Menu
Author:
Tracy Nawara
Raspberry iced tea is a favorite refreshment of many people, especially during the summertime. It is such a popular drink, it can be found in almost all soda fountains. It is usually a processed mix of artificial raspberry flavor, tea, and sugar. This sweet, refreshing tea is beloved.
The packaged processed raspberry iced tea is loaded with sugars and artificial ingredients. Making a version at home is a healthier and easy option for iced tea-lovers, without all the refined sugar and chemicals found in the bottled version.
This Refreshing Homemade Raspberry Iced tea is made with 5 simple ingredients, all of which are accessible to all. This recipe features white tea, water, raw sugar, raspberries, and lemon. The tea tastes just like the classic packaged version, but with way more real raspberry flavor.
This iced tea uses white tea instead of green or black. White tea pairs so well with the tartness of the raspberries, so it is preferred over any other kind. It is a mild, light tea with tons of antioxidant benefits even greater than green tea and black tea. White tea also has less caffeine content, so it is perfect for people who prefer to avoid caffeinating.
The mildness of the white tea highlights the raspberry flavor and allows it to shine. Fresh raspberries are used in this recipe, which is cooked down slightly with fresh lemon juice. This allows the berries to be pushed through a fine-mesh strainer to capture any seeds. Seeds inside your tea will not make for a pleasant experience, as they will impact the chug-ability.
Traditional iced teas have processed and refined sugar inside. This iced tea uses granulated raw sugar just to make a healthier and less processed drink. Raw sugar has a deeper flavor, mirroring brown sugar without the molasses. Adding raw sugar to this tea makes for a slightly elevated and nuanced beverage.
For the sugar to dissolve fully, add it to the tea while it is still steeping and hot. Raw sugar dissolves best in warm liquid, so the hotter the better. Stir and allow the sugars to dissolve while the tea bags infuse the water.
Once the tea is brewed and the raspberry puree is added, a small amount of additional cold water is mixed in to dilute and cool down the tea. Place the drink into the fridge and allow it to chill completely before serving. For a fun and summery garnish, float some fresh whole raspberries and lemon wedges at the top of the tea and serve with a straw.
Gather around the grill or the pool with your loved ones and soak up some sun with a chilled beverage. For your next backyard gathering, make this Refreshing Homemade Raspberry Iced Tea, perfect for summertime. It is even great as a cocktail with a little rum, but enjoy responsibly!
Begin by steeping your teabags. Add them to a large heat-proof pitcher and carefully pour in 8 cups of boiling water. Allow the tea to steep for at least 20-25 minutes. Add the sugar while the mixture is still hot so that it dissolves completely.
Meanwhile, add the raspberries to a small saucepan along with the lemon juice. Bring to a low simmer and mash the berries with a fork or potato masher. Allow it to simmer for 2 minutes.
Strain the raspberry mixture with a fine mesh strainer to remove all the seeds. You may have to use a spoon to push the puree through the strainer.
Add the raspberry puree into the tea and give it a good mix, Dilute with 2 cups of cold water and place in the fridge to cool completely.
When ready to serve, fill a tall glass with ice. Pour the raspberry tea over the ice and serve with 2-3 fresh raspberries and a lemon slice.
