Recipe for Carrabba’s Blackberry Sangria That Impresses

Updated On: October 18, 2025

Summer gatherings and casual get-togethers call for drinks that are as refreshing as they are flavorful, and Carrabba’s Blackberry Sangria is the perfect choice. This vibrant, fruity sangria combines ripe blackberries, crisp white wine, and a hint of citrus to create a cocktail that’s both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.

Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue, a brunch with friends, or simply unwinding after a long day, this recipe will quickly become your go-to. Its balance of sweetness, tartness, and subtle effervescence offers a delightful sip every time.

Plus, it’s visually stunning with rich purple hues and fresh fruit garnishes that make it as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate.

Making this sangria at home is surprisingly simple and allows you to customize the sweetness and fruitiness to your liking. Using fresh blackberries not only adds a burst of juicy flavor but also elevates the presentation.

Paired with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, this sangria is light enough to enjoy on warm days but still satisfying enough for any occasion. Read on for a detailed, easy-to-follow recipe that will help you master Carrabba’s Blackberry Sangria and impress your guests every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This blackberry sangria recipe is a wonderful blend of fruity freshness and subtle sophistication. It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for casual sipping or festive celebrations.

The use of fresh blackberries adds natural sweetness and antioxidants, while the white wine base keeps the drink light and refreshing. It’s also a great way to experiment with seasonal fruits or adjust the sweetness to your preference.

What makes this recipe stand out is its simplicity without sacrificing flavor. You don’t need to be a mixology expert to make it, and it comes together quickly with minimal ingredients.

Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that can be made ahead of time, allowing the flavors to mingle beautifully. Whether you’re a sangria newbie or a seasoned fan, you’ll appreciate how this recipe balances easy preparation with impressive results.

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle (750 ml) of dry white wine (Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc recommended)
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries, washed and patted dry
  • 1/4 cup brandy
  • 1/4 cup orange liqueur (such as Triple Sec or Cointreau)
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice (about 1 orange)
  • 2 tablespoons simple syrup (adjust based on sweetness preference)
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced for garnish
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced for garnish
  • 1 cup club soda or sparkling water (optional, for a fizzy finish)
  • Ice cubes for serving

Equipment

  • Large pitcher for mixing and serving
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife and cutting board for slicing fruit
  • Wooden spoon or stirring utensil
  • Glasses or stemware for serving
  • Strainer (optional) if you prefer a pulp-free sangria

Instructions

  1. Prepare the fruit: Rinse the blackberries gently and pat dry. Thinly slice the orange and lemon, removing any seeds to prevent bitterness.
  2. Combine the base ingredients: In a large pitcher, pour the bottle of white wine, brandy, orange liqueur, and fresh orange juice. Stir gently to combine.
  3. Add sweetness: Stir in the simple syrup, tasting as you go to adjust the sweetness level according to your preference.
  4. Add the fruit: Drop in the fresh blackberries, orange slices, and lemon slices. Use a wooden spoon to gently muddle the blackberries against the side of the pitcher to release some juice, but don’t overdo it to avoid bitterness.
  5. Chill: Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but ideally 4 hours or overnight. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
  6. Before serving: Just before serving, add ice cubes to the pitcher and pour in the club soda or sparkling water if you want a fizzy sangria.
  7. Serve: Stir gently and pour into glasses, making sure each serving gets some of the fresh fruit. Optionally, garnish additional blackberries or citrus slices on top.

Tips & Variations

“For a sweeter sangria, add more simple syrup or use a sweeter white wine like Moscato.”

  • Fruit Options: Feel free to add other berries like raspberries or blueberries for extra color and flavor.
  • Wine Choices: For a red sangria variation, swap the white wine for a light red like Pinot Noir.
  • Herbal Twist: Add a few sprigs of fresh mint or basil for an herbal note.
  • Non-Alcoholic Version: Replace the wine and brandy with grape juice and use sparkling water for fizz.
  • Make Ahead: Prepare the sangria a day in advance for the best flavor infusion.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per Serving % Daily Value*
Calories 150 kcal 7%
Carbohydrates 15 g 5%
Sugars 12 g
Alcohol 12 g
Vitamin C 10 mg 11%
Fiber 1 g 4%

*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Serving Suggestions

This blackberry sangria pairs beautifully with light appetizers like bruschetta, cheese boards featuring soft cheeses and nuts, or grilled seafood. It’s also great alongside fresh salads and Mediterranean-inspired dishes.

For a casual party, serve it with tortilla chips and salsa or a charcuterie platter. The fruity and citrusy notes complement spicy and savory flavors exceptionally well.

For a festive touch, serve the sangria in clear glasses garnished with a skewer of blackberries and a twist of citrus peel. Adding a sprig of fresh mint elevates the presentation and adds a refreshing aroma.

Keep some extra blackberries and citrus slices on hand for guests who want to customize their drinks.

Conclusion

Carrabba’s Blackberry Sangria is a delightful and refreshing cocktail that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Its balance of tart blackberries, citrus, and crisp white wine offers a flavor profile that is both vibrant and satisfying.

Whether you’re new to sangria or a longtime fan, this recipe provides a simple method to create a beautifully balanced drink that impresses every time.

With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can prepare this sangria ahead of time, making entertaining stress-free and enjoyable. The versatility of the recipe also allows for creative twists, so feel free to experiment with different fruits, wines, and even herbs to suit your personal taste.

Enjoy this sangria chilled with your favorite dishes and let it be the star of your next gathering.

For more delicious and refreshing recipes, check out our Lemon Basil Margarita, Strawberry Peach Sangria, and Classic Mojito Cocktail.

📖 Recipe Card: Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria

Description: A refreshing and fruity sangria featuring blackberries and a blend of wines. Perfect for summer gatherings or casual sipping.

Prep Time: PT10M
Cook Time: PT0M
Total Time: PT10M

Servings: 6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 bottle dry red wine (750 ml)
  • 1 cup blackberry brandy
  • 1/2 cup orange liqueur
  • 1 cup fresh blackberries
  • 1 orange, thinly sliced
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 1 lime, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 cup club soda
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. In a large pitcher, combine red wine, blackberry brandy, and orange liqueur.
  2. Add sugar and stir until dissolved.
  3. Add fresh blackberries, orange, lemon, and lime slices.
  4. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours to chill and allow flavors to meld.
  5. Before serving, add club soda and ice cubes.
  6. Stir gently and serve in glasses garnished with additional blackberries.

Nutrition: Calories: 180 | Protein: 0.3g | Fat: 0g | Carbs: 15g

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Marta K

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