Blackberry Tea Iced Tea Latte Recipe

There’s something magical about the deep berry flavor of blackberries mingling with the earthy notes of black tea. When poured over ice and topped with a velvety cream finish, this iced tea latte is the perfect mix of refreshing and indulgent.

this Recipe

I first tried a version of this drink at a boutique café downtown and instantly knew I had to recreate it at home. It’s now my go-to summer afternoon pick-me-up, especially when I want something a little fancy without the coffee jitters.

Let’s dive into why this Blackberry Tea Iced Tea Latte deserves a spot in your drink rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Blackberry Tea Iced Tea Latte

Get ready to elevate your iced tea game with a drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. This blackberry tea latte is more than just a thirst-quencher—it’s an experience.

First, this recipe is a breeze to make. With just a handful of ingredients and a little steeping time, you’ll be sipping on a café-quality beverage without stepping outside. No fancy barista skills required!

It’s also a great option if you’re looking for something lower in caffeine. Black tea has less caffeine than coffee, and you can easily swap in decaf if you prefer a zero-caffeine treat.

Budget-friendly and made with real fruit, this drink avoids the artificial flavors you often find in store-bought versions. Using fresh or frozen blackberries means you get that juicy berry flavor with added antioxidants to boot.

Finally, it’s customizable. Want it sweeter? Add more syrup. Prefer it vegan? Use oat or almond milk. Whether you're serving it at brunch or just cooling off in the afternoon, this drink fits right in.

Ready to make your new favorite iced tea? Let’s take a look at the ingredients.

Ingredients Notes

What makes this Blackberry Tea Iced Tea Latte so special is the simple combination of quality ingredients that work together to create a bold, fruity, creamy drink. Let’s break down what you’ll need.

Blackberries are the heart of this recipe. You can use fresh or frozen depending on what’s available. When simmered into a quick syrup, they release their natural sweetness and vibrant purple color. If using frozen, there’s no need to thaw—just add a couple extra minutes to the cook time.

Black tea forms the base of the drink. Choose a robust black tea like English Breakfast or Assam for the best flavor. These teas hold up beautifully against the tartness of the berries and the richness of the milk. For a caffeine-free option, decaf black tea or rooibos makes a great substitute.

Sweetener brings balance. While the blackberries add natural sugars, a bit of honey or simple syrup helps enhance the fruitiness. Start small—you can always add more to taste after mixing.

Milk or cream gives this latte its signature silky finish. Whole milk adds creaminess without overpowering the other flavors, but feel free to use your favorite dairy-free option. Oat milk offers a subtle sweetness and a creamy texture that pairs especially well with the berries.

You’ll also want a fine mesh strainer for removing seeds from the syrup and a jar or shaker to mix everything together smoothly before pouring over ice.

How To Make This Blackberry Tea Iced Tea Latte

Making this iced latte is surprisingly simple, and the results are well worth the small effort. Here's how to bring it all together at home.

Start by making the blackberry syrup. In a small saucepan, combine the blackberries, a splash of water, and your sweetener of choice. Simmer gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the berries begin to break down—about 8 to 10 minutes. Once the mixture is thick and juicy, remove it from heat and strain through a fine mesh sieve to remove the seeds. Let the syrup cool while you prepare the tea.

Brew your black tea next. Heat water just to a boil and steep your tea bags for 4 to 5 minutes, depending on how strong you like it. Remove the bags and allow the tea to cool to room temperature. For quicker cooling, pop the tea in the fridge while you prep the rest of your ingredients.

Once both the syrup and tea are cool, combine them in a jar or cocktail shaker with ice. Shake or stir until everything is well mixed and chilled. This helps mellow the flavors and infuses the tea with that sweet blackberry goodness.

To serve, fill a glass with ice and pour in the tea mixture, leaving a little room at the top. Slowly add your milk or cream so it swirls into the drink in a beautiful marbled effect. Give it a gentle stir if you like it fully blended.

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 20 minutes, with most of that being hands-off time while things cool. It’s an easy way to treat yourself, no coffee shop trip required.

Storage Options

If you’d like to make this blackberry tea latte ahead of time, it stores beautifully. Keep the blackberry syrup in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to one week. It also freezes well in ice cube trays for long-term storage.

The brewed tea can be stored separately in the fridge for up to 4 days. Just be sure to let it cool completely before refrigerating to avoid cloudiness.

Avoid mixing the tea and milk in advance, as dairy can curdle or separate over time. For best results, combine everything right before serving.

To reheat the syrup for a warm version of this drink, just microwave for a few seconds or warm on the stove. Combine with hot tea and steamed milk for a cozy twist.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the best things about this iced latte is how flexible it is. With just a few swaps, you can tailor it to suit your taste, dietary needs, or whatever’s in your fridge.

Swap the blackberries for another berry like raspberries or blueberries. Each brings its own unique flavor, and all work beautifully in this recipe. You can even do a mix for a fun berry medley.

Try a different tea base. Earl Grey adds a hint of citrusy bergamot, while green tea offers a lighter, more floral result. Herbal teas like hibiscus or chamomile create caffeine-free options with gorgeous color and subtle taste.

Adjust the sweetener to your preference. Maple syrup adds warmth and depth, agave keeps it vegan, or stevia if you’re watching sugar.

Make it creamy with your favorite milk alternative. Coconut milk lends tropical richness, almond milk keeps it light, and soy gives a neutral flavor with a bit more body.

Feeling adventurous? Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cinnamon to elevate the flavor even more. You can even turn it into a fizzy mocktail by topping it off with a little sparkling water.

This Blackberry Tea Iced Tea Latte is all about finding what works for you. Don’t be afraid to experiment and create your perfect summer sip.

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