There is nothing better than a sip-worthy cocktail for warm summer nights! This Peach Sangria takes advantage of peak summer peaches and adds a bit of flair with aromatic star anise syrup. The flavors are fresh and intriguing, and the bright color is inviting. Prep time for this batch cocktail is only about 10 minutes, so you are free to enjoy your company and your beverage!
Star anise is a spice with earthy licorice, cinnamon, and clove notes that make this sangria just a little bit different from the run-of-the-mill versions. It is common in both Vietnamese and Chinese cuisine, and one of the flavor components of Chinese five spice powder. Star anise also perfectly compliments the juicy sweet flavor of ripe peaches. Steeping star anise pods in a simple syrup makes it easy to add extra flavor to the sangria.
Simple syrups can add loads of flavor to all sorts of beverages. Try a Basil Simple Syrup in a lemonade or gimlet or Strawberry Syrup in strawberry milk or a limeade next!
Jump to:
Ingredients
I include ingredient notes here when I think they'll be helpful, including ways to source, any preparation tips, or why I've chosen a particular ingredient. Be sure to check out the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and their quantities!
- Peaches - Use ripe, juicy peaches for this recipe. I don't bother peeling the peaches. If the fuzzy skin bothers you, feel free to peel them before slicing.
- Granulated Sugar - Granulated sugar will be used to make a simple syrup with the star anise.
- Star Anise - I can get star anise at my local grocery chain store, but I find far better prices at our local Asian market. These pods are found in cellophane packages or in glass jars.
- White Wine - My preferred varietal for this recipe is a Sauvignon Blanc, but Pinot Grigio is another good choice. Use a white wine you enjoy drinking on its own, but stay with a drier white so that the sangria isn't too sweet at the end.
- Brandy - Brandy is most commonly made from a distilled grape juice that has been aged in oak. The resulting caramel and spice flavors in brandy enhance the flavor of this sangria. I almost always use a Californian brand of brandy in this recipe.
- Orange - Use a large orange to yield ½-cup of fresh juice. You can also use a channel knife or peeler on the oranges before juicing to add extra garnish to the sangria.
Instructions
Add the sugar, star anise pods, and ½-cup of water to a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Once it boils, remove the saucepan from the heat and allow it to steep for 15 minutes.
While waiting for the syrup to cool, slice the peaches into wedges and then small pieces. Set a handful of slices aside for garnishes.
Strain the syrup using a mesh strainer or cheesecloth and save the star anise pods for garnishing.
Add the remaining peach slices, orange juice, brandy, and star anise syrup to a large pitcher.
Add a bottle of white wine to the peach mixture and stir well to combine. You can serve the sangria immediately, but the flavors are even better if you can chill it for 4 hours.
Fill your serving glasses with ice and pour the peach sangria over the top. Don't forget to get a bit of the fruit in each glass. Garnish the glasses with star anise pods, peach slices, or orange zest.
Batch Cocktails for Entertaining
Batch cocktails are great for entertaining. Mix up one pitcher and you can serve 8 beverages with no extra effort! Try a pitcher of these Strawberry Jalapeño Margaritas for your next gathering.
Substitutions and Variations
The substitutions listed below have been tested in this recipe and work well. If you successfully make any other ingredient substitutions, let us know in the comments!
- Make a Session Cocktail - For a lower-alcohol version, fill the glasses only ½- to ⅔- full of sangria and top them off with a bit of sparkling water before garnishing.
- Try Other Stone Fruit - This sangria recipe is delicious with nectarines, plums, or white cherries (or any combination of stone fruit), too. Pit the cherries and cut them in half before adding to the sangria.
- Use a Liqueur - If you'd like to swap out the brandy for a liqueur, Grand Marnier or Cointreau are good options. They will make a slightly sweeter sangria with additional citrus flavor.
Equipment
You won't need any special equipment to make this peach sangria, but here are some notes on my most commonly used kitchen tools:
- Chef's Knife - An 8- or 10-inch chef's knife is an essential tool in any kitchen, and perfect for slicing up the oranges and peaches in his recipe.
- Wooden Spoons - A wooden spoon is the perfect thing to stir this sangria. A long-handled one will help you get to the bottom of a tall pitcher!
- Pitcher - Choose a large container that will hold about 2 quarts of sangria so you can mix everything together in one container.
Serving Suggestions
Bring a pitcher of peach sangria to a party and swerve it over ice with a variety of garnishes like peach slices, orange slices, extra star anise pods, or citrus peel.
Storage
The peaches in the sangria will continue to break down as they sit in the wine mixture, so this peach sangria is best made the same day it is enjoyed. Chill it for 4 hours to allow the flavors to best blend, and keep it refrigerated until serving.
Make-Ahead Options
The star anise syrup will keep in the refrigerator for days, so it's a great thing to make ahead of time if you are short on time the day you want to serve the peach sangria. Prepare the syrup as directed, and add the strained syrup to a sealed container. Chill until you are ready to add it to the sangria. Set your star anise pods aside in an airtight container as well!
FAQ
Sangria usually contains wine, fruit, and fruit juice, plus a liquor component. You might also see recipes with additional herbs, sweeteners, or sparkling water or soda.
Strike a balance between allowing the sangria flavors to meld and blend but maintaining good texture in the peaches by making the sangria 4-12 hours before enjoying it.
Use sparkling wine like a prosecco for a bubbly version of peach sangria. Instead of adding the wine and then chilling the sangria for 4-12 hours, only add the prosecco right before serving. Combine the peaches, star anise syrup, orange juice, and brandy and allow this mixture to chill for 4 hours. Then prepare each glass with equal parts of the peach mixture and prosecco.
More Peach Recipes
Love peaches? Same! Here are some delicious ways to enjoy fresh peaches all season long:
Pairing Ideas for a Summer Meal
Make a delicious summer meal to go with your peach sangria and invite a few friends over! Here are some great recipes:
Try It and Share
I hope you try this Peach Sangria with Star Anise Syrup and enjoy the recipe as much as I do. I want to see your results! Tag your photo with #planeatpostrepeat and mention me @planeatpostrepeat on Instagram or Facebook. I can give you a virtual high five and thank you for cooking one of my recipes! Comment below with any questions and please leave a review so others can find this recipe more easily.
This post was originally titled Stone Fruit Sangria. The post was updated in July of 2025 to change the title and provide much more prep detail along with photos, but there are only minor changes to the original recipe from August 2021.
Recipe
Peach Sangria with Star Anise Syrup
Ingredients
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 4-6 star anise
- 1 bottle dry white wine (750mL, Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio)
- ½ cup orange juice
- ½ cup brandy
- 2 cups peaches (sliced)
Instructions
- Prepare the star anise simple syrup by combining the granulated sugar, star anise, and ½ cup water in a small saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally. Take the saucepan off the heat and allow to cool for 15 minutes. Strain and reserve the anise for garnish.
- Slice the peaches into 6 wedges and then the wedges into thin slices. Pull a handful of fruit slices aside for garnish.
- In a large pitcher, combine the remaining peach slices, orange juice, brandy, and the strained star anise syrup. Mix well. Add the wine, mix again, and chill in the refrigerator for 4 hours.
- To serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the sangria over the top, distributing the fruit evenly. Garnish with star anise and/or additional fruit slices.
Nutrition facts are sometimes provided below and are calculated using an online calculator. With specific brands of ingredients and additions, omissions, or substitutions the nutrition facts may change. We encourage you to use your own nutrition facts calculator to obtain the most accurate nutrition facts for your meal.
Cassie Waltman says
This easy peach sangria is super refreshing and not too sweet.