Recipe for Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria - How to Make this Berry Delicious Cocktail at Home

Carrabba’s Italian Grill is known for its delicious homemade Italian dishes, warm hospitality, and of course - its iconic blackberry sangria. This sweet and fruity signature sangria is a perfect way to get the meal started. Follow this easy recipe to learn how to make Carrabba’s blackberry sangria at home.

Overview of Carrabba's Blackberry Sangria

Carrabba’s signature blackberry sangria features red wine mixed with the fresh sweetness of blackberries and a hint of brandy. The result is a cocktail that is smoothly complex with bright fruit flavor.

Key Qualities of Carrabba's Sangria:

• Puréed fresh blackberry flavor
• Notes of oak and pepper from Cabernet wine
• Sweet triple sec orange liqueur
• Subtle fruit-forward brandy
• Fresh blackberries for garnish

Ingredients

To make 1 pitcher of sangria, you will need:

• 1 bottle (750ml) Cabernet Sauvignon red wine
• 1⁄4 cup brandy
• 1⁄4 cup triple sec
• 1⁄4 cup sugar
• 2 cups blackberries, plus more for garnish
• 1⁄4 cup lime juice
• Sparkling water or ginger ale
• Orange slices for garnish

Directions

Make blackberry purée:

1. In a blender, purée 2 cups blackberries with 1⁄4 cup lime juice and 1⁄4 cup sugar until smooth.
2. Strain mixture through a fine mesh sieve, pressing to extract liquid.
3. Discard seeds. Set purée aside.

Assemble sangria:

1. In a pitcher, combine wine, brandy, triple sec and blackberry purée.
2. Stir well to fully incorporate.
3. Refrigerate for 1-2 hours to allow flavors to develop.
4. Before serving, add sparkling water and stir gently.
5. Add fresh blackberry and orange slices for garnish.

Make it Your Own

Personalize your blackberry sangria with these tweaks:

• Fruits: peaches, mango, strawberries
• Herbs: basil, rosemary, lavender
• Liqueurs: elderflower, passionfruit, lychee
• Spices: cinnamon, cardamom, ginger

Tips for Best Results

Here are some tips for making amazing sangria every time:

• Use fresh, ripe fruit at their peak
• Chill sangria for at least 2 hours before serving
• Use a robust Cabernet or other fruity red wine
• Add sparkling water to dilute if too strong
• Serve sangria in a pitcher with fruit garnish

How to Serve Carrabba’s Sangria

Here are some fun ways to serve your homemade batch:

• Classic wine glasses
• Large goblets with plenty of fruit
• Individual mason jars for each guest
• Sangria pitcher with extra fruit
• Carafe or decanter for easier pouring

Conclusion

With its lovely blend of blackberry, citrus, wine and brandy, Carrabba’s Italian Grill's signature sangria is the perfect way to get any meal started. Impress your friends with this restaurant copycat recipe. Just be ready for requests for more refills and the recipe! Salute!

FAQs

What kind of wine works best?

A fruity Cabernet Sauvignon is ideal. Merlot or Zinfandel also work well.

Can I use frozen blackberries?

Fresh blackberries are best for full flavor, but frozen can work in a pinch.

How long does sangria last?

Store sangria covered in the fridge for 2-3 days, adding sparkling water as needed.

What liquor can I use instead of brandy?

Substitute peach schnapps, vodka, gin, rum, or even more triple sec.

Should sangria have ice?

Sangria can be served over ice, but isn't necessary since it's already chilled.