This Blackberry Sage Iced Tea is a refreshing, antioxidant-rich herbal drink that combines sweet blackberries, earthy sage, and bright lemon for a unique and cooling beverage. Naturally vegan, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly, this tea is perfect for hot summer days, backyard gatherings, or a relaxing afternoon treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Refreshing & hydrating – Perfect for warm weather.
- Unique herbal flavor – Sage adds an earthy depth to the fruity blackberries.
- Naturally sweetened – Uses maple syrup for a refined sugar-free option.
- Vegan & gluten-free – A great choice for all diets.
- Easy to make – Just 15 minutes to prepare!
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
- 3 tablespoons fresh sage leaves
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup (adjust to taste)
- 4 cups water
- Ice cubes
Directions
1. Prepare the Tea Base
- In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a gentle simmer.
- Add blackberries and sage leaves, then let simmer for 5-7 minutes to infuse the flavors.
2. Strain & Sweeten
- Remove from heat and strain the mixture to remove solids.
- Stir in maple syrup and lemon juice while the tea is still warm.
3. Chill & Serve
- Allow the tea to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate until chilled.
- Fill glasses with ice cubes and pour the tea over ice.
- Garnish with extra blackberries and sage leaves, if desired.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Stronger herbal flavor – Add a sprig of rosemary or mint while steeping.
- Fruity twist – Mix in raspberries or blueberries for extra berry flavor.
- Sparkling version – Replace half the water with sparkling water after cooling.
- Caffeine boost – Brew with black tea or green tea for an energy kick.
- Alcoholic version – Mix with gin or vodka for a summer cocktail.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Refrigerator – Store in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer – Freeze into ice cubes for a quick infusion in other drinks.
FAQs
1. Can I use dried sage instead of fresh?
Yes! Use 1 tablespoon dried sage in place of fresh.
2. Can I use honey instead of maple syrup?
Absolutely! Honey, agave, or coconut sugar all work well.
3. Can I serve this warm instead of iced?
Yes! Enjoy it as a soothing herbal tea in colder months.
4. How do I make this tea stronger?
Let it steep for 10-15 minutes or use more blackberries and sage.
5. Can I use a different herb instead of sage?
Yes! Try basil, mint, or thyme for a different herbal twist.
6. What’s the best way to strain the tea?
Use a fine-mesh strainer or cheesecloth for a smooth texture.
7. Can I add black tea for caffeine?
Yes! Steep 1-2 black tea bags with the blackberries for a bolder flavor.
8. What type of blackberries work best?
Fresh or frozen both work, but ripe, juicy blackberries give the best flavor.
9. Can I make a large batch for a party?
Yes! Simply double or triple the ingredients as needed.
10. How do I make this tea more refreshing?
Serve over crushed ice with a lemon or lime wedge for extra brightness.
Conclusion
This Herbal Blackberry Sage Iced Tea is a cool, refreshing, and unique drink that’s easy to make and naturally healthy. Whether you’re serving it at a summer picnic or enjoying a relaxing moment at home, this tea is a delicious way to stay hydrated and refreshed. Try it today and enjoy a burst of fruity and herbal goodness in every sip!
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Herbal Blackberry Sage Iced Tea
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Cool off with this Herbal Blackberry Sage Iced Tea, a refreshing and flavorful summer drink! Made with fresh blackberries, aromatic sage, and a hint of lemon, this naturally sweetened herbal tea is perfect for hot days, backyard gatherings, or a relaxing afternoon treat. Plus, it’s vegan, gluten-free, and paleo-friendly!
Ingredients
- 1 cup blackberries (fresh or frozen)
- 3 tbsp fresh sage leaves
- 4 cups water
- 3 tbsp maple syrup (or sweetener of choice)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Ice cubes (for serving)
Instructions
- Prepare the Tea:
- In a saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a gentle boil.
- Remove from heat and add fresh sage leaves. Cover and let steep for 10 minutes.
- Muddle the Blackberries:
- In a bowl, mash blackberries with lemon juice and maple syrup to release their juices.
- Strain & Mix:
- Strain the sage tea into a pitcher, discarding the leaves.
- Strain the blackberry mixture into the tea, pressing to extract all the juice. Stir well.
- Chill & Serve:
- Let the tea cool, then refrigerate until chilled.
- Serve over ice cubes, garnished with extra blackberries and sage leaves if desired.
Notes
- Make it fizzy: Add sparkling water for a bubbly twist.
- Adjust sweetness: Use honey, agave, or stevia instead of maple syrup.
- Boost the flavor: Add a green tea bag or yerba mate while steeping for a mild caffeine kick.
- Make it ahead: Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Drink
- Method: Steeping, Mixing
- Cuisine: Herbal, Healthy
