Blackberry Sangria: A Fruity Twist on a Spanish Favourite

Blackberry sangria brings a deep, summery sweetness to the classic Spanish drink. Ripe blackberries add a rich berry flavour and jewel-like colour, while citrus and a splash of fizz keep each glass bright and refreshing. It’s an easy choice for a garden gathering, a barbecue or a relaxed evening with friends.

What you’ll need

750ml bottle of light-bodied red wine, such as Tempranillo
150g fresh blackberries, plus extra to garnish
1 orange, thinly sliced
1 lemon, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons caster sugar, or to taste
60ml brandy, optional
250ml sparkling water or lemonade, chilled
Ice, to serve

How to make blackberry sangria

Add the blackberries, orange and lemon slices to a large jug. Sprinkle over the sugar and gently muddle the fruit to release some of its juices.
Pour in the wine and brandy, if using. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
Cover and chill for at least two hours. This gives the fruit time to infuse the wine. For a fuller flavour, leave it in the fridge overnight.
Just before serving, add the sparkling water or lemonade. Taste and adjust the sweetness if needed.
Serve over ice, with a few pieces of fruit in each glass.

Tips for a great jug

Choose a wine you enjoy drinking on its own; it doesn’t need to be expensive. A fruity, not-too-heavy red works particularly well with the blackberries. If the berries are very sweet, start with less sugar and add more after chilling. For a drier drink, use sparkling water; for a sweeter, softer finish, try lemonade.

You can also make the sangria with white wine or rosé for a lighter variation. Add sliced peaches or a handful of raspberries, or swap the brandy for orange liqueur. Keep the fizz until serving time so the drink stays lively.

Make it ahead

Prepare the wine and fruit mixture several hours in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. Add the sparkling water or lemonade, ice and any delicate garnishes just before serving. If making a non-alcoholic version, replace the wine with chilled red grape juice and add sparkling water to taste.

With its dark berries, fresh citrus and easy-going character, blackberry sangria is made for sharing. Pour a jug, serve it well chilled and enjoy a fruity take on a much-loved classic.

6 Drawbacks of Blackberry Sangria

Can be high in sugar.
Contains alcohol.
Needs time to chill.
Fresh blackberries can be costly.
May stain clothes or surfaces.
Can taste too sweet for some.

Sweet, juicy blackberry flavour

The sweet, juicy flavour of blackberries gives this sangria a deliciously rich, fruity character. Their natural sweetness balances the wine’s depth, while a gentle tartness keeps each sip fresh and lively. Served chilled, blackberry sangria is a refreshing choice for sharing on a warm day.

Refreshing and fruity

Blackberry sangria is wonderfully refreshing, combining juicy berries with bright citrus for a lively, fruity flavour. Served chilled over ice, it’s an easy-to-enjoy drink that feels especially welcome on a warm day or alongside a relaxed meal.

Easy to make ahead

Blackberry sangria is easy to make ahead, making it ideal for entertaining. Simply mix the wine, fruit and any chosen spirit in a jug, then cover and chill for a few hours so the flavours can mingle. When you’re ready to serve, add the sparkling water or lemonade and ice for a refreshing finish.

Blackberry sangria is perfect for sharing, making it a lovely centrepiece for a relaxed get-together. Mix a generous jug ahead of time, then let everyone help themselves to a glass filled with chilled wine, juicy blackberries and citrus. It’s an easy, sociable drink that brings a little colour and a festive feel to the table.

Pairs well with Spanish tapas

Blackberry sangria pairs beautifully with Spanish tapas. Its juicy berry notes and refreshing citrus balance the saltiness of dishes such as olives, manchego and cured ham, while a chilled glass is a lovely match for patatas bravas or crispy croquetas. Serve it alongside a selection of small plates for an easy, sociable meal.

Easy to tailor to your taste

Blackberry sangria is easy to tailor to your taste. Add a little extra fruit or sugar for a sweeter drink, use sparkling water for a lighter finish, or choose lemonade for more fizz and sweetness. You can also adjust the wine, add a splash of brandy, or experiment with seasonal fruit until you find your favourite combination.

Can be high in sugar.

Blackberry sangria can be high in sugar, particularly when made with sweet wine, lemonade or added sugar. The fruit also contributes natural sugars, so several glasses can add up quickly. To make a less sweet version, use a dry wine, choose sparkling water instead of lemonade and add little or no extra sugar.

Contains alcohol.

Blackberry sangria contains alcohol, so it may not be suitable for everyone, including children, people who are pregnant, or those who avoid alcohol for health, religious or personal reasons. It can also be easy to drink more than intended, particularly when the fruit and sweetness mask the taste of the wine. Enjoy it in moderation, and consider offering an alcohol-free alternative.

Needs time to chill.

One drawback of blackberry sangria is that it needs time to chill before serving. Leaving it in the fridge for at least a couple of hours allows the fruit flavours to infuse the wine, so it’s not ideal if you want to serve drinks straight away. Plan ahead by preparing the jug earlier in the day, then add the sparkling water and ice just before serving.

Fresh blackberries can be costly.

One drawback of blackberry sangria is that fresh blackberries can be costly, particularly when they’re out of season. If you’re making a large jug, the cost can quickly add up. Frozen blackberries are often a more affordable option and work well once they’ve thawed, although they may make the sangria slightly softer in texture.

May stain clothes or surfaces.

One small drawback of blackberry sangria is that its deep, berry-rich colour can leave stubborn stains on clothes, tablecloths or surfaces if spilt. Take care when pouring and serving, and wipe up splashes promptly to help prevent marks from setting.

Can taste too sweet for some.

Blackberry sangria can taste too sweet for some, particularly when ripe berries are combined with sugary wine, lemonade or added syrup. To keep the flavour balanced, use a dry wine and sparkling water, then add sweetener gradually and adjust to taste.