Blackberry Sangria Recipe (Carrabba's Copycat)

Name: Blackberry Sangria Recipe (Carrabba's Copycat)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Latin
Ingredients: 2 Cups of Fresh Blackberries - Fresh fruit is best, but frozen blackberries work well too.; 1 Teaspoon of Orange Zest; 1/4 Cup of White Sugar; 1 Teaspoon of Vanilla Extract; 1 1/2 cups of Red Wine - see notes; 1 Cup of Lemon-Lime Soda such as Sprite or 7Up - Substitute with sparkling water or club soda for a less sweet option.; 3/4 Cup of Brandy - See notes; 1/2 Cup of homemade Blackberry Syrup; Fresh Blackberries, Orange slices, and Lime slices for garnish; Ice cubes.

September 3, 2024 by Juyali (ju-ja-lee) 36 Comments

Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe· 5 from 16 reviews

If you're a Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria fan, you've come to the right place! This copycat recipe will help you recreate that delicious, refreshing blackberry wine sangria at home.

You don't need to be a mixologist to whip up this fantastic and fun drink. In just a few easy steps, you'll be sipping on a glass of this fruity, famous blackberry sangria that's perfect for warm summer days or any time you want a taste of homemade sangria. Let's dive into this simple recipe that brings the beauty of Sangria to your kitchen.

Served Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria (copycat) recipe

Photo Credit: Alatinflair.com

I first tried the Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria at Carrabba's Italian Grill in Charlotte, NC. It was love at first sip!

The delightfull flavor of blackberries, the tang of citrus fruits, and the smoothness of brandy created a delicious fruity punch that left me wanting more. I knew I had to recreate this version of one of my favorite Spanish drinks 🍷 at home, adding my personal twist.

The original Carrabba's beverage uses Monin Blackberry Syrup and Tuaca Italian Brandy (a blend of brandy, citrus essences, vanilla, and other spices according to its label).

I wanted to capture that fruity flavor in this unique red sangria recipe with simple ingredients I could buy at the grocery store rather than purchasing unique liquors that may take a long time to consume. So, I've got a version that's just as good—if not better!

This Sangria was inspired by my other Sangria Recipe with Watermelon, Strawberries and Rosé wine) on this site, this Puerto Rican Tropical Sangria, and pairs well with this amazing Chimichurri Steak Tacos.

Jump to:

❤️Why you will love this homemade version of Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria Recipe
🍽 Equipment or tools you’ll need
🥘Ingredients and Substitutions
Tips For Best Brand of Brandy for Sangria Recipe
How To Instructions for an Easy Sangria Recipe
💭Vanilla Top TIP
How to Store Sangria
Frequently Asked Question
📖 GET THE RECIPE! 🍽️
Other Latin drinks you may like
Pairing suggestions for your Blackberry Sangria
⭐Leave a review!

❤️Why you will love this homemade version of Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria Recipe

SIMPLE AND EASY RECIPE - No need for fancy ingredients or complicated techniques: This copycat recipe is delicious and super easy to make. You'll love how this simple sangria recipe comes with just a few simple steps, and you'll have a pitcher of sangria that rivals the restaurant's. Plus, the homemade blackberry syrup with easy-to-find ingredients gives it that extra special touch of flavor. Yum!
PERFECT SUMMER DRINK for HAPPY HOUR or SUMMER GATHERINGS - This version of Carrabba's red Sangria recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a refreshing drink during the warmer months. Thanks to its vibrant blackberry flavor, it's the best Sangria you'll ever make! Whether you're enjoying it on a hot summer day or at a backyard BBQ, this twist to the classic Sangria will be a hit. So, pour yourself a glass of Sangria, kick back, and enjoy!
MAKE AHEAD - Did you know that Sangria can be prepared ahead of time? Mix all ingredients (except the soda) the night before, allowing the flavors to meld, and be ready to serve within minutes! 😎

🍽 Equipment or tools you’ll need

Medium saucepan
Fine mesh strainer
Mason jar
Large pitcher
Festive sangria glass or any wine glasses
Wooden spoon or similar utensils to mix the sangria.

🥘Ingredients and Substitutions

To make this Blackberry Sangria Recipe, you'll need to make the Blackberry Syrup first, then assemble with the remaining Sangria ingredients.

Ingredients for the Blackberry Syrup

This blackberry syrup is incredibly easy to make and tastes way better than store-bought! (This recipe makes approximately 1/2 to 3/4 cup or 4-6 ounces)

Ingredients for Blackberry Syrup for Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria recipe

See the Printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities.

Fresh Blackberries: Fresh summer fruit is best, but frozen blackberries work well too.
Orange Zest: Adds a lovely citrusy note.
White Sugar: Just enough to sweeten the syrup.
Vanilla Extract: This is the secret ingredient 😉. Gives the syrup a rich depth of flavor.

Ingredients for the Sangria

Only simple ingredients!

Ingredients for Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria (copycat) recipe

Full bodied RED WINE - Cabernet Sauvignon or Pinot Noire work well. Dry red wine is best, but if you prefer a sweet red Italian wine, go for it! The best wine for this recipe is one you love to drink alone.
LEMON-LIME SODA - For a sweeter Sangria, use Sprite or SevenUp, or substitute with sparkling water or club soda for a less sweet option.
BRANDY - See notes and tips below for type of brandy.
Fresh BLACKBERRIES, ORANGE slices, and LIME slices: These fresh fruits are essential for that fresh flavor.
Homemade BLACKBERRY SYRUP - This star ingredient gives the sangria its signature flavor.
ICE CUBES: To keep the sangria chilled and refreshing.

