: Leftover sangria can be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. The fruit will continue to soften over time.

Q: Is this sangria very sweet?
A: The sweetness comes primarily from the pineapple juice and guava nectar. You can adjust the sweetness slightly by using a drier rosé or by reducing the amount of juice if you prefer a less sweet drink, though it might alter the flavor balance.

Final Thoughts

This Rosé Sangria with Pineapple and Guava is more than just a refreshing beverage; it’s a liquid vacation, a portable escape to a tropical paradise. It’s the kind of drink that encourages lingering conversations, shared laughter, and the creation of beautiful moments. I encourage you to mix up a batch for your next gathering, or simply for a quiet afternoon treat. Pour it over ice, garnish with those vibrant orange slices, and let the sunshine in. I’d love to hear your thoughts once you’ve tried it – perhaps you’ll discover your own favorite fruit combination or serving suggestion! Cheers!