This blackberry lavender iced tea is your ticket to a tastebud vacation, right from your own kitchen. It’s bursting with juicy blackberry sweetness, kissed by calming lavender, and oh-so-refreshing on a hot day.
Recipe Highlights
- Simple, fresh ingredients: Blackberries, lavender buds, and black tea – that’s it!
- Calming twist: Lavender brings a delicate floral touch, soothing your body and soul.
- Iced perfection: Serve it over ice for a drink that’s cool, crisp, and totally satisfying.
Ingredient Notes
- Blackberries: Fresh or frozen, both work wonders. Fresh ones add a vibrant pop, while frozen ones give a smoother blend.
- Lavender: Dried culinary lavender is your best bet. Fresh sprigs can be a bit too strong.
- Black tea: Any black tea will do, but a bolder variety like Assam or Ceylon will stand up to the berries.
- Honey or maple syrup: Choose your sweetness! Honey adds a floral touch, while maple syrup gives a deeper caramel note.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Simmer the berries: In a saucepan, gently heat the blackberries, water, and lavender for 10 minutes. Mash the berries slightly as they simmer.
- Steep the tea: Remove from heat and add the black tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes, covered.
- Strain and sweeten: Strain the mixture into a pitcher, discarding the solids. Add honey or simple syrup to taste.
- Chill and serve: Let the tea cool completely, then pour over ice. Garnish with fresh lavender sprigs or lemon slices, if desired.
Storing and Preserving
Store the iced tea in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Freeze in airtight containers for longer storage, but the lavender flavor may fade slightly.
Questions You May Have
1. Is this tea good for you?
Yes, it’s a great way to get your antioxidants and enjoy the benefits of blackberries and lavender.
2. What can I serve this tea with?
This tea is delicious on its own, but it would also pair well with light summer snacks like fruit salad or cookies.
3. Is this tea good hot?
Sure! While it shines as an iced beverage, you can definitely enjoy it warm too. Just adjust the steeping time to 5-7 minutes.
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Blackberry Lavender Iced Tea
Course: Drinks4
servings5
minutes10
minutes15
minutesThis iced tea refreshing blend of summer berries and calming lavender, perfect for a hot afternoon.
Ingredients
1 cup fresh blackberries
4 cups water
1 tablespoon dried lavender
4 black tea bags
Honey or simple syrup, to taste (optional)
Fresh lavender sprigs and/or lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Directions
- In a saucepan, combine the blackberries, water, and lavender. Bring to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes, mashing the berries slightly as they cook.
- Remove from heat and add the tea bags. Let steep for 5 minutes, covered.
- Strain the mixture into a pitcher, discarding the solids. Add honey or simple syrup to taste, if desired.
- Let the tea cool completely, then pour over ice. Garnish with fresh lavender sprigs and/or lemon slices, if desired.
Notes
- For a stronger lavender flavor, infuse the tea with the lavender for an additional 5 minutes.
- This iced tea can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Frozen berries will release more juice and might require less simmering time.
- You can skip black tea bags if you want this tea to be pure herbal and caffeine-free.