When it comes to cooling down on a hot day, few things are more satisfying than a tall glass of iced tea. But this isn’t just any iced tea — this is Blackberry Sage Iced Tea, a uniquely flavorful infusion that’s fruity, slightly earthy, and surprisingly refreshing.
The tartness of juicy blackberries pairs beautifully with the gentle herbal notes of fresh sage leaves, creating a drink that’s both elegant and invigorating. It’s lightly sweetened with honey or your favorite natural sweetener, making it perfect for summer parties, brunches, or simply sipping on the porch.
This iced tea doesn’t just taste good — it looks stunning, too. Deep purple hues, floating berries, and fresh herbs make this a drink that feels as luxurious as it is easy to make.
📝 Ingredients (U.S. Standard Measurements)
- 4 cups water
- 4 black tea bags (or use green tea for a lighter version)
- 1 cup fresh blackberries (plus more for garnish)
- 4–5 fresh sage leaves (plus more for garnish)
- 2–3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
- Ice cubes, for serving
- Sparkling water (optional, for topping)
👨🍳 Instructions
- Make the tea base: In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil. Remove from heat and add the tea bags and sage leaves. Cover and steep for 5–7 minutes.
- Sweeten and infuse: While the tea is steeping, place the blackberries and honey in a small bowl. Mash the berries slightly with a spoon or muddler to release their juices. After steeping, remove the tea bags and sage, then stir in the mashed blackberry mixture and lemon juice if using.
- Strain and chill: Pour the tea through a fine-mesh strainer into a pitcher to remove the solids. Let the tea cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until cold (about 1–2 hours).
- Serve: Fill glasses with ice and pour in the chilled blackberry sage tea. Garnish with fresh blackberries, a sage leaf, and a splash of sparkling water if you like bubbles.
🥤 Nutrition Information (Per Serving – serves 4)
- Calories: 45 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Carbohydrates: 11 g
- Fat: 0 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Sodium: 5 mg
Note: Nutrition may vary slightly depending on sweetener and tea type used.
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Make it ahead: This tea keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just stir before serving.
- Frozen berry tip: No fresh blackberries? Use frozen ones — just thaw slightly before mashing.
- Boost the flavor: Add a few thin slices of lemon or orange to the pitcher for citrusy depth.
- Cold brew version: You can cold brew the tea and sage overnight in the fridge for a smoother, less tannic flavor.
- Zero sugar version: Skip the sweetener or use stevia/monk fruit for a sugar-free option.
🍽 From Me to You: My Extra Touch ✨
For an elevated presentation, freeze whole blackberries and a tiny sage leaf inside ice cubes — they’ll float in the glass and release flavor as they melt.
Hosting a brunch or garden party? Turn this into a mocktail bar by offering small pitchers of sparkling water, lemonade, and blackberry syrup so guests can customize their drink.
Or… turn it into a cocktail with a splash of gin or vodka — it pairs beautifully with botanical spirits!
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