First, it’s important to have all your ingredients ready. Place your wine, juices, fruits, and additional flavorings on the counter. This way, you have everything at your fingertips. You wouldn't want to be caught in a mixing tangle!

Open your bottle of dry Spanish red wine and pour it into a large pitcher. This will be the foundation of your sangria. Next, add the cranberry juice and stir the mixture gently. It's important to combine these two base liquids well. They work together to create a balanced flavor profile.

Now, it’s time to add the brandy. Pour in the brandy and the homemade simple syrup. You want to adjust the sweetness to your preference here. Do a little taste test. If you’d like it sweeter, feel free to add the optional tablespoon of honey.

Take your thinly sliced lemon and orange and add them to the pitcher. Follow that with the fresh blackberries. Then use a wooden spoon to gently mix everything. This is where the magic begins! The fruits will infuse the drink with their vibrant flavors.

Grab another cup of blackberries and lightly mash them using a fork. You want them to burst just enough to release their juices. Once mashed, add them to the pitcher. This will deepen the color and flavor of your sangria. Trust me; you’ll thank me later.

If you’re feeling adventurous, drop in a cinnamon stick. It’ll add a lovely warmth to your sangria and take it up a notch on the flavor scale. Give everything one last gentle stir.

Cover the pitcher with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate it for at least 2 hours. This allows all the flavors to meld beautifully. When you’re ready to serve, pour the sangria over ice in glasses.