Sweet, fruity, and just a little fancy—perfect for warm nights and easy get-togethers.
Intro
Let me tell you—this Mixed Berry Red Sangria is one of my go-to drinks when I want something fun, fruity, and crowd-pleasing without a lot of fuss.
It’s juicy from the berries, a little spicy from the cinnamon, and it has just the right kick from the brandy and wine.
You can make it ahead, and it only gets better with time. No blender, no stovetop. Just mix, chill, and pour.
🍓 What You’ll Need
- 1 bottle (750ml) dry red wine (like Merlot or Cabernet Sauvignon)
- 1 cup orange juice (fresh-squeezed or good quality store-bought)
- 1/2 cup brandy
- 1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup blackberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 cinnamon stick
❤️ Why I Love This Recipe
This drink feels like summer in a glass. It’s fruity but not too sweet, easy to make, and looks so beautiful on the table. Here’s why I keep coming back to it:
- Make-ahead friendly – It tastes better after a few hours or overnight.
- No special tools – Just a pitcher and a knife.
- Customizable – Use whatever berries you’ve got.
- Perfect for sharing – A real show-stopper at cookouts or dinner parties.
🍷 Why This Recipe Works (Quick Science)
The alcohol (wine and brandy) pulls flavor from the fruit over time. The acidity from the orange juice balances the richness of the wine, while the cinnamon adds a warm, subtle spice that infuses slowly. The chilling helps everything blend and mellow. No need for sugar—just pure fruit and spice goodness.
🍴 Tools You’ll Need
- Large pitcher (at least 2 quarts)
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cup
- Spoon for stirring
🔄 Substitutions and Variations
- Wine: Use white wine or rosé for a lighter twist.
- Berries: Try strawberries or cherries instead.
- Juice: Pineapple or cranberry juice instead of orange.
- Booze-free: Swap the wine with grape juice and skip the brandy.
⏱️ Make-Ahead Tips
This sangria is better if you make it ahead! Let it chill at least 4 hours or overnight. Just add ice or sparkling water right before serving if you like it fizzy.
👩🍳 Pro Tips
- Use fresh fruit if you can—it holds up better.
- Slice the orange thin so it releases more juice and oils.
- Chill for at least 4 hours before serving—trust me.
- Gently stir to avoid breaking the berries.
- If using frozen fruit, let it thaw before adding.
🧊 Leftovers & Storage
Leftover sangria? Pop it back in the fridge, tightly covered, for up to 2 days. The fruit gets softer, but the flavor deepens. Don’t freeze—it changes texture.
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Slice the Orange
Cut the orange into thin, round slices.
Step 2: Add Fruit and Cinnamon to Pitcher
Place blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, orange slices, and cinnamon stick into a large pitcher.
Step 3: Pour in Wine, Brandy, and Juice
Add the red wine, brandy, and orange juice into the pitcher with the fruit.
Step 4: Stir Gently
Use a long spoon to gently stir everything together, mixing without mashing the berries.
Step 5: Chill
Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 4 hours (or overnight).
Step 6: Serve
Pour the chilled sangria into glasses, making sure each glass gets some fruit.
🍽️ What to Serve With It
- Grilled meats (chicken, steak, or kebabs)
- Cheese boards with soft and hard cheeses
- Tapas like olives, marinated peppers, and nuts
- Light desserts like lemon bars or shortbread
⛔ Common Mistakes
- Using sweet wine – Too sugary with the juice.
- Adding soda early – It goes flat. Add bubbly right before serving if you want.
- Not chilling long enough – You need the fruit to steep!
- Crushing the berries – You’ll get a pulpy mess.
❓ FAQ
Can I use frozen berries?
Yes! Let them thaw a bit before adding so they don’t water it down.
Can I make this non-alcoholic?
Totally. Use grape juice instead of wine and skip the brandy.
What’s the best wine to use?
Go for dry red wines like Merlot, Cabernet, or even a Spanish Tempranillo.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely—just make sure you have a big enough pitcher!
🍷 Makes: 6 servings
🕒 Total Time: 10 minutes prep + 4 hours chill
💬 Final Thoughts
This sangria is one of those “set it and forget it” drinks that always impress. It’s simple, delicious, and full of bold berry flavor. I hope you love it as much as I do!
Try it out and let me know how it goes in the comments—I’d love to hear what fruits or twists you added!
