Blackberry Tea Iced Tea Latte Recipe

There’s something incredibly refreshing about sipping a chilled tea latte on a sunny afternoon, and this Blackberry Tea Iced Tea Latte is summer in a glass. With its creamy texture, vibrant berry hue, and the subtle bite of black tea, it’s a delightful twist on your usual iced latte.

this Recipe

I first whipped this up after a weekend berry-picking trip, trying to find a way to use a heaping bowl of juicy blackberries. What started as a kitchen experiment has now become a go-to treat whenever the weather heats up. It’s fruity, smooth, lightly caffeinated, and completely gorgeous to look at.

Whether you're serving it at a brunch, enjoying it on the porch, or using it as a pick-me-up between meetings, this latte checks all the boxes for a satisfying summer sip.

Let’s dive into why this Blackberry Tea Iced Tea Latte deserves a permanent place in your warm-weather drink rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Blackberry Tea Iced Tea Latte

Once you try this blackberry iced tea latte, you'll wonder why it hasn't been in your drink lineup all along. It's sweet, creamy, subtly caffeinated, and refreshingly different.

It’s quick and easy to make. The whole process takes about 15 minutes, plus cooling time. You can even make the tea and syrup ahead for grab-and-go convenience.

Perfect for berry season. If you’ve got fresh blackberries from the market or your backyard, this recipe is a beautiful way to showcase their flavor. Even frozen berries work wonderfully.

Budget-friendly and homemade. Skip the coffee shop price tag! With simple pantry ingredients and your favorite black tea, you can create a café-style treat for a fraction of the cost.

Versatile and customizable. Adjust the sweetness, switch up the tea, or use dairy-free milk to suit your preferences. This recipe is a blank canvas for flavor experimentation.

By the time you finish your first glass, you’ll be dreaming up new variations. Speaking of ingredients…

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this latte is how it balances bold tea, tart berries, and creamy milk into one harmonious drink. Here's a closer look at what you'll need and why each ingredient matters.

Blackberries are the star of the show. Fresh berries give the brightest flavor, but frozen work just as well when simmered into a syrup. They bring tang, natural sweetness, and that beautiful purple hue.

Black tea adds the base flavor and a gentle caffeine boost. English Breakfast or Assam are great choices for their rich, malty notes. You can also use decaf if you want to enjoy this drink any time of day.

Sugar helps sweeten the blackberry syrup. Feel free to adjust the amount depending on your berries' ripeness. You can also substitute honey or maple syrup for a different flavor profile.

Milk turns the drink into a latte. Whole milk makes it extra creamy, but oat milk or almond milk work perfectly for a dairy-free option. Use what you love.

Ice is essential for that cool, café-style finish. Crushed ice or large cubes both work, depending on your preference.

No fancy equipment required here—just a saucepan, strainer, a tall glass, and a spoon. A milk frother is optional if you want to make it extra frothy!

How To Make This Blackberry Tea Iced Tea Latte

Making this latte is easier than you might expect. There are three simple steps: make the tea, make the syrup, and put it all together.

Start by brewing your black tea. Bring water to a boil, steep your tea bags or loose-leaf tea for 4–5 minutes (depending on how strong you like it), then let it cool to room temperature. You can chill it in the fridge while you prep the syrup.

While the tea is cooling, make the blackberry syrup. Combine blackberries, sugar, and a splash of water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir gently as the berries break down and the mixture thickens into a deep, fragrant syrup—this takes about 8–10 minutes. Once it's thickened, strain out the solids and let the syrup cool.

Now it’s time to assemble. Fill a tall glass with ice, pour in the cooled tea until the glass is about two-thirds full, then stir in a generous spoonful (or two!) of the blackberry syrup. Top it off with cold milk, giving it a gentle stir to swirl the flavors together.

The result is a beautiful, layered drink that looks fancy and tastes even better. Expect the full process to take around 20–25 minutes including cooling. The syrup keeps in the fridge for up to a week, so you can enjoy this latte anytime.

Storage Options

This blackberry tea latte is best served fresh, but you can prep the components ahead of time to save effort later.

The tea can be brewed and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s in an airtight container to prevent it from picking up fridge odors.

The blackberry syrup keeps beautifully. Store it in a mason jar or small bottle in the fridge for up to a week. Give it a shake before using, as natural separation may occur.

Fully assembled lattes aren’t ideal for storing, as the ice will water things down. But if you mix the tea and syrup ahead and store that blend in the fridge, you can pour over ice and top with milk when you're ready to drink.

To reheat the syrup for another use (like over pancakes or yogurt!), just warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is ripe for creative twists! Whether you're working with dietary preferences or want to experiment with flavors, here are a few easy ways to change it up.

Swap the tea. Instead of black tea, try green tea for a more herbal, grassy note, or rooibos for a naturally caffeine-free version. Earl Grey brings a lovely citrusy edge too.

Change the berry. Don’t have blackberries? Try raspberries, blueberries, or a mix of whatever berries you have on hand. Each brings its own unique flavor and color.

Adjust the milk. Use coconut milk for a tropical vibe, or a vanilla-flavored almond milk for extra sweetness. Soy, cashew, and oat all work well and froth nicely too.

Make it sparkling. Skip the milk and top the syrup-tea combo with sparkling water for a refreshing blackberry iced tea spritz.

Add extra flavor. A splash of vanilla extract or a touch of lemon juice can elevate the whole drink. You could even infuse the syrup with herbs like mint or basil for a fresh twist.

Don’t be afraid to play around with what you have on hand. This recipe is flexible, fun, and forgiving—perfect for summer experimenting.

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