1-First Step: Sweeten the strawberries Start by adding 4 cups strawberries and 2 tablespoons granulated sugar to a large bowl. Toss everything together until the berries are well coated. Then let the mixture sit for at least 20 minutes. This resting time matters because the sugar pulls out the juices from the berries, which gives your strawberry mocktail a richer flavor and a prettier color. If you are short on time, try not to rush this part. Even a quick 20-minute rest makes a big difference. The strawberries soften a little and become much easier to blend too.

2-Second Step: Blend until smooth Once the strawberries have released their juices, transfer the mixture to a blender. Blend until smooth. You want a bright, silky puree with no large chunks left behind. If your blender is smaller, you can do this in batches. The texture here is important because it sets the base of the whole drink. A smooth puree will strain more easily and give your mocktail sangria a cleaner finish.

3-Third Step: Strain the puree Set a fine mesh strainer over a pitcher, then pour the strawberry puree through it. Use a spoon to press the mixture through the mesh. This removes seeds and gives the drink a smoother texture. It also helps the final sangria look more polished. If you like a little texture, you can skip straining, but most people prefer the smoother version. For a crowd-pleasing pitcher drink, straining is the way to go.

4-Fourth Step: Add the bubbly base Next, add 1/2 cup orange juice, 1 bottle non-alcoholic sparkling rosé, and simple syrup if you want extra sweetness. Stir gently until everything is combined. You do not want to stir too hard, or you will lose too much of the fizz. This is where the drink really starts to taste like sangria. The orange juice adds a citrus note, while the sparkling rosé brings bubbles and a light wine-like feel without alcohol.

5-Fifth Step: Add garnish fruit Now add about half of the 1 cup sliced strawberries for garnish to the pitcher. These extra slices make the sangria look beautiful and give the drink even more fresh berry flavor as it chills. Save the rest for topping individual glasses later if you want a nicer presentation.

6-Final Step: Chill before serving Cover the pitcher and chill the sangria for at least 4 hours before serving. This step lets the flavors blend together and gives the drink a colder, more refreshing taste. Since this recipe has a total time of 4 hours 20 minutes, it works well when you want to prep ahead for a meal or event. For the best flavor, make this drink earlier in the day and let it sit in the fridge until guests arrive. When you are ready to serve, pour the sangria over ice and add more sliced strawberries to each glass if desired. This recipe yields about 4 servings, depending on glass size.