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Blueberry Lime Iced Tea: Refreshing Summer Recipe

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Refreshing homemade iced tea with sweet blueberry syrup and tangy lime. Perfect for summer!

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 6 cups water
  • 6 black tea bags (or loose leaf equivalent)
  • 1/2 cup lime juice (freshly squeezed, about 4–6 limes)
  • Lime slices, for garnish
  • Fresh blueberries, for garnish (optional)
  • Ice cubes

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine the blueberries, granulated sugar, and water.
  2. Bring to a Boil: Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
  3. Simmer: Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the blueberries have softened and the syrup has thickened slightly. You should be able to coat the back of a spoon with the syrup.
  4. Strain the Syrup: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the syrup cool slightly. Then, strain the syrup through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean jar or container. This will remove the blueberry skins and seeds, resulting in a smooth and beautiful syrup. Use a spoon to press on the blueberries to extract as much syrup as possible.
  5. Add Lime Juice: Stir in the lime juice. This adds a touch of tartness that balances the sweetness of the blueberries perfectly.
  6. Cool Completely: Let the blueberry syrup cool completely before using. It will thicken further as it cools. You can store the syrup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
  7. Boil Water: Bring 6 cups of water to a boil in a kettle or saucepan.
  8. Steep the Tea: Once the water is boiling, remove it from the heat and add the tea bags (or loose leaf tea in a tea infuser). Let the tea steep for 3-5 minutes, depending on your desired strength. I usually go for 4 minutes for a good balance of flavor and caffeine.
  9. Remove Tea Bags: After steeping, remove the tea bags (or tea infuser) and discard them. Don’t squeeze the tea bags, as this can release bitter tannins into the tea.
  10. Add Lime Juice: Stir in the freshly squeezed lime juice. This will brighten the tea and add a refreshing citrusy note.
  11. Cool the Tea: Let the tea cool to room temperature. You can speed up the cooling process by placing the tea in the refrigerator.
  12. Fill Glasses with Ice: Fill glasses with ice cubes. The amount of ice you use will depend on your preference, but I usually fill the glasses about halfway.
  13. Add Blueberry Syrup: Pour about 2-3 tablespoons of blueberry syrup into each glass. Adjust the amount of syrup to your liking, depending on how sweet you want your iced tea.
  14. Pour in the Iced Tea: Pour the cooled lime iced tea over the ice and blueberry syrup. Leave a little room at the top of the glass.
  15. Stir Well: Stir the iced tea well to combine the blueberry syrup and tea. This will ensure that the syrup is evenly distributed throughout the drink.
  16. Garnish (Optional): Garnish with lime slices and fresh blueberries, if desired. This adds a beautiful touch and enhances the overall presentation of the iced tea.
  17. Serve and Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy your refreshing Blueberry Lime Iced Tea!

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of blueberry syrup to your liking. If you prefer a less sweet iced tea, use less syrup. You can also use a sugar substitute, such as stevia or erythritol, in the blueberry syrup.
  • Experiment with different types of tea. Green tea, white tea, or herbal tea would all be delicious in this recipe.
  • For a fizzy twist, top off the iced tea with sparkling water or club soda.
  • Add fresh mint or basil leaves to the iced tea for a refreshing herbal flavor.
  • Use frozen blueberries instead of fresh blueberries in the syrup. You don’t even need to thaw them first!
  • Add a teaspoon of lime zest to the blueberry syrup for an extra burst of lime flavor.
  • Substitute lemon juice for lime juice, or use a combination of both.
  • Try using other berries, such as raspberries or strawberries, in the syrup.
  • Add a shot of vodka or gin to make it a delicious summer cocktail.
  • If you have any leftover iced tea, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The blueberry syrup can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Find it online: https://mmmflavors.com/blueberry-lime-iced-tea/