Of all the ways to enjoy blackberries one of the tastiest ways is this refreshing mixed berry iced tea. Our blackberries have been so abundant and delicious this year. The bushes have produced about double from last year. I’m really enjoying going out almost daily and picking them and coming up with tasty ways to use the blackberries. If you’re interested in growing your own be sure to read our post on growing blackberries.
ICED TEA
Those who know me, know my favorite thing to drink is sweet iced tea. I grew up drinking it and if you come over you’ll always find a gallon pitcher of some type of iced tea in the refrigerator. I’ve tried all types, flavored, black, green and everything in-between. This recipe can be made with any type of tea bag but my two favorites are green tea or regular Lipton tea.
THE BERRY BLEND
Blackberries, raspberries, and blueberries are my favorite berries so it’s the blend I use most but you can use any you like. Blackberries and strawberries are also tasty together in iced tea. Peaches, mangos, and passion fruit are popular but I tend to stick with seasonal fruits I can grow or purchase at our local farmers market.
As with any recipe experiment with your fruits. You’re sure to find several winning combinations!
SWEETENER
Sweet or unsweet? Here in the south there really is only one acceptable answer, yes. Now how to sweeten it varies. I grew up on regular C&H sugar. As I worked to improve my health I’ve switched around to raw sugar, stevia and so many other “types” of sugar. I’m slowly trying to phase out regular sugar in our house in favor of honey. The berries in this recipe sweeten it so you may find you have to adjust the sweetener. Use your favorite type or leave it out altogether.
GARNISH
This recipe for mixed berry iced tea is so refreshing without anything else but I do like to occasionally squeeze a bit of lemon in it, especially when our trees are covered in ripe lemons. Another tasty garnish is just a bit of mint. Since we grow mint lemon-mint the leaves can serve for both.
REFRESHING, HEALTHY & HYDRATING
Here in Texas, especially in the summer, we are always looking for ways to cool down and stay hydrated. This mixed berry tea is perfect in every way. Blackberries are full of vitamin c, vitamin K and antioxidants. Blueberries are 84% water, loaded with vitamin K1, vitamin C and Manganese. Raspberries contain vitamin C, Vitamin K, folate, vitamin E, potassium and manganese as well as lesser amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and copper.as well as lesser amounts of thiamin, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B-6, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, and copper.
INGREDIENTS
- 2 quarts hot water
- 2 family-size tea bags or 8–10 small tea bags
- 1 ½ cups fresh blackberries, divided
- 1 ½ cup fresh raspberries
- ½ cup of fresh blueberries
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 4 slices fresh lemon
- 3–4 sprigs fresh mint
- Garnish: lemon wedges, fresh blackberries, fresh mint
DIRECTIONS
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- In a large container, combine 2 quarts hot water and tea. Let steep for 8-10 minutes; remove tea bags.
- In a medium bowl, mash 1 cup blackberries, 1 cup raspberries, ¼ cup blueberries; stir in sugar and lemon juice.
- Add the berry mixture to the tea.
- Let the tea cool to room temperature; refrigerate about 3 hours.
- Strain mixture through a fine-mesh sieve into a pitcher; discard solids. Stir in remaining blackberries, raspberries, blueberries, lemon slices, and mint.
- Serve tea over ice. Garnish with lemons, berries, and mint, if desired.
OTHER WAYS TO USE BLACKBERRIES
Are you looking for other ways to use berries? You’ll want to give our blackberry jelly recipe a try for sure!
If you’d like to learn how to grow your own blackberries be sure to read How to Grow the Best Blackberries
