This summer, probably for the first time, I am missing the Indian Monsoon. The rain, the smell of sand after first rain, getting drenched and especially, eating crispy pakodas with hot masala tea by the window while watching raindrops wash away the heat. It hasn’t rained here for so many months now that I have even forgotten when it rained last. Some days, it gets cloudy in the morning but by the afternoon, it’s a clear cheerful sky. I hate to complain because nothing makes me happier than waking up to a sunny summer morning however, a little shower now and then would have been nice.
So while I wait for the heat to cool down, I am trying my hands on every summer drink possible.
One of our favorites is Raspberry Lemon Iced Tea and we have been having them a lot these days. It’s has a perfect blend of sweet and tart with the hint of tea and the sexy red, which makes it more appealing. For a berry lover and tea lover, the combination worked much delightfully on my palate than I had expected. It’s easy to make, needs no complex ingredients or kitchen gears and above all, it’s refreshing. And when the temperature shoots up, that’s all that matters.
For all my friends who don’t like tea, you know what you can call this beverage by omitting the tea – raspberry lemonade! And for those boozy nights, pour some gin or vodka and give it a fancy name.
The best part about this drink is that it can be made in advance. All you need is some fresh lemon juice, tea and raspberry syrup. Frozen berries and bottled lemon juice would work too but there is nothing better than using fresh ingredients. So, start by picking some fresh, juicy good-looking raspberries, squeeze out all the juice from those lemons and brew some tea. Here is a very informative article on How to Brew Tea.
Raspberry Lemon Iced Tea
Ingredients
For the syrup
- 2 cups fresh raspberries plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup sugar
- ¼ cup water
For the lemon iced tea
- juice of 4 lemons
- 1 lemon (thinly sliced for garnish)
- 2 cups water
- 1 teaspoon tea leaf or 1 tea bag
Instructions
To make the syrup
- In a saucepan, mix all the ingredients and bring it to a boil.
- Once done, lower the heat and let it simmer until the berries are softened. This should take about 10 minutes.
- Let it cool and then strain the syrup to a jar using a sieve.
To make the lemon tea
- In a deep pan, bring 2 cups water to boil.
- Add tea to the pan, cover it and stop the heat. Let it brew for 5 minutes.
- Once done, strain it to the raspberry syrup jar using a sieve.
- Next, add lemon juice to the jar and give it a stir.
- Keep it the refrigerator and let it to cool down completely.
- While serving, drop some ice cubes in a glass, add a slice of lemon, two to three fresh raspberries and the raspberry iced tea.
Notes
- Honey can be used instead of Sugar. You might need to add more or less honey/sugar depending on how tart the raspberries are and how you prefer them.
- Frozen berries could be used instead of fresh berries. Also, you could use any other berry or fruit syrup as per your flavor choice.
Nutrition
While the summer is still here and we still have access to garden-fresh berries, quickly grab some and relish every bit of it!
Reem | Simply Reem
Stunning!!!!
Honestly, I have spent more time drooling over the pics (again n again)...
Kankana.... your photographs make me smile even when the madness of the day have taken away every little trace of it from me...
Do I even make sense of what I am saying... Love your photography!!
Monique
I love your photos:) All of a sudden no surprise as I even pinned you before knowing you..
You are a wonderful photographer.
In other words..I knew you before I met you..and admired you~
mjskit
I love tea, any type of tea and this one looks especially delicious! I'm sure it is doing the job of cooling down the heat and at least making you "feel" like the rains are coming. Gorgeous pics!
Anna @ The Littlest
Looks lovely! Jyust discovered your blog and I am going to enjoy looking through your posts and beautiful photos!
Jennifer (Delicieux)
This looks so refreshing Kankana. Perfect for a hot summers day. And those raspberries look amazing! I wouldn't be able to resist eating them all.
Stunning photos, as always. You really have a special talent.
Riley
Your photos are beautiful, and I must try this iced tea soon! That color is so gorgeous!
Sydney @ The Crepes
Love this idea! It looks beautiful, too - I'm sure it was hard to photograph these and not drink it all up.
Keep Calm and Eat On
I hope you get rain soon enough, for the sake of everything else as well. Saddens me how the global climate has become so drastic lately. And don't forget your pakoras to celebrate when it pours!
Very attractive colors. We pick raspberries whenever we can find them. They are so delicious right off the bush. Never thought of drinking them.
indugetscooking
The smell of the earth after the first rain must be one of the most seductive ones ever. Absolutely love it.
The drink looks refreshing and what an attractive colour.
Vimitha
Refreshing for the heat dear
Spandana
Beautiful Color Kankana. The drink looks so very refreshing.
Love the pics.
Rosa
Refreshing and surely delicious! A perfect combination of flavors.
Cheers,
Rosa
sangeeta khanna
Lovely lovely pictures. And such fresh flavors together . Yum.
Tadka Pasta
Raspberries are one of things I miss! Can just imagine how flavorful and refreshing this drink would be. Just lovely!
Mallika
Beautiful Kankana! Splendid looking Raspberry Lemon Iced Tea. Wish only if we could get some gorgeous looking red berries as yours here in India!
Arch
Hey, that pic with the clip holding the lemon slice is really cool 🙂 This sounds like a great chiller in summer
Ira Rodrigues
Really refreshing drink. Hmm i must try your recipe but of course not with raspberry 🙁 hihi , definitely love the drink!
Laura (Tutti Dolci)
What a beautiful drink for summer. Gorgeous photos!
Deepa
getting fresh raspberries is a dream here 🙁 Good to know that you are able to enjoy fresh garden pick berries...bhishon sundor chobi gulo
Anamika
wow, I wish we could get such fresh raspberries out here, loved this version...m going to substitute raspberries with some seasonal fruit...any suggestions? I normall make MINT LEMON ICED TEA at home!