I first tasted Olive Garden’s Watermelon Moscato Sangria on a sweltering summer afternoon. I was browsing their drink menu, looking for something refreshing, when this bright pink concoction caught my eye. From the first sip, I was transported to a beachside cabana. The perfect balance of sweet Moscato wine, the crisp hint of watermelon, and the gentle fizz of ginger ale created a symphony of summer in a glass. Since that day, this refreshing sangria has become my go-to drink for every backyard barbecue and casual get-together. The best part? It takes less time to make than to find your car keys!
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Table of Contents
What Makes This Sangria Special?
Olive Garden’s Watermelon Moscato Sangria stands out from traditional sangrias because of its light, refreshing profile. Unlike heavier red wine sangrias, this version uses sweet Moscato as its base, enhanced with watermelon syrup and ginger ale for a sparkling finish. It’s perfect for those who don’t typically enjoy wine or stronger cocktails, making it an ideal crowd-pleaser for summer gatherings.
Cut up some fruit and have some fun!
Watermelon sangria is perfect for summertime. Watermelons are fresh and in season. While this recipe does not use fresh watermelon syrup, fresh-cut watermelon slices are the perfect accompaniment to serve. The Olive Garden serves this with fresh strawberries and fresh orange slices. You can also serve it with raspberries.
What is Moscato Wine?
Moscato wine is a sweet white wine. So it’s perfect for those who do not drink much wine! It comes from the Muscat Blanc grate.
Moscato works very well for making sangria because it is known for its five predominant flavors; Meyer lemon, mandarin orange, pear, orange blossom, and honeysuckle.
While this wine originates in Italy, it is now made in regions worldwide.
What is Sangria?
Sangria is a punch made with wine, fruit, and sometimes additional spirits or alcohol. Sangria originated in Spain but it has become a popular drink everyone loves. It is often served at bars, restaurants, and in homes everywhere.
What does Moscato Sangria taste like?
Moscato sangria tastes fruity and sweet. Moscato wine has flavor notes of Mandarin orange, lemon, peach, honeysuckle, and orange blossom.
Often, Moscato sangria has bubbles. It can be made with seltzer or ginger ale. So imagine a light, refreshing, fruity wine cocktail with a bit of fizz.
Simple ingredients that are easy to find!
This recipe is made with easy-to-find ingredients. This much-loved sangria is made with the following ingredients:
- 750ml (or 1 bottle) Moscato wine
- Ginger Ale
- Watermelon Syrup
- Fresh-cut fruit: Watermelon, Strawberries, Oranges
Can’t find Watermelon Syrup? No Problem.
Olive Garden uses Monin Watermelon Syrup. I have found this at Cost Plus World Market, Bed Bath and Beyond, and some liquor stores.
If you can’t locate it and you drink alcohol, you can still enjoy this drink. Substitute the watermelon syrup with watermelon vodka. It will work very well. Unlike many sangria recipes, this drink recipe does not contain simple syrup.
What type of Moscato does Olive Garden use for their Watermelon Moscato Sangria?
The Olive Garden uses Castello del Poggio Moscato. It is an Italian Moscato sparkling wine. Its tasting notes are musk, peach, and white flowers. If you have a Sam’s Club membership or go to Total Wine, you may be able to find it there, in addition to your favorite wine store.
You can use your favorite Moscato since we mix it with Ginger Ale and watermelon syrup. However, some of those tasting notes are muted in the final glass. I would use a value-priced Moscato from Gallo Wines.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Moscato wine – Provides the sweet base of the sangria and contributes floral and fruit notes.
- Ginger ale – Adds effervescence and a subtle spicy sweetness that balances the fruity flavors.
- Watermelon syrup – Delivers concentrated watermelon flavor without watering down the drink,
- Fresh watermelon slices – Enhances the watermelon flavor while providing a beautiful garnish.
- Strawberries – Adds a complementary berry sweetness and beautiful color contrast.
- Orange slices – Contribute citrus notes that brighten the overall flavor profile.
- Ice cubes – Chills the sangria without diluting it too quickly.
Equipment Needed
- Liquid measuring cups
- Large pitcher
- Stirring spoon
- Cutting board and knife
How to Make Olive Garden Watermelon Sangria
- Wash and cut the orange and strawberries into small slices.
- Pour Moscato into a large pitcher.
- Add ginger ale and watermelon syrup. Stir gently.
- Add ice cubes and stir gently.
- Add sliced strawberries and oranges.
- Garnish with watermelon slices.
Wine Selection Guide
The Olive Garden uses Castello del Poggio Moscato, an Italian sparkling Moscato with notes of musk, peach, and white flower. Don’t worry if you can’t find this exact brand – here are some excellent alternatives:
- Stella Rosa Moscato
- Skinnygirl Moscato
- Barefoot Moscato
- Gallo Moscato
Since we’re mixing the wine with other ingredients, a moderately priced Moscato works perfectly. Save your premium bottles for drinking on their own!
Can’t Find Watermelon Syrup?
