Fruity Antioxidant Sangria (non-alcoholic)

Most of us think of sangria as that fun, fruity summer cocktail — the one you sip by the pool or enjoy at a backyard gathering. But if you’re anything like me, a good sangria hits just right any time of year.
Over the last few years, though — especially moving through perimenopause and into menopause — I’ve become more intentional about my relationship with alcohol. I’m not anti-wine or anti-celebration (trust me, I enjoy a glass when the moment calls for it), but I’ve learned how alcohol can impact sleep, hormones, energy, and even inflammation during this stage of life. And honestly? I feel SO much better having it less often.
But here’s the good news: enjoying a beautiful, vibrant drink doesn’t have to mean pouring a glass of wine.
Traditional sangria gets its rich red color from wine — along with those powerful antioxidants we love. So, I thought… what if I could recreate that same bold color and fruity complexity in a way that supports midlife health instead of working against it?
Enter: hibiscus.
Hibiscus tea gives this sangria alternative its deep ruby red hue and a naturally tart, fruity flavor very similar to wine — without the hormonal disruption. It’s rich in antioxidants, supports heart health, and may even help reduce inflammation, which makes it a wonderful choice for women in perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.
If you’ve ever heard it called sorrel (especially in Caribbean or Jamaican cuisine), that’s the same thing — and if you’re local to any Caribbean markets, you’ll find it easily.
Once the hibiscus is brewed and cooled, I treat it just like sangria — adding fresh citrus, berries, and any seasonal fruit I have on hand. The result? A gorgeous, refreshing, hormone-friendly drink you can enjoy on repeat, no special occasion required.
Whether you're reducing alcohol for better sleep, fewer hot flashes, improved digestion, or simply because it feels good — this is a nourishing option that lets you enjoy the ritual without the side effects.
Cheers to feeling good… and enjoying our favorites in a way that supports the stage of life we’re in.
Enjoy! 🥂✨

 
Ingredients:
(Makes (8 ) 1 cup servings

1 1/2 cups of dried hibiscus/sorrel
8 cups of spring water
3 tablespoons of goji berries
2 Fuji apples or Gala apples, chopped
3 small mandarin oranges or tangerines, thinly sliced
2 sticks of cinnamon
8 teaspoons of elderberry syrup
Ice for serving

Directions:
Place the hibiscus into a large heat resistant bowl. Boil the spring water and then pour over the hibiscus. Allow to sit and steep for 1 hour.

While the mixture is steeping, add to a large pitcher, the goji berries, apples and sliced oranges or tangerines and the cinnamon sticks.

Once the brewed mixture has steeped,  place through a strainer to  separate the hibiscus and then add to the pitcher with sliced fruit.
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To serve, place a couple of thick ice cubes in a glass and pour in a cup of sangria along with pieces of the fruit. Stir in 1 teaspoon of elderberry syrup to finish. Makes 8 1 cup servings.

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