Sweet and refreshing lychee sangria blends white wine, elderflower liqueur, and canned lychees for a light summer drink—perfect for outdoor gatherings.
The ideal summer beverage.
Serve this lychee sangria at brunch, as an afternoon aperitif, or while lounging by the pool.
White Wine Lychee Sangria
On a recent trip to Kauai I fell for lychee in many forms—infused water, sorbet, and shaved ice—but the standout was a lychee sangria. The combination of lychee and white wine is unexpectedly delicious.
Easy Summer Sangria Recipe
This sangria is cool, refreshing, and full of flavor. Light, sweet lychees pair beautifully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, and the drink comes together with only a few ingredients:
- White wine, preferably Sauvignon Blanc
- Elderflower liqueur (St. Germain is a popular choice)
- Canned lychees in heavy syrup
- Limes
Best White Wine for Sangria
I used a Sauvignon Blanc, which works well because its dry, crisp profile balances the lychee’s sweetness. Other good choices include a California Chardonnay (not heavily oaked) or Pinot Grigio. If you prefer a sweeter sangria, try a Moscato to emphasize sugary notes.
What is Elderflower Liqueur
Elderflower liqueur is made from the fragrant white blossoms of the European elder tree (Sambucus nigra). St. Germain is widely available and pairs exceptionally well with lychee because its aroma and floral sweetness echo the fruit’s notes. Some other brands can taste slightly herbal or medicinal, so sample before buying if possible.
I also use the heavy syrup from canned lychees to boost the lychee flavor and sweetness.
This sangria smells inviting, tastes refreshing, and is perfect for warm summer evenings—an easy, crowd-pleasing toast after a memorable family vacation.
Where to Find Lychees
Fresh lychees are commonly sold at Asian markets and sometimes at specialty grocers; Trader Joe’s occasionally carries them but often at a higher price. Their skin ranges from red to green and may brown in the fridge without the fruit being spoiled. Canned lychees are widely available—look for varieties listing “lychee” first on the ingredient list, rather than sugar or water.
Lychee Sangria
Yield: about 1 liter
Ingredients
- 750 ml bottle Sauvignon Blanc
- ½ cup St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
- 20 oz canned lychee in heavy syrup, drain but reserve syrup
- ¾ cup reserved lychee syrup
- 2 limes, sliced thin
- fresh lychee, to garnish
Instructions
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In a large pitcher combine the Sauvignon Blanc, St. Germain, drained lychees, ¾ cup reserved lychee syrup, and thinly sliced limes. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours to let flavors meld—overnight is best.
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Stir before serving. Serve chilled, with ice if desired, and garnish with fresh lychees.
Notes
- Choose canned lychees with minimal ingredients: lychees, water, and sugar.
- Fresh lychees are found at Asian supermarkets and sometimes at specialty grocers, though price may vary.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 26g,
Protein: 1g,
Sodium: 1mg,
Potassium: 162mg,
Fiber: 1g,
Sugar: 22g
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Like this recipe? Rate & comment below!Ready for more summer sangria? Try these favorite recipes:
- Mango Pineapple Sangria Slush – a blended slushie sangria made with white wine and frozen fruit
- Stone Fruit Sangria – rosé wine with cherries, peaches, nectarines, and other stone fruit
- Strawberry Peach Sangria – a light mix of white wine, limoncello, and ginger ale