How to Make Blueberry Iced Tea

This simple blueberry tea is sweet, fruity, and just plain refreshing! You can make a single cup or entire pitcher to enjoy with a crowd. 

I find the history of tea so interesting. One story of the beginning of iced tea goes that during the 1904 Worlds Fair, the weather was so hot that no one was interested in a certain tea vendor’s hot tea. He decided to pour the tea over ice and called it iced tea. The result was a hit! Some say iced tea was around years before and just made popular by tea vendor, Richard Belchynden, at the world’s fair. Either way, no one can argue that iced tea is a beloved beverage today and is the perfect refreshing drink, especially during the hot summer months.

Growing up in my home, my mom always made the classic Lipton iced tea with lemonade. She pretty much perfected that recipe with the perfect tea to lemonade ratio. I decided to put my little twist on it and add blueberry instead. The result is pretty amazing and I’m excited to share it with you today. 

About Blueberry Iced Tea

You can make this tea as a single cup or as an entire pitcher to serve to a crowd. 

This recipe is perfect for serving at BBQs, summer holidays, brunches, showers, and most everything other events you can name! It can be made ahead of time, it looks so refreshing, and almost everyone loves it!

If you are restricting sugar, don’t miss out on this flavorful tea. You can make this recipe sugar-free! (See the section titled “A Little Bit About Blueberry Syrup and How to Make it Sugar-Free”)

I mention lemon and mint as optional, but really you should try it! 

What is Blueberry Iced Tea?

This recipe is a black tea steeped extra strong and mixed homemade blueberry syrup. It is then served over ice for the perfect summer sip. Add a few fresh blueberries or a slice of lemon for garnish if you wish or add in a few leaves of fresh mint. I’m sure it won’t disappoint. 

Does Blueberry Iced Tea have caffeine?

Yes, the base of this tea is a black tea which contains caffeine. The exact amount varies with the type of black tea and the length of time chosen to steep the tea. 

What is in Blueberry Iced Tea?

• Lipton Tea bags – I’ve used regular Lipton tea bags, but you can also use another type of black tea or loose leaf black tea. 
• Water – chose filtered water for the best-tasting tea.
• Blueberry Syrup (recipe below)
• Ice – this is a must! This recipe is made strong enough to hold up even with melting ice.
• Lemon (optional)
• Mint (optional)

How to Make Blueberry Iced Tea
Supplies

• Pot or Tea Kettle
• Tea Bag Strainer
• Measuring Cups
• 1 Quart Mason Jar
• Stirring Spoon

Ingredients

• Black Tea Bags (I used Lipton)
• Water
• Homemade Blueberry Syrup
• Ice 

Instructions

1. Bring 6 Cups of Water to a boil. (195 degrees F)
2. Turn off heat and add 6 tea bags.
3. Cover and steep for 6 minutes. 
4. Remove the tea bags and squeeze the remaining liquid from them using a tea bag stainer.
5. Allow the tea to cool.
6. When cool enough to handle, transfer to a 1-quart mason jar. 
7. Stir in blueberry syrup.
8. Refrigerate until completely cold.
9. Serve over ice.
10. Garnish with blueberries, lemon, or mint. (or use all three)

How to Make a Single Serving:

Add 1 tea bag to 1 cup of boiling water. Allow too steep for 6 minutes. Remove the tea bag. Mix in 1/2 cup of blueberry syrup. Pour over ice and enjoy!

Tips for Amazing Iced Tea

• Always use filtered water when available for brewing tea. Good-tasting water makes the best-tasting tea!
• Add fresh lemon slices for a hint of citrus.
• Add fresh mint! It complements the blueberry and adds brightness to the glass.

How to Store Iced Tea

Blueberry Tea should be covered with an airtight lid and refrigerated for long-term storage. This tea will last several days refrigerated, however, if it should start to smell rancid or develop an off-color it should be discarded. 

A Little Bit About Blueberry Syrup and How to Make it Sugar-Free

Blueberry syrup is about as easy to make as it can get. I wanted to share a few tips with you so you can make it to suit your taste.

First of all, you can make this without sugar! Yes, it will taste just as amazing with your choice of sweetener. I’ve used the following, however, keep in mind the amounts will vary depending upon the brand or variety you use. 

• Honey (equivalent measurements to sugar)
• Stevia 
• Maple Syrup

Blueberry Syrup Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 Cups Fresh Blueberries 
• 1 Cup of Sugar
• 2 Cup of Water

Instructions

1. Place blueberries, sugar, and water into a medium pot on the stovetop.
2. Turn heat on low.
3. Stirring occasionally, cook until all blueberries pop and sugar is fully dissolved. 
4. Turn off heat and allow the mixture to cool down.
5. Strain out blueberry solids. (I usually strain straight into a canning jar to store.)
6. Refrigerate.
7. Once the syrup is cool it is ready to add to tea.

More Tea Recipes You Are Sure to Love

• Cold Brew Green Tea
• Rose Hip Tea
• Lady Grey Tea
• Vanilla Chai Tea
• Ginger Chai
• English Breakfast Tea

I hope you enjoy this iced tea recipe. Leave a comment below and let’s connect! 

Tea is Always a good idea.”

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