Berry Sangria

It’s been too long since we made a sangria around here! And with spring berries starting to appear, it felt like the perfect time for a fresh berry sangria.

This spring berry sangria combines fresh strawberries and raspberries with rosé wine and amaretto for a light, fruity pitcher cocktail that’s perfect for spring gatherings, brunch, or a sunny afternoon.

Fresh Berry Sangria

I always think of summer when talking about berries. I think it’s because we get so many blueberries and blackberries in late May, early June.

When is Berry Season?

Berry season starts in spring and continues into summer, although the exact timing depends on the type of berry and where you live. Strawberries are often among the first berries to arrive, followed by raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries as the season progresses.

Since there are usually multiple berry varieties available, I thought a mixed berry sangria would be a fun way to let nature do the flavors and coloring for us!! You can make this berries sangria with a mix of berries or just one variety—whatever is freshest and easiest to find.

You can use whatever fresh berries look best at your market. Strawberries and raspberries are my favorites for spring, but blueberries and blackberries work beautifully, too.

Want to know what’s in season without having to remember it all? My free Seasonal Produce Guide makes it easy to see which fruits and vegetables are typically in season throughout the year—so you can shop with the seasons and make the most of what’s available.

How to Store Fresh Berries

Berries are often one of the quickest things to go bad in homes. Part of the reason is that berries don’t ripen after they’ve been picked, so once they’re in your home, they begin their path toward unhappiness (I couldn’t think of a better word there).

They’re also especially prone to mold. When I get berries home from the market, I go through them. I pull out any that have gone bad. Berries that are blemish free are the last to be eaten as they have the longest shelf life!

There are two wayd to help avoid excess moisture. You can refrigerate berries unwashed and wash them just before eating, OR you can wash them before refrigerating—just be sure to dry them completely.

Organic berries are a great option if they’re available and fit your budget. If you buy conventional berries, don’t feel like you need to skip the recipe—just wash fresh berries thoroughly before using them.

What Berries Are Best for Sangria?

Strawberries and raspberries are especially good in this rosé berry sangria because their sweet-tart flavor pairs well with the wine and amaretto. You can also use blueberries, blackberries, or a combination of several berries.

The best berries for sangria are fresh, ripe berries that are in season. You don’t need to use a mix—a single type of berry works beautifully, too. Use whatever looks best at the market or whatever you already have on hand.

Berry Sangria Ingredients

Berries

This berry sangria uses fresh strawberries and raspberries, but you can easily customize it with other fresh berries. Blueberries and blackberries are delicious additions, especially later in the spring and summer.

Rosé Wine

Because it’s spring, a lovely rosé wine is just a fun treat – and so color appropriate! A lighter wine will help the berries really pop in this drink!

Amaretto

Not all sangrias have a spirit mixed in, but the addition of amaretto here is so delectable, you can’t skip it! Amaretto is an almond flavored alcohol and it pairs beautifully with the berries and adds a lovely layer of sweetness.

How to Make Berry Sangria

Combine Wine, Berries, and Amaretto

Add the rosé wine and amaretto to a large pitcher. Add the strawberries and raspberries and gently stir to combine.

Chill the Sangria

Refrigerate the sangria for at least two hours. This gives the berries time to infuse the wine and amaretto with their fresh fruit flavor.

Serve

Serve the berry sangria over ice. For a sparkling sangria, add a splash of club soda to each glass just before serving.

How to Make Sparkling Berry Sangria

If you like a little fizz, want your sangria to last a little longer among friends, or just want a lighter drink, opt for a sparkling berry sangria.

Right before serving, top each glass with a splash of club soda. The fizziness will sit on top for a bit, making it even more fun to drink.

FAQs

Can I use frozen berries in sangria?

You can use frozen berries instead of fresh berries in this sangria. Note that frozen berries have a different consistency after thawing, so you may have a slightly cloudy look or see pieces of fruit. The flavor will still be great!

How long should berry sangria chill?

Chill berry sangria at least two hours. If you’re able to chill the rosé wine, amaretto, and club soda (if using) before assembling the drink, you can cut the chilling time down a bit, but the flavors might not marry as much.

Can I make berry sangria ahead of time?

Yes. You can make this berry sangria up to a day ahead of time. It’s still delicious after that, but the fruit will start to break down into the sangria.

Can I use one type of berry in sangria?

Absolutely! You don’t need a combination of berries to make a delicious berry sangria. Strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, or blackberries can each be used on their own. Use whatever fresh berries are in season or look best at the market.

More Sangria Recipes

If you love sangria as much as me, you’ll want to try these sangria recipes for all year round!

We served this strawberry sangria and this cantaloupe sangria at our wedding. This cherry sangria was a very close contender as well!

In the early to mid summer, our plum pinot grigio sangria, nectarine sparkling rose sangria, kiwi raspberry sangria, and, my personal favorite, this watermelon sangria are each very fabulous!

In colder months, my winter sangria is a surefire hit, as is this pomegranate Christmas Sangria!

Year round, my chardonnay brunch sangria is my most popular by far (and for good reason) and this raspberry thyme sangria (made with frozen berries)!

More Berry Recipes

Looking for more strawberry recipes? Try this strawberry cilantro salsa recipe with fruit with blue corn chips and this strawberry compote – perfect in an ice cream sundae. If you’re up for a bit of cooking, this strawberry thyme jam is quite epic!

Love the tart sweetness of raspberries? You’ll love this raspberry margarita as well as my Sprite Cocktail made with fresh raspberries!