Blackberry Tea Iced Tea Latte Recipe

There's something utterly refreshing about a cold glass of blackberry tea iced latte on a warm afternoon. The tangy burst of fresh blackberries blends beautifully with the earthy depth of black tea and the creamy sweetness of milk—making each sip a moment of pure delight.

this Recipe

I discovered this drink on a summer trip to Georgia, where sweet tea reigns supreme and blackberries grow wild in the countryside. Inspired by a roadside café’s signature iced tea latte, I’ve been perfecting this version at home ever since—and now it’s one of my most requested drinks, especially when friends stop by.

Let’s dive into why this iced tea latte will win your heart and cool your summer down in the most delicious way.

Why You’ll Love This Blackberry Tea Iced Tea Latte

Get ready to fall in love with a drink that’s as elegant as it is easy. This blackberry tea iced tea latte delivers on flavor, looks, and practicality—all in one icy glass.

First, it’s fast and simple to make. You can have a pitcher ready in under 20 minutes, especially if you prep the tea or blackberry syrup ahead of time. No fancy equipment needed, and no complicated steps—just pure, fruity refreshment.

It’s also naturally budget-friendly. You only need a handful of ingredients—tea bags, blackberries, sugar, milk, and ice—to serve up something that feels café-worthy without the café price tag.

This recipe is delightfully customizable. Whether you like it more tart or sweet, dairy or dairy-free, or even decaf for evening sipping, you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences or dietary needs.

And finally, it’s a total crowd-pleaser. With its vibrant purple hue and layered presentation, this iced latte makes a gorgeous addition to brunch tables, backyard barbecues, or even as a special treat for yourself after a long day.

If you’re intrigued already, just wait until you see how simple the ingredients are.

Ingredients Notes

The beauty of this blackberry tea iced tea latte is in its simplicity—each ingredient brings something unique to the table while still keeping the recipe light and refreshing.

Let’s start with the black tea. You’ll want to use a strong, robust tea like English Breakfast or Earl Grey. These varieties have enough body to hold up against the sweet syrup and creamy milk, ensuring the final drink stays flavorful and balanced.

Next, we can’t forget the blackberries. Fresh or frozen both work beautifully, but fresh berries offer the best flavor when they’re in season. You'll simmer them with sugar to make a deep, ruby-colored syrup that becomes the star of this drink.

For sweetening, granulated sugar is classic, but you can substitute with honey or agave if preferred. The amount can also be adjusted based on how sweet you like your drinks or how tart your berries are.

Milk brings everything together, adding a smooth, velvety finish. I usually go with whole milk for richness, but almond, oat, or coconut milk work perfectly for a dairy-free version. Just note that creamier plant milks will yield a more satisfying texture.

You’ll also need ice—lots of it—to keep things cool and crisp. If you love a café-style layered effect, be sure to add the milk last for that beautiful ombré look.

Equipment-wise, all you need is a saucepan for the syrup, a fine-mesh strainer, and your favorite pitcher or glass for serving.

How To Make This Blackberry Tea Iced Tea Latte

Making this refreshing drink at home is surprisingly easy and incredibly satisfying. Here’s how to bring it all together.

Start by brewing your tea. Boil about 2 cups of water and steep 2–3 black tea bags for 5 to 7 minutes. You want the tea strong, since it’ll be diluted slightly with ice and milk later. Once steeped, remove the tea bags and let the tea cool to room temperature, then chill it in the fridge.

While the tea cools, prepare your blackberry syrup. In a small saucepan, combine 1 cup of blackberries, ½ cup of sugar, and ½ cup of water. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. As the berries soften, mash them gently with the back of a spoon to release more flavor.

After about 8 to 10 minutes, the mixture will thicken slightly and the berries will be fully broken down. Remove it from the heat and pour through a fine-mesh strainer into a jar or bowl, pressing down to extract as much syrup as possible. Let this cool completely before using.

Now, assemble your drink. Fill a glass with ice, pour in the cooled black tea until the glass is about ¾ full, then add 2 to 3 tablespoons of blackberry syrup. Stir gently to combine.

Finally, top off with cold milk—about ¼ cup or to taste. For a layered look, pour the milk slowly over the back of a spoon. You’ll see the creamy ribbons swirl into the tea and syrup like magic.

From start to finish, this recipe takes about 15–20 minutes, and it’s worth every second. Expect a sweet-tart, creamy treat with a vibrant color that’s made to impress.

Storage Options

This iced tea latte is best served fresh, but components can be made ahead to save time.

The blackberry syrup will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Make a double batch if you plan to enjoy this latte multiple times—it’s also fantastic drizzled over pancakes or yogurt.

Brewed tea can also be made in advance and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep it covered to prevent it from absorbing any fridge odors.

Once assembled, the full latte should be consumed within a couple of hours. Ice and milk don’t hold up well overnight, as they’ll dilute and separate over time.

To reheat the syrup or tea for another use (like a hot version in cooler months), gently warm them on the stovetop or in the microwave. Avoid microwaving milk-based drinks to prevent curdling.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully adaptable, making it easy to experiment or cater to different tastes and dietary needs.

Try switching up the fruit. Raspberries or blueberries make fantastic substitutes if blackberries aren’t available. Each adds its own unique flavor twist while following the same syrup method.

Change the tea base for a different flavor profile. Green tea or white tea gives a lighter, more delicate drink, while chai adds a spicy warmth that pairs beautifully with berries and milk.

Want it creamier? Swap in sweetened condensed milk or a splash of half-and-half. This gives the drink a dessert-like richness—almost like a bubble tea without the tapioca.

For a sugar-free version, use stevia or monk fruit sweetener in place of sugar. Just adjust amounts since these are more concentrated in sweetness.

And don’t be afraid to get creative with garnishes. A few crushed blackberries on top, a sprig of mint, or even a dusting of cinnamon can turn this into a show-stopping drink worthy of a fancy café.

No matter how you make it, this blackberry tea iced tea latte is a treat you’ll come back to again and again—customizable, stunning, and so easy to love.

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