Blackberry sangria will headline our company’s Spanish-themed dinner night. As a menu planner, I’m ensuring every dish from tapas to paella is perfect. Sangria, symbolizing Spanish conviviality, was a must-have. This fruity twist on the classic recipe adds a unique touch to our celebration.
Contents
Blackberry sangria recipe
Blackberry sangria is a fruity and refreshing alcoholic beverage that combines the bold flavors of blackberries with the complexity of wine. It’s an ideal drink for summer gatherings, offering a sweet and fruity profile that appeals to many palates.
This unique variation on sangria brings a burst of color and flavor to the table. The infusion of fresh fruit, coupled with a hint of citrus, enhances the flavor of the drink, while a splash of brandy adds a subtle warmth to every sip. I think this cocktail is a perfect accompaniment to the Spanish-themed dinner night.
Here’s how to make Blackberry Sangria:
Blackberry Sangria
Ingredients
- 750 ml bottle of red wine or white wine e.g., Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
- 1 cup blackberries fresh or frozen
- 1/4 cup brandy
- 1/4 cup orange liqueur such as triple sec or Cointreau
- 1-2 tbsp honey or sugar adjust to taste
- 1 orange sliced
- 1 lemon sliced
- 1 lime sliced
- 2 cups sparkling water or club soda
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint leaves for garnish optional
Instructions
- In a large pitcher, combine the red wine, blackberries, brandy, orange liqueur, and honey or sugar. Stir until the honey/sugar is dissolved.
- Add the sliced orange, lemon, and lime to the pitcher, and gently stir to combine.
- Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Just before serving, stir in the sparkling water or club soda.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the blackberry sangria over the ice.
- Garnish with fresh mint leaves, if desired, and serve chilled.
Variations
1. Sparkling Blackberry Sangria
This version adds an effervescent twist to the traditional recipe. To create a sparkling blackberry sangria, you can use:
- Prosecco
- Cava
- Champagne
Sparkling wine introduces lively bubbles and a touch of sophistication to the sangria.
2. Non-Alcoholic version
This type of sangria provides an inclusive option for those who don’t consume alcohol. To create a non-alcoholic drink, you can use:
- White grape juice
- Apple juice
- Non-alcoholic wine
These bases mimic the complexity of wine without the alcohol content. I often use:
Ingredient | Quantity |
White grape juice | 3 cups |
Blackberry juice or syrup | 1 cup |
Fresh blackberries | 2 cups |
Orange slices | 1 orange, thinly sliced |
Lemon juice | 2 tablespoons |
Sparkling water | 2 cups |
Fresh mint leaves | For garnish |
How to pair with food
1. Dessert
This berry sangria can be a delightful accompaniment to desserts when paired thoughtfully:
- Lemon tart: The citrus notes complement the berry flavors
- Dark chocolate truffles: The bitterness contrasts with the sangria’s sweetness
- Almond biscotti: Provides a crunchy texture and nutty flavor
- Fresh fruit salad: Enhances the fruity notes in the sangria
2. Appetizer
Some appetizers that pair exceptionally well with blackberry sangria include:
- Spanish manchego cheese with honey
- Prosciutto-wrapped melon
- Grilled peach and burrata crostini
- Spicy shrimp skewers
The fruity notes in the sangria balance the saltiness of cured meats and cheeses, while its acidity cuts through rich, creamy elements like burrata.
3. Main Course Pairings
This blackberry cocktail pairs well with a variety of main courses, particularly those with bold flavors that can stand up to the drink’s fruity profile. Some main courses include:
- Grilled lamb chops with rosemary
- Paella valenciana
- Barbecued pulled pork
- Grilled vegetable and halloumi skewers
The fruity and tannic elements in blackberry sangria complement the rich flavors of grilled meats, while its refreshing nature balances spicy or smoky dishes. In my experience, serving this sangria with Mediterranean-inspired cuisine creates a harmonious dining experience.
Tips and tricks
1. Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-sweetening the sangria
- Not allowing enough time for flavor infusion. Sangria benefits from time to meld and develop flavors.
- Adding too much ice, which can dilute the flavors
- Using out-of-season or underripe fruit
2. Adjusting Sweetness and Alcohol Content
To adjust sweetness:
- Start with less sweetener than you think you need
- Use simple syrup for easy incorporation
- Consider natural sweeteners like honey or agave for added depth
- Taste and adjust gradually
To adjust alcohol content:
Adjustment | Method |
Increase | Add more brandy or wine |
Decrease | Add more fruit juice or sparkling water |
Balance | Adjust ratios of wine to fruit to spirits |
3. Experimenting with Flavor Combinations
You can add other ingredients to the blackberry sangria to create unique flavor. Some interesting additions to consider:
- Herbs: Basil, thyme, or rosemary
- Spices: Cinnamon sticks, star anise, or cardamom pods
- Fruits: Peaches, plums, mangoes, or pineapple
- Balsamic vinegar, ginger, or elderflower liqueur