There’s nothing quite like the rush of a cold glass of raspberry iced tea. The bright, tart-sweet pop of raspberry pulls you in; iced tea cools and refreshes. When brewed well, with real fruit, an organic tea base and the right technique, you get a drink that’s flavourful, clean and elevated. Below you’ll find how to choose the base, how to brew both loose-leaf and tea-bag versions, variations to ramp up the fresh-fruit feel, and how to build a recipe you'll want to repeat all summer long.
Selecting the Right Tea Base
Your flavour starts with the tea base. Using high-quality, organic ingredients gives you a smoother, cleaner result. Here are your options:
- Organic black or green tea base: These give structure and depth, great when you want more “tea” flavour behind the fruit.
- Fruit- or herbal-based blends: For example, blends that already include raspberry, hibiscus, or berry-leaf botanicals. Try the Raspberry Tea from The Botanical Brothers.
- Herbal/caffeine-free options: Great for evening drinks or caffeine-free sipping.
Brewing Methods: Loose Leaf vs Tea Bags
Loose Leaf Method (Cold Brew)
- Use 1 to 1.5 teaspoons of loose leaf tea per 250 ml (1 cup) of water.
- Place in a jar or pitcher with filtered cold water.
- Refrigerate and steep for 6–12 hours (overnight is best).
- Strain and serve over ice with optional fruit garnish.
Tea Bag Method (Hot Brew Then Chill)
- Steep 1 tea bag per cup in near-boiling water for 5–7 minutes.
- Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate.
- Add fresh raspberries or juice and serve over ice.
Additional Brewing Styles & Variations
- Fruit Infused Brew: Add fresh raspberries while steeping for a richer flavour.
- Raspberry Syrup: Simmer sugar, water, and raspberries to make a syrup. Stir into tea.
- Herb & Citrus Layering: Use mint, basil, or citrus to balance sweetness.
- Sparkling Option: Mix with sparkling water after brewing for a fizzy twist.
Sample Recipe
Ingredients:
- 4 cups filtered cold water
- 3 tsp loose-leaf raspberry tea or 3 tea bags
- ½ cup fresh raspberries
- 1–2 tbsp raspberry syrup (to taste)
- Mint sprigs or lemon slices (optional)
- Ice
Method:
- Combine water, tea, and raspberries. Cold brew for 8 hours or brew hot and cool down.
- Strain and stir in syrup.
- Serve over ice with fresh garnish.
Additional recipes:
Real Fruit-Based Tea & Fresh Ingredients
To get the most from your raspberry iced tea, use fresh fruit and real botanicals. We recommend:
- Fresh or frozen raspberries
- The Botanical Brothers Raspberry Herbal Tea
- Other botanicals like hibiscus, rose petals, and licorice root found in their blend
Pro Tips
- Use filtered water for better taste.
- Don’t over-steep—especially with hot water methods.
- Chill thoroughly before serving to prevent dilution from ice.
- Taste before sweetening—fresh raspberries add natural tanginess.
Final Thoughts
When done right, raspberry iced tea marries tart-sweet berry flavour, crisp iced structure, and aromatic tea base into a drink that refreshes and delights. Whether you opt for loose leaf cold brew or the quicker tea bag method, focus on real fruit, organic-friendly bases, and clean technique. For an excellent base, check out the Raspberry Herbal Tea from The Botanical Brothers.