The jug sits in the middle of the table, beaded with condensation. Friends linger, the afternoon stretches on, and nobody wants to move — least of all to shake cocktails one by one. That's the magic of the big jug: prepare everything in advance, set the jug down, and let everyone help themselves. Generous, convivial, effortless — and not a drop of alcohol. Here are our three summer jugs, designed for large gatherings and those lazy days best spent in the shade.
In brief: a real sangria on a dealcoholised red wine base, a planter's punch on an alcohol-free rum base, and a homemade ginger lemonade. Three jugs to prepare in advance, kept well chilled, to share without counting. Each recipe serves approximately 6 glasses. Delivered within 72 hours.
The perfect jug rule
Infuse ahead, serve well chilled
A good jug rewards a little planning: let the base and the fruit infuse for at least two hours in the fridge so the flavours can meld. Bring the jug out at the last moment, fill it with ice, and add any sparkling element just before serving. The result: a chilled, well-balanced drink ready the moment your guests arrive.
Jug n°1 — The summer sangria (alcohol-free)
A real sangria: red wine base, fruit and spices
No sangria without red wine. We start with a fruity dealcoholised red such as the Merlot-Grenache from Domaine de l'Arjolle (Languedoc), with aromas of red fruit and gentle spices. In a large jug: 1 bottle (75 cl) of alcohol-free red wine, 1 orange and 1 lemon sliced into rounds, 1 peach cut into pieces, a handful of strawberries, 1 cinnamon stick and 2 tbsp of cane sugar. Leave to infuse for at least 2 hours in the fridge. To serve: plenty of ice, and a splash of sparkling water (or alcohol-free sparkling wine) for brightness.
💡 The wine merchant's tip: prepare it the night before, without the ice or the bubbles. One night of infusion, and the fruit gives everything to the wine. Add the sparkling element only at the moment of serving.
The perfect pairing: tapas, charcuterie, tortilla, grilled vegetables — the spirit of a summer meal that goes on and on.
→ Discover the Merlot-Grenache red from l'Arjolle
Jug n°2 — The planter's punch (alcohol-free)
The taste of the islands, on an alcohol-free rum base
A real punch means rum and fruit juices. We replace the rum with an alcohol-free base such as JNPR RHHM n°1 (rum-style, no added sugar). In the jug: 15 cl of alcohol-free rum base, 40 cl of pineapple juice, 20 cl of orange juice, the juice of one lime, 2 tbsp of cane syrup and a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg. Stir, leave to chill, and serve over ice with a piece of pineapple.
💡 The wine merchant's tip: a pinch of nutmeg (or a little vanilla) makes all the difference — it's what gives that authentic "planter's" character.
The perfect pairing: skewers, spiced dishes, roasted mango and pineapple. The taste of escape, without the jet lag.
→ Discover the JNPR RHHM n°1 (alcohol-free rum base)
Jug n°3 — The homemade ginger lemonade
Simple, refreshing, and far more refined than a shop-bought lemonade
The easiest one, and the favourite of children and adults alike. In the jug: the juice of 4 lemons, 1 litre of well-chilled water, 3 to 4 tbsp of sugar (or agave syrup), a generous handful of fresh mint. For a real kick, add 1 to 2 tsp of Gimber ginger concentrate. Stir, taste, adjust the sugar, and serve over ice. Fancy some bubbles? Replace part of the water with sparkling water just before serving.
💡 The wine merchant's tip: clap the mint between your hands before adding it — this releases the essential oils and perfumes the whole jug.
The perfect pairing: an afternoon snack in the shade, a loaf cake, a fruit salad, or simply the thirst of a summer afternoon.
→ Discover the Gimber N°2 ginger concentrate
Building your summer jug corner
A bottle of alcohol-free red wine, a rum base, a ginger concentrate, citrus fruits and mint: with those in the cupboard and fridge, you can improvise a jug for six in a matter of minutes, however many guests turn up unexpectedly.
Also worth reading
- How to put together your alcohol-free summer bar: the complete guide
- Tour de France #2 — Languedoc & Provence
- Top 10 alcohol-free drinks for summer 2026
Frequently asked questions
Can you make a real alcohol-free sangria?
Yes. The secret is to start with a real dealcoholised red wine (such as the Merlot-Grenache from l'Arjolle) rather than a juice, and to let the fruit and spices infuse for several hours. Add the bubbles just before serving.
What can you use to replace rum in an alcohol-free punch?
With an alcohol-free rum-style spirit base, such as JNPR RHHM n°1. Combined with pineapple and orange juices, lime and a pinch of nutmeg, it delivers a real planter's punch.
How far in advance can these jugs be prepared?
Ideally 2 to 12 hours ahead, to allow infusion. Keep the jug in the fridge and only add the ice (and any sparkling element) at the moment of serving.
Where to find the bases for these jugs?
Alcohol-free red wines, rum bases and ginger concentrates are all available on the site, delivered within 72 hours across France.
Gueule de Joie — France's first alcohol-free wine merchant since 2019. Over 450 references selected for flavour, delivered within 72 hours across France (free delivery from €80).
