Ingredients
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)
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Mint sprigs or rosemary instead of sage
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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
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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.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
Nutrition
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 16g
- Protein: 0g