Description
This refreshing Raspberry Sweet Tea is a delightful twist on classic sweet tea, infused with fresh raspberries and a hint of citrus. Perfect for warm days, it can be enjoyed as a non-alcoholic beverage or spiked with Chambord liqueur and vodka for a sophisticated cocktail. Sweetened to taste and garnished with mint, raspberries, and orange slices, this tea is sure to please a crowd at any gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Tea Base
- 8 cups water
- 2 family-sized tea bags (or 6 regular-sized) Luzianne recommended
- ½-1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¼ teaspoon baking soda
Alcoholic Additions (Optional)
- 1½ cups Chambord liqueur
- ½ cup good quality vodka
Garnishes
- Mint sprigs
- Fresh raspberries
- Orange slices
Instructions
- Boil Water: In a small saucepan, bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Once boiling, carefully pour the water into a large pitcher.
- Steep Tea: Add the tea bags to the hot water. Cover the pitcher and let the tea steep for 15 minutes to develop a robust flavor.
- Sweeten Tea: Remove the tea bags and stir in the granulated sugar along with ¼ teaspoon of baking soda. Stir continuously until the sugar has completely dissolved.
- Add Alcohol (Optional): If desired, pour in 1½ cups of Chambord liqueur and ½ cup of good quality vodka into the tea. Stir gently to combine.
- Cool Tea: Allow the tea to cool to room temperature naturally, or place in the refrigerator to chill before serving.
- Serve and Garnish: Pour the chilled tea into glasses filled with ice. Garnish each glass with fresh raspberries, orange slices, and mint sprigs for a vibrant presentation and refreshing taste.
Notes
- Adjust the sugar quantity based on your preferred sweetness level, starting with ½ cup.
- Baking soda is added to reduce acidity and smooth the flavor of the tea.
- The alcohol is optional; omit for a kid-friendly, non-alcoholic version.
- Use Luzianne brand tea bags for best flavor, but other black tea bags work as well.
- For a stronger tea flavor, allow the tea bags to steep longer, but avoid over-steeping to prevent bitterness.
- This tea can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
