If you’re looking for the ultimate summer cocktail, this Portuguese Passion Fruit Sangria is it. Made with crisp Gazela Vinho Verde, tropical passion fruit, refreshing mint, and a splash of Portuguese liqueur, this sangria is light, fruity, and dangerously easy to drink.
Unlike traditional red wine sangrias, this white sangria is bright, bubbly, and perfect for warm weather. The combination of passion fruit and Vinho Verde creates a refreshing tropical flavour that pairs beautifully with Portuguese appetizers, grilled seafood, and summer BBQs.
Whether you’re hosting a backyard gathering, celebrating a Portugal game, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon with friends, this Sangria de Maracujá is guaranteed to impress.
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍹 Easy to make with simple ingredients
🍹 Perfect for entertaining a crowd
🍹 Refreshing and not overly sweet
🍹 Features authentic Portuguese flavours
🍹 Can be made ahead of time
🍹 Perfect for summer parties, BBQs, and game days
About Gazela Vinho Verde
One of the key ingredients in this recipe is Gazela Vinho Verde.
Produced in northern Portugal, Gazela is known for its light body, crisp acidity, and gentle effervescence. Its citrus and green fruit notes make it an excellent choice for sangria because it complements tropical fruits without overpowering them.
The natural freshness of Vinho Verde creates a lighter sangria that feels refreshing rather than heavy, making it ideal for warm weather.
Ingredients
Key Ingredients
The foundation of this sangria. Light, crisp, and slightly sparkling.
Passion Fruit
Adds tropical sweetness and a bright tangy flavour that pairs perfectly with Vinho Verde.
Sumol de Maracujá
A Portuguese favourite that enhances the passion fruit flavour while adding sweetness and fizz.
Licor Beirão
Portugal’s iconic herbal liqueur adds depth and sweetness while keeping the recipe authentically Portuguese.
Fresh Mint
Provides freshness and balances the sweetness.
Full Ingredient List
1 bottle Gazela Vinho Verde
1 cup passion fruit pulp or canned maracujá juice/pulp
1 can Sumol de Maracujá
½ cup Licor Beirão
¼ cup Aguardente Velha (optional for a stronger sangria)
2 to 3 tablespoons sugar (adjust to taste)
½ cup sparkling water
Fresh mint leaves
Ice
Orange slices
Lemon slices
How to Make Portuguese Passion Fruit Sangria
Step 1
In a large pitcher, Add orange and lemon slices.
Step 2
Combine the Gazela Vinho Verde, passion fruit pulp, Sumol de Maracujá, Licor Beirão, and sugar (if using).
Step 3
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 to 4 hours to allow the flavours to develop.
Step 4
Just before serving, add sparkling water.
Step 5
Ass fresh mint leaves and half of a passion fruit (optional).
Step 6
Serve over plenty of ice and enjoy.
Tips for Success
Chill all ingredients before mixing.
Allow the sangria to rest for at least 2 hours for the best flavour.
Add sparkling water right before serving to maintain carbonation.
Taste before serving and adjust sweetness if needed.
Use fresh mint rather than dried mint for the brightest flavour.
Variations and Substitutions
Make it Stronger
Add an extra ¼ cup of Licor Beirão or Aguardente.
Make it Sweeter
Add an additional tablespoon of sugar or extra Sumol de Maracujá.
Add More Fruit
Fresh oranges, lemons, peaches, and strawberries all work beautifully.
Non Alcoholic Version
Replace the wine with sparkling white grape juice and omit the liqueur.
How to Serve
This sangria pairs beautifully with:
Portuguese petiscos
Grilled sardines
Chouriço assado
Bifanas
Prego sandwiches
Shrimp skewers
Grilled seafood platters
Portuguese BBQ
Make Ahead Instructions
Prepare the sangria up to 24 hours in advance.
Wait to add the sparkling water, mint, and ice until serving.
Storage
Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
The fruit may soften over time, but the flavour will continue to develop.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned passion fruit instead of fresh?
Yes. Canned maracujá works very well in this recipe. If it is more juice-like than pulp, simply reduce the sparkling water slightly for a stronger passion fruit flavour.
What is the best wine for passion fruit sangria?
Gazela Vinho Verde is an excellent choice because its light body and crisp citrus notes complement passion fruit beautifully.
Can I make this sangria ahead of time?
Absolutely. In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the refrigerator.
Can I use another Portuguese liqueur?
Yes. Licor Beirão is my favourite option, but Moscatel de Setúbal and Licor de Maracujá are also delicious choices.
Make it and show some Love!
If you make this Sangria and love it please leave a comment below and share on Instagram. And don't forget to follow @rainha_da_cozinha on socials for more easy recipes!
Portuguese Passion Fruit Sangria
Ingredients
- 1 bottle Gazela Vinho Verde
- 1 cup Passion fruit pulp or canned maracujá
- 1 can Sumol de Maracujá
- ½ cup Licor Beirão
- 2-3 tablespoon Sugar (adjust to taste) Some people prefer it without the extra sweetness.
- ½ cup sparkling water
- Fresh Mint
- Orange Slices
- Lemon Slices
- Ice
Instructions
- Add sliced fruit.
- Combine wine, passion fruit, Sumol, Licor Beirão, Aguardente, and sugar in a large pitcher.
- Stir until sugar dissolves. (optional)
- Refrigerate for 2–4 hours.
- Add sparkling water and mint before serving.
- Serve over ice and enjoy.
Leave a Reply