Celebrate Juneteenth with Strawberry Lemonade Sangria: A Toast to Freedom and Black Joy

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, marks a powerful moment in American history—the day in 1865 when the last enslaved Black Americans were informed of their freedom, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation. Today, we honor this day not just with remembrance, but with celebration, joy, and community.

This year, I’m proud to contribute to the Juneteenth Cookout Celebration, a collaborative effort featuring 40+ Black creators sharing recipes that reflect our culture, history, and resilience. Be sure to check out the full list of contributors below and support their incredible work.

My Juneteenth Tribute: Strawberry Lemonade Sangria 🍓🍋

My contribution to this virtual cookout is a Strawberry Lemonade Sangria—a refreshing, fruit-forward drink that’s sweet, citrusy, and just a little boozy. It’s made with rosé, lemoncello, lemonade, and a fresh strawberry purée tinged with vodka, making it perfect for summer gatherings, porch sipping, or raising a glass in honor of Black lives and liberation.

Red drinks are a cherished part of Juneteenth celebrations. They symbolize the blood shed by our ancestors and connect us to our African heritage. This sangria, named for the Spanish word "sangre" (meaning blood), is both a tribute and a toast to our legacy.

Whether you're gathering with friends or reflecting at home, this sangria is a flavorful way to celebrate Black joy, resilience, and the ongoing fight for justice. As you sip, remember that #BlackLivesMatter—today and always.

Why Red Drinks Matter on Juneteenth

The tradition of red drinks on Juneteenth is steeped in symbolism. Ingredients like hibiscus, kola nut, strawberries, and cherries have roots in West African culture and were incorporated into celebrations as a way to honor ancestry and survival. Red represents sacrifice, strength, and remembrance—and infusing this into your menu is a delicious way to honor the holiday.

What Wine Can You Use Instead of Rosé?

Not a fan of rosé? No problem. You can easily substitute any light-bodied wine:

• Riesling – Sweetness with bright acidity
• Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc – Crisp and citrusy
• Chardonnay – A bolder option with oak notes

Think of wine body like textures:
Light-bodied: Like water
Medium-bodied: Think coffee with milk
Full-bodied: Imagine rich, creamy hot chocolate

Whatever you choose, let it pair with purpose. After all, every sip is a nod to anti-racism, allyship, and community building.

What Fruits Work Best in Sangria?

This recipe calls for strawberries and citrus, but you can easily swap in other red fruits to keep with the Juneteenth theme. Try:

• Raspberries
• Cherries
• Red grapes
• Watermelon
• Pomegranate seeds

These fruits not only look beautiful but add layers of sweetness and symbolism to your sangria.

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Join the Celebration

Juneteenth is often called our second Independence Day—a day of remembrance, joy, and renewal. Sharing food is one of the most powerful ways we stay connected to our roots and build bridges across communities.

Raise a glass to freedom, justice, and joy.
Then share this recipe, support a Black-owned business, speak up, and show up however you can—because the work continues, even after the celebrations end.

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Don’t forget to check out the full list of contributors to the Juneteenth Cookout Celebration below. You’ll find everything from soul food staples to sweet treats—all honoring the legacy of Black culinary excellence.