Blackberry Tea Iced Tea Latte Recipe

There's something about the floral scent of brewed blackberry tea mingling with the sweetness of milk that makes this iced latte feel like a café treat—right from your kitchen. With its deep berry hue, creamy finish, and subtle tartness, the Blackberry Tea Iced Tea Latte is equal parts refreshing and indulgent.

I first came across this drink during a summer vacation in Oregon, where a local tea shop served it with foraged blackberries and frothy almond milk. It was love at first sip—and after a bit of tinkering at home, I’ve crafted a version that’s even easier to make, with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Let me show you how to bring this stunning summer drink to life.

Why You'll Love This Blackberry Tea Iced Tea Latte

Get ready to meet your new favorite warm-weather beverage. The Blackberry Tea Iced Tea Latte is not just beautiful—it’s bursting with benefits for busy lives and curious tastebuds alike.

First off, it’s a breeze to make. With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, this latte comes together in under 10 minutes. There’s no need for fancy barista equipment or expensive syrups—just steep, mix, and pour.

It’s naturally sweetened and customizable. Whether you like it with a touch of honey, a splash of vanilla, or even dairy-free milk, this drink adapts to your preferences without missing a beat.

Visually, it’s a stunner. The gradient effect of the dark purple tea layered over frothy milk makes this latte look like something from a high-end café menu. It’s the kind of drink that makes you want to snap a photo before your first sip.

And let’s not forget how refreshing it is. Served over ice, it cools you down while still delivering the comfort of tea. It’s like a bridge between hot beverages and fruity refreshers, making it ideal for spring and summer afternoons.

Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a seasonal ritual.

Ingredients Notes

This latte relies on a few carefully selected ingredients that shine when brought together. Each one plays a role in creating a drink that’s balanced, satisfying, and just the right amount of sweet.

The base of the drink is blackberry tea—either loose-leaf or in bags. Look for blends that feature real blackberry leaf or dried berries, not just artificial flavors. A good-quality tea will yield a deep color and a naturally sweet-tart finish.

For creaminess, I like using whole milk, but any milk will work. Oat milk gives the creamiest texture for non-dairy drinkers, while almond milk adds a lovely nutty background. Whatever you use, make sure it’s cold and froths well for that café-style finish.

Blackberry syrup is the flavor booster here. You can use store-bought syrup or make your own with blackberries, sugar, and a bit of lemon juice simmered into a compote. A spoonful is all you need to deepen the berry flavor and sweeten the latte naturally.

To balance everything out, I like to add a touch of vanilla extract. Just a splash can elevate the drink with soft, floral notes that make the tea feel even more luxurious.

You won’t need any special tools beyond a basic tea infuser (if using loose leaf), a jar with a lid or milk frother for shaking or foaming the milk, and a tall glass to serve it all up in style.

How To Make This Blackberry Tea Iced Tea Latte

This recipe comes together quickly and easily, but don’t let its simplicity fool you—each step contributes to a final drink that’s truly special.

Start by brewing your tea. Boil water and steep 1-2 blackberry tea bags (or 1 tablespoon loose-leaf tea) in about half a cup of hot water. Let it steep for at least 5 minutes to extract full color and flavor. Once steeped, remove the tea bags and allow the tea to cool slightly.

While the tea is steeping, prepare your milk. In a separate jar or frothing pitcher, combine your cold milk with vanilla extract and your blackberry syrup. If you like your lattes sweeter, this is the time to adjust with more syrup or a drizzle of honey.

Now it’s time to froth the milk. If you have a milk frother, use it to create a light foam. No frother? Just seal the milk mixture in a mason jar and shake vigorously for 30-60 seconds until frothy and lightly aerated.

Grab a tall glass and fill it with ice. Pour your frothed milk mixture into the glass first, creating a creamy base that will support the tea when poured on top.

Slowly pour the cooled tea over the milk and ice. This layering method creates a gorgeous ombre effect—from pale lavender at the bottom to rich berry purple at the top. If you want a blended flavor, feel free to give it a gentle stir.

From start to finish, you’re looking at about 10 minutes. The result is a picture-perfect iced tea latte that tastes as good as it looks—and makes you feel like a tea artist in your own home.

Storage Options

While this latte is best enjoyed fresh, you can absolutely prep parts of it ahead to save time.

You can brew the blackberry tea in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just make sure it’s completely cooled before adding it to the latte to preserve the icy finish.

Blackberry syrup also stores beautifully. Homemade syrup will keep in the fridge for 1 to 2 weeks, and store-bought versions can last for months after opening. Keep it in a squeeze bottle for easy latte assembly.

Avoid pre-frothing the milk, as it loses its texture after sitting. But you can mix the milk, syrup, and vanilla together ahead of time, and just froth it when you’re ready to serve.

To re-create the latte from your prepped ingredients, simply pour milk over ice, froth if desired, then top with tea. No quality lost, and still just as refreshing.

Variations and Substitutions

One of the joys of this recipe is how easily it adapts. With a few tweaks, you can make this drink your own.

If blackberry tea isn’t your thing, try using hibiscus, blueberry, or even earl grey for a different flavor profile. Each tea will bring its own twist while keeping that elegant, iced latte feel.

Prefer a sugar-free version? Skip the syrup and muddle fresh blackberries with a touch of stevia or monk fruit sweetener. It keeps the fruity flavor without added sugars.

For a richer texture, try using sweetened condensed milk or a splash of half-and-half. It transforms the latte into a dessert-like drink—ideal for a sweet tooth or special occasion.

Don’t be afraid to add spices like cinnamon or cardamom to the milk mixture. These cozy add-ins bring warmth and depth, especially if you're transitioning the drink into the cooler months.

Feeling fancy? Garnish with fresh mint, edible flowers, or a skewer of berries for an Instagram-worthy finish. Little touches like this can make your homemade latte feel like a special treat.

The best part is how customizable this drink can be. Once you’ve got the basics down, there’s a whole world of tea lattes waiting for you to explore.

Print