Image Credit – Kelsey
If you’re looking for a unique and flavorful cocktail for date night or a cozy evening, this Burnt Sage and Blackberry Sangria for Two is a must-try! The smoky, earthy aroma of burnt sage perfectly complements the sweet and tart blackberries, creating a beautifully balanced drink. Infused with red wine, citrus, and a touch of honey, this small-batch sangria is rich, refreshing, and perfect for sipping. Whether you’re enjoying a quiet night in or hosting an intimate gathering, this cocktail is sure to impress.
Cocktails are rarely a solitary experience in my household. Many of the cocktails you find on this site are created in duplicate because they are shared among two or more people in one sitting. Which got me thinking, Why don’t I have more cocktails for two on here? So, I’m going to try and have more of those around in the next few months.
Burnt Sage and Blackberry Sangria for Two
First up, Sangria. Except, this is way more complex of a Sangria than I thought I would be able to get out of it. This is due to an extreme case of being flustered, tired, and combating a cold. To sum it up, I was too lazy to check in on it after the first day and just let it sit for two days in the fridge. Result: sangria for cocktail lovers.
Sangria holds a special place in my memory. I remember the first time I drank it. At the office going away party that was thrown for me when I turned 21 and moved out to Los Angeles. Let’s get our story straight though; turning 21 had nothing to do with moving west. It was a passing fancy when a friend of mine decided to move out here, and I decided I would too. It was a last-minute decision. Rarely did I make well-thought-out decisions at that age. Anyway, since there was a table of us, and technically, we were at lunch and people would be returning to the office, a pitcher of Sangria was ordered. At 21, this seemed exotic and fancy, the same way that seeing someone bring out a flaming bowl of liquor at a Chinese restaurant was exotic 10 years prior. I don’t remember how it tasted, only that it was red Sangria. Since then, I’ve been spectacularly disappointed by this drink many a time.
But now something in me wanted to make this again and make it good. Thankfully, procrastination made this work in my favor.
Burnt sage? YES. Just lightly torch the edges; don’t try and burn up the whole leaf. If you find you’ve charged it too much, just break that part off. This was also an excuse to use more of the black pepper syrup I have stored up in the fridge; it’s really much more versatile than I thought and adds a peppery bite to the syrupy blackberries and wine.
This Burnt Sage and Blackberry Sangria drink is for two but can easily be adapted into a larger batch. If you have a third of a bottle lying around, it’s a good way to use that up.
- 4-1/2 oz. Red Wine (Malbec used here)
- 3 oz. Four Roses Bourbon
- 1 oz. black pepper syrup
- 3/4 oz freshly squeezed lime juice
- 4-5 burnt sage leaves
- 8 blackberries
- 4 slices of blood orange
Directions
- Burn the edges of the sage leaves and let cool for a few seconds. Add the leaves to the bottom of a mixing glass; add syrup and lime juice. Lightly muddle.
- Add blackberries and crush, leaving some pieces more intact than others. Pour in wine and whiskey, add orange slices, stir to combine, and cover (I used the other half of the Boston Strainer for a cover). Let sit for two days refrigerated to steep.
- After two days, stir gently. Fill two rocks glasses with ice cubes. Carefully pour the contents of the mixing glass between the two glasses.
Don’t be afraid of the overpowering smell of whiskey you will have when you first make this. It needs to sit and steep. What you get at the end of two days is a sweet and sharp elixir. On the nose are orange and berry, followed by more berry on the palate with subtle layers of tart and pepper with an earthy undertone. It’s rich, which is the one characteristic that I find lacking in most Sangrias. There is a heavier body that the whiskey contributes to overall, making this seem almost more like a rather large cocktail than just a ‘wine’ drink.
Now I somehow need to do this with white wine. Wish me luck.
This Burnt Sage and Blackberry Sangria for Two brings a sophisticated twist to classic sangria, combining deep fruity flavors with a hint of smokiness. It’s easy to make, beautifully aromatic, and perfect for a relaxed evening. Try it out, and let us know in the comments how you liked it or if you added your own creative twist! We’d love to hear your thoughts. Cheers!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you make Burnt Sage and Blackberry Sangria for Two?
To make this Burnt Sage and Blackberry Sangria for Two, muddle blackberries with burnt sage, mix with red wine, citrus, honey, and let it infuse for a rich, smoky flavor.
What kind of wine works best for Burnt Sage and Blackberry Sangria?
A medium- to full-bodied red wine like Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Tempranillo pairs well with the deep flavors of blackberries and burnt sage.
Can I make Burnt Sage and Blackberry Sangria in advance?
Yes! Prepare it a few hours ahead and let the flavors meld in the fridge. Just add ice and any sparkling elements right before serving for the best taste.
Burnt Sage and Blackberry Sangria for Two : Aromatic & Bold
Ingredients
Instructions
- Burn the edges of the sage leaves and let cool for a few seconds. Add the leaves to the bottom of a mixing glass; add syrup and lime juice. Lightly muddle
- Add blackberries and crush, leaving some pieces more intact than others. Pour in wine and whiskey, add orange slices, stir to combine, and cover (I used the other half of the Boston Strainer for a cover). Let sit for two days refrigerated to steep.
- After two days, stir gently. Fill two rocks glasses with ice cubes. Carefully pour the contents of the mixing glass between the two glasses.
