Blackberry Iced Tea With Cinnamon and Ginger ๐น
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 6
Description:
Indulge in the delightful fusion of blackberries, cinnamon, and ginger with this refreshing iced tea recipe. Perfect for a sunny afternoon or a cozy evening, this beverage offers a burst of flavor without compromising on health. Whether you opt for the natural sweetness of blackberries or choose to use a sugar substitute, this recipe promises a tantalizing experience for your taste buds.
Ingredients:
- 6 cups water
- 12 black tea bags
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1-inch piece of fresh ginger, sliced
- 1 cup frozen blackberry juice concentrate
- 1/2 cup sugar (or sugar substitute of choice)
- 1/2 cup fresh blackberries (optional, for garnish)
- Extra cinnamon sticks, for garnish
Instructions:
- Prepare the Tea Mixture:
- In a large saucepan, heat the water until it’s just about to reach a boil.
- Add the black tea bags, cinnamon sticks, and sliced ginger into the water.
- Steep the Tea:
- Remove the saucepan from heat, cover it, and allow the tea mixture to steep for approximately 15 minutes. This infusion period allows the flavors of the cinnamon and ginger to meld beautifully with the tea.
- Sweeten to Taste:
- Once steeped, add the frozen blackberry juice concentrate to the tea mixture. Stir well to combine.
- Sweeten the tea with sugar or your preferred sugar substitute, adjusting the sweetness to your liking. Remember, if you’re aiming for a diabetic-friendly version, opt for the sugar substitute to keep the carbohydrate count low.
- Strain and Chill:
- Strain the infused tea mixture into a pitcher to remove the tea bags, cinnamon sticks, and ginger slices, ensuring a smooth and flavorful base.
- Cover the pitcher and transfer it to the refrigerator to chill. Allowing the tea to cool enhances its refreshing appeal and makes it ready to serve over ice.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- When ready to serve, fill glasses with crushed ice and pour the chilled blackberry iced tea over it.
- Garnish each glass with a fresh blackberry or a cinnamon stick for an extra touch of elegance and flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 113.8
- Fat Content: 0g
- Saturated Fat Content: 0g
- Cholesterol Content: 0mg
- Sodium Content: 5.8mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 29.3g
- Fiber Content: 0.1g
- Sugar Content: 26.9g
- Protein Content: 0g
Recipe Notes:
- This blackberry iced tea can be customized to suit various dietary preferences. For a vegan-friendly option, simply omit the sugar and opt for a vegan-approved sweetener.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness of the tea according to your taste preferences. You can always start with a smaller amount of sweetener and gradually add more until it reaches your desired level of sweetness.
- To make a larger batch of this refreshing beverage, simply double or triple the ingredients accordingly. It’s perfect for serving at gatherings, picnics, or brunches with friends and family.
- For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of fresh lemon juice to the tea mixture before chilling. The hint of citrus complements the blackberries and spices beautifully, enhancing the overall taste experience.
- To make ahead, prepare the tea mixture and chill it in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply pour the chilled tea over ice and garnish as desired. This make-ahead option is perfect for entertaining or for enjoying a refreshing beverage on a hot day without any hassle.
