Step 1: Prepare all your fresh fruit. Wash thoroughly, then slice the peach into thin wedges, hull and slice the strawberries, halve the green grapes, and thinly slice the orange and lemon. The goal is attractive, bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: In a large pitcher or punch bowl, combine the dry white wine, all of the prepared fruit, the brandy (if using), and the simple syrup. Give it a gentle stir to ensure all ingredients are well mixed and the simple syrup is distributed.
Step 3: Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2-4 hours, or ideally, overnight. This crucial chilling period allows the fruit flavors to fully infuse into the wine, creating a more complex and delicious white sangria recipe.
Step 4: Before serving, give the sangria a taste. Adjust the sweetness if necessary by adding more simple syrup, or a splash of lemon juice if you prefer it tarter. Each batch can vary based on fruit ripeness.
Step 5: Just before serving, gently stir in the chilled sparkling water or club soda. This adds a refreshing effervescence. Serve the white sangria recipe over ice in individual glasses, making sure each glass gets a generous scoop of the delicious, wine-soaked fruit. Garnish with fresh mint sprigs if desired.