This refreshing Summer Blackberry Sangria is the perfect, easy summer cocktail to serve at an intimate gathering or for a crowd. This make-ahead punch blends red wine, brandy, and plenty of summer fruit flavors.
Oh yes, Blackberry Sangria and the lazy days of summer go together perfectly! It’s 95 degrees this weekend in our neck of the woods but the breeze is keeping the temperatures from feeling overwhelming. It’s a perfect weekend to sit back and enjoy some of my favorite Sangria recipes on the deck, especially at night on the deck with our new lights.
Ingredients and Substitutions
All you need for this sangria is a good dry table wine, brandy, fresh fruit, and some ginger ale. You can boost the blackberry flavor by making your own blackberry simple syrup. However, sometimes, it’s been a long week and I skip it and simply add the sugar to the wine as is. The sugar can be harder to dissolve in the wine directly so stir quite a bit. Your choice, as both are very delicious!
Looking for more Summer Cocktails? Look no further!
- Strawberry Sangria
- Frozen Watermelon Margaritas
- Pineapple Mojito
- Moscato Sangria
- Royal Apple Cocktail
Tools Used in Making this Blackberry Sangria
Simple Mesh Strainer – use in place of most any recipe that asks for cheesecloth.
Reusable Ice Cubes – watered down drinks are terrible. These keep your drink cold without diluting it and these are clear and BPA free!
- Insulated Wine Glasses with Lids– Perfect for the hot outdoors and protects your drink to boot!
- The Perfect Sangria Glasses – these stemless wine glasses are perfect for sipping!
- Awesome Straws you can't live without I'm sure these are a limited time thing, don't miss out on all the awesome and unique flamingo fun!
Frequently asked questions:
You sure can! It actually gets even tastier! For best results allow the sangria to set overnight. The fruit has more time to infuse into the wine and you can adjust after it has had time to sit. As the flavors meld, you will notice that the sangria will get fruitier and sweeter. I always add the ginger ale just before serving. If you want a stronger wine taste, add less ginger ale and more if you want a more of a fruity punch taste.
This recipe makes about 8-9 cups, depending on how much fruit you add to it. It can easily be doubled or tripled with the same ratios if you are serving a larger crowd.
I am admittedly not a wine connoisseur, but a good rule to follow is choosing the wine that you think tastes the best on its own. I go with a red blend because they are typically not too dry or sweet and easier to drink if you’re not a wine buff. Garnacha and Pinot Noir are good choices for sangria because they are low in tannins. Tannins are compounds in the grape seeds, stems, and skins that make the wine taste bitter or astringent. Cabernet Sauvignon is typically on the higher end of the tannin spectrum, but it’s perfectly fine to use if that is what you prefer.
This is an easy cocktail to make for large parties because it only has a few ingredients and is easy to double or triple. Plus, everyone always enjoys it!
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Blackberry Sangria
Ingredients
Blackberry Simple Syrup
- ⅔ cup granulated white sugar
- ⅓ cup Water
- 4 oz fresh blackberries sliced or mushed slightly
- cheesecloth or mesh strainer
Sangria
- Blackberry Simple Syrup
- 750 ml bottle of dry red wine I use a blended red wine
- ½ cup brandy I use Christian Brothers, no need for the expensive stuff
- 24 oz ginger ale
- 1 sliced lime cut into thin slices
- 2 medium oranges or 1 x-large orange
- 6 oz blackberries
- Ice
Instructions
- Instructions for simple syrup (see note):
- In a small saucepan, add ⅓ cup Water and ⅔ cup granulated white sugar. Bring to a boil for 2-3 until sugar is dissolved and the water is clear. Add in 4 oz fresh blackberries and simmer for about 10 minutes or until the blackberries are mushy. Transfer to cheesecloth or mesh strainer and squeeze all of the juice into a small bowl. If using a mesh strainer, press down to get most of the juice. Allow to completely cool before using in the sangria.
- In a pitcher or desired serving dish, add 750 ml bottle of dry red wine, ½ cup brandy, Blackberry Simple Syrup from above, and 1 sliced lime, 2 medium oranges or 1 x-large orange, and 6 oz blackberries. Allow to sit overnight in the fridge to fully infuse the fruit flavors into the punch. Add the 24 oz ginger ale and Ice just before serving.
Momo says
May I sub blackberry brandy and skip sugar?
Rachel says
Maybe. I have only made the recipe as listed, but there is a brandy in the recipe already and I don’t think brandy has as much sugar as a simple syrup. Of course, you can always try it and add more sugar if you like.
Melissa Mistry says
This recipe is the best!
Dee S says
Wow!!! I made this Sangria recipe Father’s day for family get together. I followed the recipe exactly and I have to tell you this was outstanding. I’m hosting family get together for Christmas and I’m going to easily triple this recipe. by the way, I made it with Robert Mondavi pinot noir.
Brianne says
First I need to tell you that this recipe is absolutely phenomenal and I thank you for it so much! I have made it a couple times now, but I did have a question… that question being, how long do you think it can be kept in the refrigerator before it starts to go bad? I want to make it ahead of time for a party I have coming up, but I don’t wanna make it too many days in advance as I’m sure you can understand.
Rachel says
For sangria, I find that the fruit sitting in the wine tends to get mushy and unappealing looking, particularly citrus fruits. If you want to make it more than 1 day ahead of time, I recommend leaving out the fruit and ginger ale. Add the fruit a few hours before serving or in the morning and add the ginger ale just before serving. For the ginger ale, I usually top each glass before serving if I am making a sangria pitcher.
Jennifer says
Made it for a recent summer gathering. Huge hit!
Jenny says
Sounds delicious. Definitely going to try it! Any guess on how many servings come from this recipe?
Rachel says
It makes about 8-9 cups (without ice) depending on how much fruit you put in each glass.
Roxanne says
Great Recipe! Thanks. I didn’t use the simple syrup, but crushed up and strained some extra blackberries.
Brent says
This was one of the best sangrias I have ever had! Served it at a party.
Ricky Shearer says
Solid summer or winter sangria. Added club soda just before serving for a little fizz and decorated with one whole blackberry. Will definitely make again.