Tips For Best Brand of Brandy for Sangria Recipe

While brandy is a key ingredient in this sangria, not all brandies are created equal.

Choosing the best Brandy for a Sangria recipe is essential for achieving that perfect balance. Look for a full-bodied brandy, which will complement the sweetness of the fruit and wine. Spanish brandy is a great choice because it’s aged in oak barrels, giving it a richer taste. But don’t worry if you don’t have a specific brand in mind—a little brandy goes a long way in this delicious cocktail and any good-quality brandy will do.
The key is to choose a quality brandy that enhances the flavor of the Sangria. Some top picks for a good Sangria include sweeter brandies, which blend beautifully with the other ingredients.

Some Brandy recommendations for the best Sangria

More Premium: Carlos I Solera Gran Reserva
Good choice for the price: Pedro Domecq Presidente Brandy
Very affordable: Paul Masson Brandy Grande Amber VSOP

How To Instructions for an Easy Sangria Recipe

MAKE THE BLACKBERRY SYRUP

Blackberry Syrup instructions for Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria recipe

Step 1 - Cook the blackberries: In a medium saucepan, combine blackberries, orange zest, and sugar.

Step 2 - Simmer: Cook over medium heat for about 5 minutes until the blackberries break down and release their juices.

Step 3 - Smash and simmer: Smash the berries with a potato masher and continue to cook for another 5 minutes at low heat.

Step 4 - Strain: Pour the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer, pressing down to extract as much liquid as possible.

Step 5 - Add vanilla extract: Stir in the vanilla extract and store in a Mason Jar. Let it cool down and refrigerate.

💭Vanilla Top TIP

Adding the Vanilla last and after the syrup has been cooked ensures a full vanilla flavor in this fruit syrup. Since most Vanilla is alcohol-based, it evaporates and cooks down when heated, losing much of its aromatic and delicious vanilla flavor.

📋 NOTE: This recipe makes between 1/2 to 3/4 cups of syrup, but you’ll only need 1/2 cup for the sangria. You can use more or less depending on your preferred sweetness. The extra syrup can be stored in the fridge and used for pancakes or ice cream—DELICIOUS!

Homemade Blackberry Syrup with citrus and vanilla notes!

Blackberry Syrup served in jar for Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria recipe

MAKE THE SANGRIA

Assemble all ingredients

Prep Ingredients for Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria (copycat) recipe 5

Step 1: Gather remaining ingredients (brandy, wine, syrup, lemon-lime soda, and blackberries). Slice oranges and limes.

Assembling Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria (copycat) recipe-106

Step 2 - In a pitcher or large jar, add the fruits, 1/2 cup of blackberry syrup, and brandy.

Assembling Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria (copycat) recipe-120

Step 3: Add the wine.

Assembling Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria (copycat) recipe-111

Step 4: Top with lemon-lime soda (or sparkling water for a less sweet taste). Stir well.

Serve and Enjoy your new Berry Sangria!
Pour over ice and garnish with additional fruit for a finishing touch. That's it! Your homemade Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria is ready to be enjoyed!

Served Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria (copycat) recipe-62-2

EASY BLACKBERRY SANGRIA RECIPE!

How to Store Sangria

Leftover sangria can be stored in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. For best results, transfer it to an airtight container or cover it with plastic wrap.
Sangria stays fresh for about 3-5 days but if you want to keep it longer, freeze it in a freezer-safe container. Or freeze leftover sangria in an icecube tray for tasty ice cubes.

Frequently Asked Question

How long does Sangria last in the fridge before it goes bad?

For the freshest tate, Sangria is best enjoyed within a few days of making it. The shelf life of Sangria depends on several factors, including the freshness of the fruits, the storage conditions, and the length. Sangria will generally last 3-5 days in the refrigerator if stored properly.

To extend the shelf life of Sangria, store it in an airthight container in the fridge. The alcohol content will help preserve it for a longer period od time, but it’s still best to consume it within 3-5 days.
After day 5, the color may change, and the flavor may become more of fermented fruit and even taste more alcoholic. If you notice any off smells or tastes, it’s time to toss it.

If you’re planning to keep Sangria for an extended period, it’s a good idea to remove the fruit pieces after the first day to avoid them going bad and affecting the flavor of the sangria. Freezing the Sangria (without the fruit) is the best way to preserve the fresh flavors beyond 3-5 days.

There you have it! A fantastic copycat recipe for Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria that's easy to make at home and can be customized to your liking. With fresh fruits, a good Sangria comes together quickly and tastes just as good as the restaurant version. Whether serving this red wine punch at a party or enjoying a glass on a warm summer evening, you'll love how refreshing and flavorful this drink is.

Served Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria (copycat) recipe overhead view-49-2

Remember, the key to great Sangria is using the freshest ingredients and a bit of creativity. So next time you're in the mood for a fruity wine-based drink, try this recipe, and feel free to experiment with different fruits and wines. You'll be glad you did!

Now you have the secret to a delicious, homemade Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria. Cheers to enjoying a glass of homemade Spanish Cocktail that's just as delicious as the real deal. I hope it becomes your new FAVORITE DRINK!

📖 GET THE RECIPE! 🍽️

Other Latin drinks you may like

See more Drinks →

Pairing suggestions for your Blackberry Sangria

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