Iced Tea Punch with Fresh Berries
If you're looking for a refreshing and flavorful drink to quench your thirst on a hot day, try making this recipe for a pitcher of iced tea punch with black tea, berries, and fresh mint. This punch is made with brewed black tea, fresh berries, and a handful of mint leaves for a refreshing and delicious flavor. The tea provides a subtle caffeine boost while the berries add a sweet and tangy flavor that's perfect for summer. The mint leaves add a refreshing herbal note and also aid in digestion. This recipe is perfect for entertaining guests at a summer gathering or for enjoying as a family. It's easy to make and can be customized to your taste by adding more or less fruit and adjusting the sweetness to your liking. So why not give this iced tea punch recipe a try and enjoy the refreshing taste and health benefits of this delicious drink!
How to Make a Pitcher of Iced Tea Punch for Sharing!
Stay cool and refreshed this summer with this easy-to-make recipe for a pitcher of iced tea punch packed with juicy fresh berries, oranges, and mint.
What’s the Difference Between Iced Tea and Sweet Southern Tea?
Sweet Southern tea is a type of iced tea. Sweet tea and iced tea are almost the same with a slight difference. Iced tea is unflavoured, nothing added, steeped tea. Sweet tea is sweetened hot tea that is served over ice, or can be enjoyed hot. This iced tea recipe uses maple syrup to sweeten the tea so you could say it is ‘sweet tea’.
Is Iced Tea Healthy?
Iced tea can be very healthy depending on what ingredients go in such as excess sugars and unnatural flavours etc. Tea itself is healthy but does contain caffeine. Those that are sensitive to caffeine should add more ice/water to dilute the tea, use less tea, less steeping time or use a naturally caffeine free herbal tea such as rooibos to make this iced tea. Cold brewing tea is also a great idea as cold water extracts less caffeine than hot water. Simply add your tea bags to a jug of cold water and allow to infuse for 4-12 hours.
What Sweetener Should I use for Iced Tea?
I’m using maple syrup to sweeten this iced tea as I love the smoky maple syrup taste with black tea. However, feel free to switch to honey, agave or sugar for a lighter, more delicate taste.
What Type of Tea Should I use for Iced Tea?
Traditionally, strong black tea is used for iced tea. However, you can use any type of black tea or other tea you wish. It’s great to experiment with the flavors of different types of tea. This iced tea recipe works really well with black tea, maple syrup and sweet fruits. Alternatively, you could use green tea or a herbal tea such as rooibos would work too.
Originally, when iced tea was first created in America, green tea was often used. However, over time black tea was used because it was more cost effective.
What to Serve With Iced Tea Punch
We love serving this iced tea punch with fresh berries with our favorite masala chai infused apple & blueberry pie made with health(ish) paleo pie pastry and sweetened with maple syrup.
You could also try these fabulous tea infused desserts to pair with your iced tea punch:
My Tips for Making a Pitcher of Iced Tea
When making this iced tea recipe, it’s a good idea to make a batch ahead of time to allow the fruit to infuse with the tea for added natural sweetness and summery flavor. I like to make mine at least an hour before serving. Overnight works great.
You can also cold brew your iced tea by infusing your tea bags in a jug of cold water and allowing to steep for 4-12 hours before removing the tea leaves or tea bags.
Its always best to use more tea and less steeping time to avoid a bitter brew. I like to add 8 tea bags in 4 cups of freshly boiled water and steep for 3 minutes. Then add the sweetener and pour over a large jug of ice. When pouring out the tea, add more ice in glasses. You can also top up with more water if you wish to dilute further.
One jug will serve 8-10 large glasses of iced tea.
Feel free to use less tea for a more delicate flavour. You can also add more or less maple syrup/agave/honey or sugar to taste.
Making a jug or pitcher of iced tea punch from scratch couldn’t be easier. It’s a case of brewing the tea, adding your sweetener of choice and then pouring over a large jug of ice. Add lots of fresh berries, slices of orange and a handful of fresh mint. Pop in the fridge for an hour or so to allow the fruit to infuse for extra sweetness. Pour over large glasses of ice and add more fruit and mint sprigs if you want to be a bit more fancy.
Want to Make it an Alcoholic Tea Punch?
If you would like to make it an alcoholic tea punch, simply add a dash of your favorite tipple to your glass of ice and pour over the iced tea punch. I love a dash of rum!
How to Make a Delicious Pitcher of Iced Tea Punch From Scratch
Here’s a step by step guide on how to make this iced tea punch with fresh berries from scratch:
INGREDIENTS (Serves 8-10)
6-8 teaspoons of loose leaf black tea or 6-8 black tea bags
1/2 cup of maple syrup - to taste
1 cup of blueberries
1 cup of strawberries - sliced
1 large orange - sliced
Handful of fresh mint
Lots of ice
METHOD
In a jug or tea pot add 6-8 tea bags and 4 cups (32fl oz) of freshly boiled water. Allow to steep for 3-5 minutes before removing the tea.
Add your sweetener and stir to dissolve.
Pour your steeped sweet tea over a large jug of ice, add blueberries, strawberries, orange slices and a large handful of mint.
Pop in the fridge for an hour or overnight for the fruit to infuse.
Pour your iced tea punch over large glasses of ice with extra fruit and mint springs.
Read More of My Iced Tea Recipes
It is important to note that any health advice provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet, exercise routine, or overall health. The information provided is not a substitute for professional medical advice.