Berries are a delicious and nutritious addition to any diet. These small fruits are packed with antioxidants, which are essential for maintaining good health. Antioxidants are compounds that protect cells from damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are unstable molecules that can cause cell damage, leading to the development of chronic diseases like cancer and heart disease. Berries are a great source of antioxidants, making them an important part of any healthy diet.
Berry Tea Blends
One of the ways that berries can be enjoyed is through the use of tea blends. Berries are often used in tea blends because of their natural sweetness and antioxidant properties. There are many different types of berry teas available, each with their own unique flavor and health benefits.
Not Just Hot or Iced
Teas can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. They don’t just have to be consumed hot or iced. They can be used in recipes, such as iced tea berry sangria. Sangria is a refreshing drink that originated in Spain and has become popular all over the world. It is typically made with red wine, chopped fruit, and a sweetener such as sugar or honey. Berry tea can be used in addition to or in place of the wine in this recipe, using tea adds a new depth of flavor and more health benefits to these fruity drinks.
The Origins of Sangria
The origins of sangria can be traced back to the ancient Romans. They would mix wine with water and herbs to create a refreshing drink. As the drink evolved over time, it became a popular drink in Spain. The word “sangria” comes from the Spanish word “sangre,” which means blood. This is because the drink is traditionally made with red wine, which gives it a deep, rich color.
Sangria Comes to the U.S.
Sangria became popular in the United States during the 1964 World’s Fair in New York City. The Spanish Pavilion featured sangria as its signature drink, and it quickly became a hit with fairgoers. Since then, sangria has become a popular drink in the US, with many different variations and recipes available.
Iced Tea Berry Sangria Recipe
Using berries or a berry-infused tea in sangria is a great way to enjoy the health benefits of antioxidants while also enjoying a refreshing drink. We have included our favorite recipe of Iced Tea Berry Sangria below:
Ingredients
2 quarts Sweetened iced tea chilled (see note 1)
1 (750 mL) bottle Red Moscato or other sweet red wine, chilled (see note 2)
2 cups berry juice chilled
1/2 cup brandy (see note 3)
2 pounds strawberries (hulled and sliced), blackberries, blueberries, and/or raspberries
Instructions
In a large pitcher, combine tea, wine, juice, and brandy. Chill until serving time.
Serve over ice with the berries (add berries to the pitcher of sangria, to individual glasses, or serve it in bowls on the side so guests can help themselves).
Notes
- Iced tea: Sweet tea tastes the best here. To cut down on sugar, use unsweetened iced tea and add your preferred sweetener (Splenda, stevia, etc.) after mixing everything else together. Try it with LMH Custom Teas & Herbs Morning Berry Bliss Blend here
- Moscato: Any sweet red wine will work here (Lambrusco or Malbec are both good choices).
- Brandy: Or substitute whiskey, dark rum, or bourbon (the flavor will change). To substitute brandy extract, use 5 teaspoons brandy extract and ½ cup water in place of the brandy.
Contact Us
We recommend our Morning Bliss tea for this recipe!
Morning Bliss-
pick one-Organic Elderberry/strawberry/Raspberry/Blueberry, Organic Green Tea, Organic Hibiscus, Organic/LMH Lavender (Leaves & Buds).
You can also visit the contact page on our website if you have any questions about our tea blends and their best uses. We would love to answer any questions you might have.
