Blueberry and Lemon Iced Tea Recipe
Description:
The Blueberry and Lemon Iced Tea is the ultimate refreshment for hot summer days, combining the fresh, vibrant flavors of blueberries, zesty lemon, and smooth tea. This delightful iced tea is perfect for cooling off and refreshing your palate while offering a relaxing and calming experience with the addition of fresh mint. The fusion of natural sweetness from the berries and a tangy burst from the lemon makes this iced tea the perfect beverage to serve at your next summer gathering.
Cuisine: Continental
Course: Beverage
Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Blueberries (or any locally available berries) | 1/3 cup |
| Tea bags | 3 |
| Water | 2 cups |
| Sugar (to taste) | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon juice (freshly squeezed) | From 2 lemons |
| Ice cubes | As required |
| Lemon (sliced for garnish) | 1 |
| Fresh mint (for garnish) | A few sprigs |
Nutritional Information:
This recipe serves approximately 4 servings. Each serving contains:
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~60 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | ~15 g |
| Sugars | ~12 g |
| Protein | ~0 g |
| Fat | ~0 g |
Note: Nutritional values are estimated and may vary based on specific ingredient brands and quantities.
Instructions:
-
Prepare the Berry Mixture:
In a saucepan, combine 1/3 cup of blueberries, 1/4 cup of sugar, and the juice of 2 fresh lemons. Cook the mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally until the sugar has dissolved and the blueberries break down, releasing their juices and becoming mushy. This should take around 5 minutes. -
Make the Tea Base:
Once the berries have softened, add 2 cups of water to the saucepan and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Once boiling, add 3 tea bags and turn off the heat. Allow the tea to steep for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse. -
Strain and Extract the Juices:
After steeping, remove the tea bags and strain the entire mixture through a fine mesh sieve into a pitcher. Press gently with the back of a spoon to extract all the juices from the berries and the tea. Discard the solid remnants. -
Chill the Tea:
Once the juices are fully extracted, place the pitcher in the refrigerator for about an hour, or until the tea is chilled. -
Serve and Garnish:
When ready to serve, pour the chilled Blueberry and Lemon Iced Tea into glasses filled with ice cubes. Garnish each glass with a slice of lemon and a sprig of fresh mint for an extra touch of refreshment.
Serving Suggestions:
For the perfect pairing, serve your Blueberry and Lemon Iced Tea with Jalapeno Potato Cheese Balls and Four Pepper Cheese Dip at your next summer tea party or gathering. The combination of the tangy iced tea and savory bites will surely impress your guests.
Enjoy a glass of this cooling, vibrant iced tea that’s not only delicious but also packed with the goodness of fresh fruit and aromatic herbs. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or just looking for a refreshing drink to enjoy on a warm afternoon, this Blueberry and Lemon Iced Tea is the perfect choice to keep you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
