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!
Richa
sounds amazingly refreshing. now if only it stays hot here:) and all the work you put in the styling shows beautifully!
Tina (PinayInTexas)
Simply looking at your photos makes me feel so refreshed, Kankana! Lovely photos as always!
Divya
Lovely food styling, Kankana! I love how you used the tall tumbler - it's somewhat unusual, but it makes the tea really stand out. I want some tea now!
Tes
I wish I can get some fresh raspberry here in India! I just wanna shake this up right away 🙂
shema george
Hey Kankana..thanks for stopping by my space and posting your comments...
I have always love your site,pics and recipe...and this iced tea looks out of this world
Lisa H.
Love the bucket of raspberries shots... so so beautiful 😀
Maureen
GORGEOUS photos and I'm still smiling at that little clothespin holding the lemon slice. What a beautiful drink!
Aunt Clara
I get raspberries once in a blue moon down here. I guess I should be happy we have an insane number of tropical fruits instead. Next blue moon I will try this with my raspberries, if I can help not to eat them.
Lovely pictures, love them.
Jessie
Gorgeous photos. Delicious recipe. Simply perfection!
Sanjeeta kk
Such picture perfect click..can't stop staring at the pictures from the time you posted the same on FB. Getting Raspberries here is a big question mark..the drink must have tasted really good.
Vishakha
You should come to Singapore.. you won't miss the rains ;-))
I love your photography and food styling. Your style is quite distinct and has you written all over. What really impresses me about your pictures is that you are able to use a number of props which are so well chosen and go with a theme, in the right place and the right angle to make the picture complete. Not too crowded and not too empty. Just right! I don;t mean to flatter you & sorry if I sound like I am, but you're doing such a good job and it's only a matter of time when you start doing this professionally. All the Best!
nipponnin
Glorious color! I just want to go out to get some raspberries right this minute. Well...too late for tonight but I must buy some tomorrow for sure. Thank you for sharing.
rebecca
lovely drink and can;t beat sipping tea and listening to the rain
Steve @ the black pe
These pics are absolutely stunning!!! The drink looks so refreshing.
priya mahadevan
Pictures are phenomenal as are the posts - wanted to comment on all the ones on the home page - Ice creams, tomato tart, lemonade - geez - I'd like to be your neighbor in the summer 🙂 - it's been a long time, Kankana, but always good to catch up with ya - xxxx priya
KiranTarun
Amazing photos and styling, Kankana! Makes me want to reach out and take a sip!
Sangeetha
wow...very refreshing drink for hot sunny days....gorgeous pics...loved your presentation too...Awesome!!
Asmita
Wow,
This drink looks so refreshing! Like always, your photography has blown me away. You are so talented and I love your presentation! Amazing!!!
swati
lovely clicks.. littarally talks to you.this one's on my lunch menu tomorrow. yummy and refreshing.
Nami | Just One Cookbook
I love that you wrote regular post after the tutorial post so that I get to see your food photography - it makes me think a bit reflecting your previous post. Anyway, what a delicious, refreshing, gorgeous drink! I know, it hasn't rained for months! Well, it's always cold (cool?) up here every evening and sometimes get fogs, so I never thought of having rain yet. Gosh when it rains it rains everyday! I heard Monsoon is beautiful and calming too, so I know you miss those things you grow up with. 🙂