Garden-Infused & Gorgeous Lemon Balm & Blackberry Iced Tea
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A fragrant, fruity herbal iced tea made with calming lemon balm, juicy blackberries, and a touch of honey—refreshing, restorative, and almost too pretty to drink.
This tea brings together the cooling calm of lemon balm and the rich flavor of blackberries in a way that feels luxurious yet grounded. Whether you’re using homegrown herbs or farmers market berries, it’s an easy, antioxidant-rich tea that tastes as beautiful as it looks. Lightly sweetened with honey and brightened with lemon, it’s the perfect afternoon refresher or garden party staple.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Naturally caffeine-free and soothing- Great use for homegrown lemon balm and seasonal berries
- Gorgeous deep purple hue—perfect for spring & summer gatherings
- Ready in under 20 minutes
- Easy to batch for entertaining or make ahead
Quick Reference
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15–20 minutes (plus cooling)
Servings: 4–6
Dietary Info: Gluten-Free, Vegan
Key Ingredients at a Glance:
Lemon balm (fresh or dried)
Blackberries
Honey or maple syrup
Lemon juice
Water
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- ½ cup fresh lemon balm leaves (or 2 tbsp dried)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blackberries
- 1–2 tbsp honey (or maple syrup, to taste)
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Ice, for serving
- Lemon slices, blackberries, or mint (optional, for garnish)
Optional Add-Ins:
- A sprig of mint or lemon verbena for extra flavor
- Sparkling water to top off each glass
- A splash of elderflower syrup or hibiscus for floral notes
Step-by-Step Instructions
Brew the Tea
- Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Remove from heat, add lemon balm and blackberries. Gently mash berries with a spoon to release juice.
- Cover and steep for 10–15 minutes.
Sweeten & Strain
- Strain tea through a fine mesh strainer into a heat-safe pitcher or bowl.
- Stir in honey (or sweetener of choice) and lemon juice while warm. Taste and adjust.
Chill & Serve
- Let cool slightly, then refrigerate until chilled—about 1–2 hours.
- Serve over ice with optional garnishes: lemon wheel, extra berries, or fresh herbs.
Serving & Pairing Ideas
- Serve in mason jars or stemless wine glasses for a garden party vibe
- Pair with scones, tea sandwiches, or summer salads
- Add a splash of sparkling water or lemonade for a spritzer-style twist
- Lovely alongside your Tomato Basil Tart or any brunch board
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Shake or stir before serving—natural separation may occur
- Freeze in ice cube trays for a flavorful iced tea upgrade anytime
Final Thoughts & Call to Action
This tea is pure backyard bliss—light, herbal, fruity, and just sweet enough. It’s a calming, cooling sip that looks stunning and tastes even better. The kind of drink that reminds you to slow down and savor the moment, even if it’s just 10 quiet minutes on the porch.
Tag @SouthernSoilSunshine if you make it! I’d love to see your herbal creations.
Looking for more garden drinks? Try:
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