Olive Garden uses Monin Watermelon Syrup, which you can find at:
- Cost Plus World Market
- Bed Bath and Beyond
- Some liquor stores
- Online retailers
If you can’t locate it, try these alternatives:
- Watermelon vodka (for an alcoholic version)
- Homemade watermelon simple syrup (reduced watermelon juice with sugar)
- Watermelon Italian soda syrup
Non-Alcoholic Version
This refreshing drink can easily be made alcohol-free! Perfect for:
- Baby showers
- Guests under 21
- Designated drivers
- Anyone who prefers not to consume alcohol
How to make it:
- Omit the Moscato
- Replace with white grape juice or sparkling white grape juice
- Increase the ginger ale slightly
- Use the watermelon syrup as directed
How to Serve Sangria
Sangria is classically served with fruit garnishes and sometimes fresh mint. For this beverage, cut some slices of watermelon and put a slice on the rim of the glass.
How to Store
If you want to make this Olive Garden watermelon sangria recipe ahead of time, prepare it without adding fruit or ice. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. When ready to enjoy this delicious cocktail, add fruit and ice.
If you have leftover sangria, it is best to remove the fruit and ice before storing it. It can be kept in the fridge for up to five days.
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Be sure to check out more of my copycat Olive Garden recipes and the best cocktail recipes.
Watermelon Moscato Sangria (Olive Garden)
Ingredients
- 750 mls Moscato
- 6 ounces Ginger Ale
- 6 ounces Monin Watermelon Syrup
- 4 cups ice
- 3/4 cup sliced strawberries
- 1 orange sliced
Instructions
- Wash and cut fruit into small slices.
- Pour Moscato into a large pitcher.
- Pour Ginger Ale and Watermelon syrup into a pitcher. Stir gently.
- Add ice to the pitcher, and stir gently.
- Add sliced strawberries and oranges.
- Serve with watermelon slices if desired.
Video
Notes
Pro tips for making Watermelon Sangria
Problem: Sangria is too sweet Solution: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice Problem: Sangria lost its fizz Solution: Add ginger ale just before serving rather than mixing it in advance Problem: Watermelon flavor isn’t strong enough Solution: Increase watermelon syrup by 1-2 tablespoonsNutrition
Scaling the Recipe
For a smaller batch (2-3 servings):
- Use half a bottle of Moscato
- Reduce other ingredients by half
- Use a smaller pitcher
For a party batch (12-16 servings):
- Double all ingredients
- Consider preparing two separate pitchers for maximum freshness
Have you tried this Olive Garden copycat recipe? Let me know in the comments below!
Do you still need to use ginger ale for the watermelon sangria if you use Moscato D’Asti?
If you want it to taste like the Olive Garden’s sangria you do.
I have yet to make it but how long do you think it would last in the fridge? I don’t drink often but it’s appealing to make a large batch and just pour off a drink or two once in a while instead of making a singlr drink
I think this would last for two maybe three days. I think the wine would begin to oxidize and the flavor would be off.
This may be a stupid question, but what kind of moscato?
It is a type of sweet wine.
Hi. Does this need to be made ahead of time like most sangrias? Making this for my moms 86th birthday celebration this weekend. She had this at Olive Garden yesterday and loved it. Can’t wait to make it for her!
This does not need to be made ahead of time. It’s good to go when it is mixed. Hope your Mom has a happy birthday.
This drink is an ABSOLUTE hit!!!!!!! I’ve made this about 6 times and it disappeared quickly. It’s light and refreshing. I found the wine at Target and the syrup at Amazon.
Thanks for the recipe!
Where do you buy Monin Watermelon Syrup?
I buy mine at many large alcohol retailers like Total Wine, or Specs. Cost Plus World Market sells many of these types of syrups, and Amazon sells it as well.
I bought it from Olive Garden.
Great drink!
I tried this drink at Olive Garden in Canton Georgia. OMG loved it, it was so refreshing love watermelon anyway.. I would like to make more than just a glass full. What does it take to make a half of gallon.
You can adjust the serving sizes on the recipe card, just change the number of servings.
Just had this today at Olive Garden in qFort Worth, TX. OMG! It was so good! Going to liquor store to get ingredients to make them!!!
What kind of liquid do you recommend using instead of Moscato for non-alcoholic version? Ginger ale?
Ginger ale should work well.
My wife loved this sangria. It tastes just like the Olive Garden.
How would you do a single serving with this recipe?
I would divide the recipe given by 6 units to make this 6 serving beverage suitable for 1 serving. This would permit the ingredient amounts as the following: 125mL Moscato, 1oz ginger ale, 1oz Monin syrup, 1cup of ice, and your preferences of how much fruit whether it be for aesthetic or taste.
What brand of ginger ale should I use?
Can I use Watermelon Juice instead of syrup? And how many ounces? Thanks
I would use equal amounts of juice as the syrup, BUT you will have to add some superfine sugar to make up for the lack of sugar in the fresh juice.
I tried this drink last night and loved it, at Olive Garden in Burleson, TX. I like Moscato already but have new way to enjoy.The fruit absorbs the flavor too. Thank you.
I had this at Olive Garden, I loved it , thank you so much !
I hope you enjoy it 😉 It’s delicious!
New drink to try in summer is always a great idea for me. Thank you for sharing the recipe!
You are the reason I drink. Love Mom !!