Mint Tea Blackberry Sunrise

Peppermint tea gives blackberries a cool, aromatic background, while lime sharpens their darker fruit flavor. Mash the berries into cooled tea so you get their juice rather than just a decorative handful. Straining removes most of the seeds and makes the glass easier to drink. A standard tea bag is enough; an extra-strong peppermint brew can hide the fruit. The result is a caffeine-free berry tea with a crisp finish, particularly nice served cold on a warm morning.

Ingredients

• 1 tea bag Peppermint tea
• 6 oz Water
• 1/4 cup Blackberries
• 1/4 oz Lime juice

Make it

1. Brew the tea in the measured water, using the temperature and steeping time on its packet. Remove the tea bag.
2. Cool the tea in a heatproof container, then chill for about 30 minutes.
3. Mash any soft fruit in a separate glass. Lightly bruise herbs or ginger; add these and the listed juices or spices to the cooled tea.
4. Stir well and taste. Remove ginger or herb sprigs when their flavor suits you. Strain if you prefer a smoother drink, then serve chilled.

Benefits

Lime · a little vitamin C

Lime brings some vitamin C to the mix—a nutrient involved in collagen formation for healthy skin, alongside a cool mint fragrance from peppermint.

Blackberry · a flavor worth noticing

Using blackberry beside peppermint and lime gives the glass a dark, tart berry flavor, creating its own flavor without needing carbonation or an alcoholic pour.