Beat the heat with this incredibly refreshing Blueberry Iced Tea lemonade! This unique twist on traditional iced tea is sure to quench everyone’s thirst and impress your guests.
Made with a cold brew method (or stovetop if you prefer!), this fruity iced tea is packed with fresh blueberries, zesty lemon juice, and a subtle hint of mint that will remind you of those long summer days.
A Sip of Nostalgia
Growing up, my grandmother always added mint to her sweet tea, creating a refreshing experience. This recipe incorporates that nostalgic touch, offering a familiar and comforting taste that you’ll adore.
Cold Brew vs. Stovetop: Your Choice!
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility. You can choose to make it the quick and easy cold brew way, or opt for the stovetop method for a more traditional approach.
I prefer the cold brew method because it’s so simple and allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time.
Ingredient Customization
Feel free to experiment with other fruits if blueberries aren’t your favorite. Strawberries, blackberries, or even watermelon would work wonderfully!
Just remember to adjust the amount of sugar accordingly, as different fruits have varying levels of sweetness.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Incredibly Refreshing: The combination of blueberries, lemon, and mint creates a perfectly balanced and thirst-quenching beverage.
- Easy to Make: Whether you choose the cold brew or stovetop method, this recipe is simple and straightforward.
- Versatile and Customizable: Feel free to adjust the ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, relaxing by the pool, or simply want a refreshing drink, this iced tea is a great choice.
- Naturally Sweetened: Using fresh blueberries adds natural sweetness, allowing you to control the amount of added sugar.
- Nostalgic and Comforting: The hint of mint evokes a sense of nostalgia, reminding you of simpler times and warm memories.
Let’s Get Brewing!
Yields: 6 servings
Prep Time: 1 day (for cold brew) or 15 minutes (for stovetop)
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
- 2 cups fresh blueberries
- 2 cups sugar (adjust to your preference)
- Juice of one lemon
- 7 1/2 cups water, divided
- 3-4 fresh mint leaves
- 4 Green tea bags (Lipton or Luzianne recommended)
Instructions:
Cold Brew Method:
1- Prepare the Blueberry Syrup: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine 1/2 cup of water and 2 cups of fresh blueberries. Bring to a boil and cook for about 3 minutes. Mash the blueberries as they cook.
2- Strain the Juice: Pour the mashed fruit juice through a fine strainer into a bowl. Use the back of a spoon to squeeze out all the blueberry juice.
3- Combine and Infuse: Pour the strained blueberry juice, lemon juice, the remaining water, and mint leaves into a pitcher. Mix very well, then add the tea bags.
4- Refrigerate: Refrigerate for 7-24 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
5- Serve: Pour ice into each glass, then pour in the blueberry iced tea.
Stovetop Method:
1- Prepare the Blueberry Syrup: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine the blueberries, sugar, and a small amount of water (about 1/2 cup). Bring to a boil and cook for 3 minutes, mashing the blueberries as they cook.
2- Strain the Juice: Pour the mashed blueberries through a strainer into a bowl, using the back of a spoon to squeeze out the liquid.
3- Brew the Tea: Using the same pot over medium-high heat, add the remaining water. Bring to a boil, then add the green tea bags. Steep for 5 minutes.
4- Combine and Refrigerate: Pour the brewed tea, blueberry juice, remaining water, lemon juice, and fresh mint into a pitcher. Mix well. Refrigerate overnight.
5- Serve: Serve with lots of ice.
Recipe Notes:
– Make Ahead: This recipe tastes best when made hours in advance, allowing the flavors to mingle in the fridge.
– Fresh or Frozen Blueberries: While frozen blueberries can be used, fresh blueberries provide a superior taste in this recipe.
– Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
Enjoy!
I hope you love this Blueberry Iced Tea with Lemon and a Hint of Mint! Let me know in the comments how you like to make your iced tea and what fruits you enjoy using. Happy sipping!
I am a writer, editor, and publisher of Grillcuisines.com – an online blog dedicated to sharing grilling tips, accessories, and recipes to encourage more people to get outside and grill.
I’m off to find out the different types of grill foods, their seasons, and how to conduct outdoor cooking properly. I’ll also show you some of my grill-worthy cooking tools & accessories!
