Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria - A Sweet Taste of Summer

Capturing the ripe, fruity flavors of summer, Carrabba's famous blackberry sangria recipe is easy to recreate at home. This sweet and refreshing Italian sangria features a base of vivacious red wine and triple sec liqueur, infused with the juicy goodness of fresh blackberries and oranges. It's lightly sweetened with syrup and sprite for a fizzy lift. The result is a gorgeous crimson-hued sangria bursting with juicy blackberry and citrus flavors in every sip. Whether enjoying grilled meats, pasta dishes, or nibbling on appetizers, this sangria adds a brilliant pop of Italian summer flavor. Read on for the origins of sangria, helpful tips, and the secret to making this top-rated Carrabba’s recipe!

History of Sangria

Sangria originated in Spain and Portugal, where it was traditionally made with red wine mixed with fruit, juice, spices, and brandy. The wine punch was served at festivals and parties. Sangria grew popular in America thanks to the proliferation of Spanish-style tapas restaurants and Mexican cantinas putting their unique spin on sangria recipes.

Benefits of Blackberry Sangria

Not only delicious, this homemade sangria offers some excellent health benefits:

Antioxidants

Blackberries provide anthocyanins and tannins with anti-inflammatory properties.

Vitamin C

Oranges supply immune-boosting vitamin C.

Heart Health

Red wine contains resveratrol, which supports heart health.

Fiber

The fresh fruit provides filling fiber important for digestion.

Hydration

The sangria helps you meet daily fluid needs.

Tips for Making Carrabba’s Blackberry Sangria

Follow these tips for authentic Carrabba's-worthy sangria:

Fruit Choice

Blackberries and orange slices are musts. Peaches, pineapple, or mango add nice flavor too.

Wine Selection

Choose an inexpensive, smooth Italian red wine like Chianti or Valpolicella.

Liqueur Options

Triple sec adds sweetness, but you can swap in brandy, rum, or amaretto.

Sweeteners

Use simple syrup, fruit juice, or soda like ginger ale or sprite.

Chill Thoroughly

Let sangria chill in the fridge 4-12 hours so flavors infuse.

The Complete Carrabba’s Blackberry Sangria Recipe

To make this top-rated sangria at home you'll need:

Ingredients

1 bottle red wine, 1⁄4 cup triple sec, 1⁄4 cup simple syrup, 2 cups blackberries, 1 orange sliced, sprite or ginger ale, ice.

Instructions

Combine wine, triple sec, syrup, blackberries, and orange slices in a pitcher. Refrigerate 4-12 hours. Add soda and ice just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this fruity, refreshing sangria:

As an Appetizer

Served alongside Italian antipasti, bruschetta, or garlic bread

With Grilled Meat

Paired with steak, chicken, sausages, or lamb

With Pasta

Complementing chicken parmesan, seafood linguine, or meatballs

At Parties

Offered at gatherings, barbeques, or cocktail parties

Garnish with Fruit

Topped with lime, berries, peaches, or melon wedges

Making Pitchers for Crowds

To serve a crowd, simply multiply the recipe. Here's a guide:

Small Pitcher

2 bottles wine, 1⁄2 cup liqueur, 1⁄2 cup syrup, 4 cups fruit, 2 cans sprite

Large Pitcher

4 bottles wine, 1 cup liqueur, 1 cup syrup, 8 cups fruit, 4 cans sprite

Storing and Leftover Sangria

Properly stored, leftover sangria keeps well:

Fridge

Keeps 2-3 days refrigerated.

Freezer

Freeze extra wine mixture for 2-3 months.

Using Leftovers

Add leftover wine to lemonade, fruit salads, or use for cooking.

Conclusion

With its intoxicating medley of ripe blackberries, sweet citrus, refreshing soda, and smooth red wine, Carrabba’s famous blackberry sangria is the essence of Italian summer in a glass. The secret is letting the fruit infuse in the wine and liqueur overnight to develop the rich flavors. Fun to make in big batches for parties, tailgates, or barbecues, this homemade sangria also pairs perfectly with grilled meats, meatballs, or Italian pasta dishes. With this easy recipe, you can mix up this top-rated Carrabba’s cocktail for all your warm weather sipping needs.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of berries?

Yes, feel free to experiment with raspberries, blueberries or strawberries.

2. Is chilled soda water a good substitute for sprite?

Yes, soda water can be used instead of sprite for a less sweet option.

3. How long does the sangria need to chill before serving?

For best flavor, chill the sangria base 4-12 hours before adding soda and serving.

4. Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the wine mixture up to 3 days in advance, then add soda before serving.

5. What food pairs well with blackberry sangria?

Italian meats, cheeses, pasta dishes, and grilled chicken or seafood.