Flavored iced teas are the quintessential refreshing summer drink. Perfectly sweet, but not too sweet, this delicious homemade blueberry iced tea is made with fresh blueberries and black tea. Easy to prepare in advance, it is ideal for your next picnic or BBQ.
Please read the entire post for tips and tricks to ensure a perfect recipe every time. And don't forget to tag @peelwithzeal on Instagram so we can admire your creation!
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Iced Tea Ingredients & Substitutions
- Blueberry Syrup- This iced tea uses our blueberry syrup recipe for both the blueberry flavor and the sweetness. It can be made with fresh or frozen berries. I suggest making a double batch because it only takes 20 minutes and keeps in the refrigerator for two months. I once tried making a blueberry iced tea recipe with crushed blueberries and sugar, it did not work. It required significantly more refined sugar to get the sweetness and didn't have much blueberry flavor. Using the syrup if definitely the easy way to go.
- Black Tea- We like this recipe with a solid black tea. Nothing fancy, just easy and approachable. You can also use green tea. We used bags for this recipe. But bulk tea works too, just be sure to use the equivalent of 6 bags.
- Lemon & Mint- While not required, the lemon and mint add an additional layer of flavor. The mint enhances the refreshing quality of the iced tea. While the lemon brightens up the overall flavor.
- Water- We always recommend using filtered water for tea and coffee drinks.
Flavored Iced Tea Tips
To be honest, iced tea is pretty easy to make. But here are a few tips to ensure the perfect blueberry tea:
- When making a fruit-flavored iced tea, always strain fruit syrup (or the final tea product before serving, depending on the recipe). You don't want seeds or skins floating in your tea.
- Use quality tea, but not fancy expensive blends, that you like as regular brewed tea. Regardless of what you add, flavor or sweetness, the tea will always be the predominant flavor.
- Allow the tea to rest so the fruit flavor is spread throughout.
- To increase the sweetness of the tea, make a simple syrup rather than adding straight sugar to your tea. To make simple syrup, combine equal parts sugar and water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until sugar is totally dissolved. Cool and add to tea or cocktails, as needed.
Please leave us a comment and let us know how this recipe worked for you. Don't forget to share your creation on Instagram. Tagging us @peelwithzeal or #peelwithzeal
📖 Recipe
Blueberry Iced Tea
Equipment
Ingredients
- 6 Black tea bags
- 8 cups Filtered water, divided
- ¾ cup Blueberry syrup see link below for recipe
- Lemon slices, mint for garnish
Instructions
- Bring 5 cups of water to a boil. Remove from heat and add tea bags. Steep 10 minutes.
- Discard tea bags. Pour the tea into a pitcher. Add the blueberry syrup, stirring until totally incorporated. Add the remaining 3 cups of water.
- Chill for a minimum of one hour. Serve with lemon slices and mint leaves.
Notes
- The Blueberry Syrup recipe has options for straining and not straining. Be sure to strain the syrup before adding to the tea.
- tea will keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, be sure to cover the pitcher.
Angela says
I love lemon and blueberry together. The flavor of this tea is amazing. It might become a staple in my frig.
Tara says
Such a light and refreshing tea! I love that color. Definitely the perfect accompaniment for a summer bbq.
Elaine says
Sometimes I do need a refreshener like this. And when that happens next time, I better have this ice tea ready in the kitchen. Love how easy and quick it is to make it!
Alison says
Such a refreshing summer drink! I appreciate the subtle natural sweetness.
Iryna says
What a great idea for summer entertaining! I've never made iced tea before, but I might give this a try when the weather gets warmer and we can spend more time outdoors.