1-First Step: Prep the strawberries Start by washing and hulling the strawberries. You will need 4 cups strawberries for the base and 1 cup strawberries for garnish, so set both amounts aside before you begin. Slice or halve the berries if they are large so the sugar can coat them evenly. Place the 4 cups of strawberries in a large bowl and sprinkle them with 2 tablespoons granulated sugar. Stir gently until the berries are coated. Then let them sit for at least 20 minutes. This resting time matters because the sugar pulls out the strawberry juices, softens the fruit, and helps create that lovely sangria-style flavor. You will notice a syrup form at the bottom of the bowl, which is exactly what you want.

2-Second Step: Blend the strawberry mixture After the strawberries have rested, pour the berry mixture into a blender. Blend until smooth. If your strawberries are especially ripe, the puree will turn silky very quickly. If the mixture seems too thick, you can stop and scrape down the sides, then blend again until there are no large chunks left. This step gives the drink its rich color and fruity body. A smooth puree helps the mocktail look polished once it is mixed with the sparkling rosé. If you prefer a little texture, you can blend just until mostly smooth, but the classic version is best when it is nice and silky.

3-Third Step: Strain the puree Set a fine mesh strainer over a pitcher and pour the strawberry puree through it. Use a spoon to press the puree through the mesh so you get as much liquid as possible. Straining removes seeds and any fibrous bits, leaving you with a smoother drink that pours beautifully. Take your time here. A well-strained puree makes the final mocktail look cleaner and feel more like a real sangria. You should end up with a vivid strawberry liquid in the pitcher, ready for the rest of the ingredients.

4-Fourth Step: Add the liquid ingredients Next, add 1/2 cup orange juice to the pitcher. Then pour in 1 bottle non-alcoholic sparkling rosé, or use the rosé of your choice if you have a favorite brand. If you want the drink sweeter, add a little simple syrup now. Stir gently until everything is combined. Go slowly when mixing so you do not lose too much of the bubbles. The goal is a drink that still feels fizzy and fun. If you are making your own simple syrup, heat 1 cup water and 1 cup sugar until dissolved. For a fruity twist, you can also make strawberry simple syrup by simmering 1 cup sugar, 1 cup water, and 1 cup sliced strawberries for 15 to 20 minutes, then straining it before cooling.

5-Fifth Step: Add the garnish and chill Stir in about half of the 1 cup strawberries for garnish. These sliced berries will float through the pitcher and add extra flavor while the sangria chills. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate it for at least 4 hours. This chill time helps the flavors meld and gives the drink a colder, more refreshing finish. If you are short on time, you may be tempted to serve it sooner, but the long chill really makes a difference. The strawberry flavor becomes deeper, the citrus rounds out, and the drink tastes more balanced.

6-Final Step: Serve cold and enjoy When you are ready to serve, give the pitcher one gentle stir. Pour into glasses, ideally about 14-ounce glasses if you want the recipe to yield about 4 servings. Add more sliced strawberries from the garnish amount to each glass if you want a prettier look. This drink is best served very cold. If you want even more sparkle, you can add a zero-proof spirit with orange notes for extra flavor. That little touch makes the mocktail feel even more special for brunches, birthdays, or summer evenings.