Juicy, woodsy, and the most refreshing pour of summer.
This sangria is one of my favorite drinks to make when I want something fancy but super easy.
It’s earthy, juicy, just sweet enough, and that hint of sage gives it a cozy, unexpected twist.
If you’ve never added herbs to your wine before—this is your sign.
It’s perfect for sharing with friends at brunch, sipping on the porch, or serving at a relaxed dinner party.
Just a few simple ingredients and a little time to chill—that’s it.
🍷 What You’ll Need
- 1 bottle Pinot Noir (750ml)
- 1 cup fresh blackberries
- 1 orange, thinly sliced
- 4–6 fresh sage leaves (plus more for garnish)
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
- 1/2 cup club soda (added right before serving)
- Ice (for serving)
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something magical about this sangria. I first made it for a casual backyard dinner and everyone went quiet after the first sip—then came the “wait, what’s in this??” moment.
- It’s super easy to throw together (no bartending skills needed)
- Sage and maple syrup make it feel warm and woodsy
- It’s not too sweet—just the right balance
- It tastes even better after sitting for a few hours
- Feels fancy, but it’s actually very chill
🍷 Servings + Time
- Serves: 6
- Total Time: 10 minutes prep + 2–4 hours chilling
🔬 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
- Sage + Red Wine = Earthy Harmony: Sage has natural oils that release flavor into the wine as it steeps. This balances the fruity wine with a woodsy note.
- Maple Syrup is Key: It dissolves easily (unlike sugar) and adds a rich, subtle sweetness.
- Letting It Sit: Letting the sangria rest allows the fruit, herbs, and wine to blend together. Flavor develops over time.
❗ Common Mistakes
- Adding soda too early: It’ll go flat! Always add it right before serving.
- Overpowering with sage: Sage is strong—4 to 6 leaves is plenty.
- Using underripe fruit: Make sure your blackberries are juicy and sweet.
- Not letting it chill: This needs time in the fridge to soak up the flavors.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
- A cheese and charcuterie board (brie, prosciutto, almonds)
- Herby grilled chicken or pork
- Flatbreads or crostini with goat cheese and honey
- Roasted veggie platter
🧰 Tools Needed
- Large pitcher or jug
- Wooden spoon or cocktail muddler
- Measuring cup
- Small sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Glasses for serving
🔁 Substitutions & Variations
- Wine: Use a fruity Zinfandel or Merlot instead of Pinot Noir.
- Maple syrup: Try honey or agave syrup.
- Fruit: Add sliced peaches or strawberries.
- Herbs: Swap sage for rosemary or basil for a different twist.
- Make it fizzy: Add flavored sparkling water instead of plain club soda.
🕒 Make-Ahead Tips
- Make this up to 24 hours in advance (minus the club soda). The longer it sits, the better it gets.
- Store in the fridge with the fruit and sage still in the pitcher.
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Add Blackberries to Pitcher
Instructions:
Pour 1 cup of fresh blackberries into a large pitcher. Use a wooden spoon to lightly muddle them—just enough to release some juice but keep the fruit mostly whole.
Step 2: Add Orange Slices and Sage
Instructions:
Add the thin orange slices and 4–6 fresh sage leaves to the pitcher with the blackberries.
Step 3: Pour in Maple Syrup
Instructions:
Pour 1/4 cup of pure maple syrup into the pitcher.
Step 4: Add Pinot Noir
Instructions:
Slowly pour the entire bottle of Pinot Noir into the pitcher.
Step 5: Stir and Chill
Instructions:
Stir everything gently with a wooden spoon, cover the pitcher, and chill in the fridge for 2–4 hours.
Step 6: Serve Over Ice with Club Soda
Instructions:
Right before serving, fill glasses with ice. Pour in the chilled sangria, then top with a splash of club soda. Garnish with extra sage if you like.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
- Store in the fridge for up to 2 days (it’ll lose a bit of fizz).
- Remove any wilting herbs before storing.
- Add fresh soda and ice when ready to serve again.
🥂 Conclusion
This blackberry sage sangria is the kind of recipe that turns an ordinary day into something special. It’s easy, stunning, and full of flavor. Whether you’re hosting friends or just want something cool to sip on, you’ll be glad you made this. Give it a try, and let me know how yours turned out in the comments—or ask a question if you’re unsure about anything!
❓ FAQ
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Yes! Let them thaw first so they can release their juice.
What if I don’t like sage?
Try rosemary or just skip the herbs for a fruitier version.
Can I make it non-alcoholic?
You bet—use grape juice instead of wine and leave out the syrup or use less.
