Blackberry Smash Sweet Tea

Name: Blackberry Smash Sweet Tea
Prep time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 15 min
Yield: 8 serving(s)
Ingredients: 1 c. sugar; 8 black tea bags; 1 (2-inch) piece fresh ginger; 1 c. blackberries, plus more for garnish; 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice

Try a fruity twist on the Southern classic.

By Ree DrummondPublished: Jul 16, 2025

2 Ratings

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the pioneer woman blackberry smash sweet tea

Allison Gootee

Yields:

8 serving(s)

Prep Time:

15 mins

Total Time:

2 hrs 15 mins

There's nothing quite like a cold, tall pitcher of sweet tea to signal that summer has officially arrived. It's the ultimate way to beat the heat on a balmy afternoon. While the classic version will always have a special place in my heart, sometimes I can't resist jazzing it up with a little seasonal flair. Cue blackberry smash sweet tea. This delightful concoction starts with black tea brewed with fresh ginger for a gentle kick, then sweetened with simple syrup and finished with juicy smashed blackberries. It's flavorful, refreshing, and perfection in a glass. For the ultimate afternoon pick-me-up, pour yourself a serving and pair it with a plate of strawberry shortcake sandwich cookies or a slice of lemon blueberry bread.

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Ingredients

Directions

1. Step 1For the simple syrup: Combine the sugar and 1 cup water in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves, 2 to 3 minutes.
2. Step 2Put the tea bags in a large heatproof pitcher. Combine 4 cups water and the ginger in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil, then add to the pitcher and steep 5 minutes. Remove the tea bags and ginger without squeezing the tea bags. Whisk in the simple syrup and 3 cups cold water. Refrigerate until cool, about 2 hours.
3. Step 3Mash the blackberries and lemon juice in a medium bowl just until the berries release their juices (do not pulverize). Stir the berry mixture into the tea. Serve over ice and garnish with blackberries.