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Refreshing Berry Sangria Pitcher Recipe Easy Homemade Summer Drink with Fresh Basil

refreshing berry sangria pitcher - featured image

A simple and refreshing berry sangria pitcher infused with fresh basil, perfect for summer gatherings. This easy homemade drink combines fresh berries, crisp wine, and a subtle herbal twist for a bright and vibrant flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 750 ml dry, fruity red wine (Tempranillo, Garnacha, or young Cabernet Sauvignon)
  • 2 cups fresh berries (strawberries hulled and sliced, blueberries, raspberries)
  • 1012 fresh basil leaves, washed and gently torn
  • 1 medium orange, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup brandy or peach schnapps (optional but recommended)
  • 23 tablespoons simple syrup or honey, to taste
  • 1 cup club soda or sparkling water, chilled
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Rinse berries gently and remove stems or hulls as needed. Slice the orange into thin rounds. Tear basil leaves loosely to release oils but avoid shredding them into tiny pieces. (About 10 minutes)
  2. Pour 750 ml of your chosen red wine into a large pitcher. Add 1/4 cup brandy or peach schnapps. Stir gently to blend.
  3. Add the berries, orange slices, and torn basil leaves to the pitcher. Stir carefully to avoid crushing the berries too much. (2 minutes)
  4. Drizzle in 2-3 tablespoons of simple syrup or honey. Stir again and taste. Adjust sweetness if needed. (1-2 minutes)
  5. Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 hours, to let flavors marry and basil aroma develop.
  6. Just before serving, add about 1 cup of chilled club soda or sparkling water for fizz. Stir gently to combine.
  7. Serve over ice cubes in glasses, garnished with a fresh basil leaf or extra berries.

Notes

Add sparkling water just before serving to keep the sangria fizzy. Avoid over-muddling the basil and berries to prevent bitterness and cloudiness. Chill for at least 2 hours for best flavor; up to 24 hours is acceptable but fresh is best. Use fresh, ripe berries for optimal taste. Non-alcoholic version can be made by substituting wine with grape juice and omitting brandy.

Nutrition

Keywords: berry sangria, fresh basil sangria, summer drink, homemade sangria, easy sangria recipe, refreshing sangria, berry cocktail, basil cocktail