When it comes to refreshing summer drinks, iced tea is a classic. But why settle for ordinary when you can create something elegant and herbaceous like this Blackberry Sage Iced Tea? It’s an elevated twist on traditional iced tea that combines the bold flavor of black tea with sweet-tart blackberries and the earthy, aromatic touch of fresh sage. The result is a drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious—perfect for garden parties, brunches, or simply relaxing on the patio.
Blackberries lend a rich, purple hue and fruity complexity, while sage adds an herbal note that pairs surprisingly well with tea. You’ll simmer the berries and sage into a flavorful syrup, then blend it with brewed tea and lots of ice. The drink is not overly sweet and can be easily adjusted to your taste. You can make it ahead, serve it in a pitcher, or dress it up in a glass with garnishes and fresh herbs. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just trying to stay cool, this iced tea is a vibrant and refined way to enjoy summer.
Ingredients
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4 cups water (divided)
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3 black tea bags (or 3 tsp loose leaf black tea)
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1 cup fresh blackberries (plus more for garnish)
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4–6 fresh sage leaves (plus more for garnish)
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¼ to ⅓ cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
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1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
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Ice (for serving)
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Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Optional add-ins: -
Sparkling water (to top off for fizz)
-
Mint sprigs or rosemary instead of sage
-
A splash of blackberry liqueur for a grown-up twist
Preparation
Brew the tea
Step 1: Boil water and steep tea
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat and add the black tea bags. Let them steep for 5–7 minutes depending on your preferred strength. Remove tea bags and set the tea aside to cool.
Make the blackberry sage syrup
Step 2: Simmer blackberries and sage
In another saucepan, combine 1 cup of blackberries, 2 cups of water, and 4–6 fresh sage leaves. Simmer over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, until the blackberries break down and the sage becomes aromatic. Use a spoon to gently mash the berries during cooking to release more flavor.
Step 3: Sweeten and strain
Once the mixture is reduced and the flavors have melded, remove it from heat. Stir in ¼ to ⅓ cup honey or sugar, depending on how sweet you like your tea. Mix until fully dissolved. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl or measuring cup to remove solids. Let it cool slightly.
Combine and chill
Step 4: Mix tea and syrup
In a large pitcher, combine the brewed black tea with the blackberry sage syrup. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for a little tang, if desired. Stir everything well.
Step 5: Chill and serve
Refrigerate the tea for at least 1 hour or until cold. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the tea over. Garnish with fresh blackberries, sage leaves, and optional lemon slices.
Variation
Customize your Blackberry Sage Iced Tea to match your preferences:
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Sparkling Blackberry Tea: Add a splash of sparkling water to each glass just before serving.
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Herbal Switch-Up: Use green tea or white tea instead of black tea for a lighter flavor.
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Boozy Twist: Add a splash of vodka, gin, or blackberry liqueur for a refreshing cocktail.
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Sugar-Free: Replace honey with a natural sugar-free sweetener like stevia or monk fruit.
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Frozen Version: Blend the mixture with ice to make a slushy, tea-based drink.
COOKING Note
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Always strain your syrup well to avoid berry seeds or pieces in the drink.
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Let the tea cool before combining with syrup to avoid bitterness.
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Adjust the sweetness at the end once everything is combined—you may need more or less depending on the berries.
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For stronger sage flavor, steep the sage leaves longer or muddle a few into the pitcher before chilling.
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Double or triple the batch for larger gatherings—it keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days.
Tips
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Use ripe, juicy blackberries for maximum flavor and color.
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Chill your serving glasses in advance for a frosty presentation.
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Add frozen blackberries in place of ice cubes—they chill the drink without dilution.
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Store extra syrup in the fridge and use it in cocktails, lemonade, or over pancakes.
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To make the drink clearer and more elegant, strain through cheesecloth after using a sieve.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes (plus chilling time)
Nutritional Information (per serving, approx. 6 servings)
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Calories: 60
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Protein: 0g
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Fat: 0g
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Carbohydrates: 16g
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Sugar: 14g
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Sodium: 5mg
Note: Nutritional values vary depending on sweetener and add-ins.
FAQs
Can I make this iced tea ahead of time?
Yes! Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Shake or stir before serving to redistribute any settled flavors.
Can I use frozen blackberries?
Absolutely. Just thaw them before simmering to help them break down faster.
Is it okay to leave out the sage?
Yes, but the sage adds a subtle earthy layer. You can substitute mint or rosemary, or skip it for a more classic fruit tea.
Can I use green tea instead of black?
Definitely. Green tea makes a lighter, grassier version that pairs beautifully with fruit.
What’s the best way to serve it for parties?
Serve it in a clear pitcher with plenty of ice, fresh blackberry skewers, and sage sprigs. You can also create a tea bar with lemon wedges and sparkling water for guests to customize.
Conclusion
Blackberry Sage Iced Tea is a stunning and sophisticated drink that proves iced tea doesn’t have to be boring. With juicy blackberries, fragrant sage, and bold black tea, this beverage offers a delicious harmony of fruit and herb flavors that refresh and invigorate. It’s easy to make, beautiful to serve, and endlessly customizable for every occasion—from casual afternoons to elegant gatherings. Once you taste how well the sage complements the blackberries, this drink may become a permanent staple in your warm-weather drink rotation. It’s sweet, aromatic, and undeniably refreshing—exactly what iced tea should be.
Print
Blackberry Sage Iced Tea Recipe
- Total Time: 25 min
Ingredients
Ingredients
-
4 cups water (divided)
-
3 black tea bags (or 3 tsp loose leaf black tea)
-
1 cup fresh blackberries (plus more for garnish)
-
4–6 fresh sage leaves (plus more for garnish)
-
¼ to ⅓ cup honey or sugar (adjust to taste)
-
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
-
Ice (for serving)
-
Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Optional add-ins: -
Sparkling water (to top off for fizz)
-
Mint sprigs or rosemary instead of sage
-
A splash of blackberry liqueur for a grown-up twist
Instructions
Step 1: Boil water and steep tea
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a saucepan. Remove from heat and add the black tea bags. Let them steep for 5–7 minutes depending on your preferred strength. Remove tea bags and set the tea aside to cool.
Step 2: Simmer blackberries and sage
In another saucepan, combine 1 cup of blackberries, 2 cups of water, and 4–6 fresh sage leaves. Simmer over medium heat for 10–12 minutes, until the blackberries break down and the sage becomes aromatic. Use a spoon to gently mash the berries during cooking to release more flavor.
Step 3: Sweeten and strain
Once the mixture is reduced and the flavors have melded, remove it from heat. Stir in ¼ to ⅓ cup honey or sugar, depending on how sweet you like your tea. Mix until fully dissolved. Strain the syrup through a fine mesh sieve into a bowl or measuring cup to remove solids. Let it cool slightly.
Step 4: Mix tea and syrup
In a large pitcher, combine the brewed black tea with the blackberry sage syrup. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice for a little tang, if desired. Stir everything well.
Step 5: Chill and serve
Refrigerate the tea for at least 1 hour or until cold. When ready to serve, fill glasses with ice and pour the tea over. Garnish with fresh blackberries, sage leaves, and optional lemon slices.
Notes
-
Always strain your syrup well to avoid berry seeds or pieces in the drink.
-
Let the tea cool before combining with syrup to avoid bitterness.
-
Adjust the sweetness at the end once everything is combined—you may need more or less depending on the berries.
-
For stronger sage flavor, steep the sage leaves longer or muddle a few into the pitcher before chilling.
-
Double or triple the batch for larger gatherings—it keeps well in the fridge for 2–3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 0g