Summer Berry-Blast Sun Tea

The ultimate summer drink: Elderberry-hibiscus sun tea

Searching for a summer drink with vibrant flavors and refreshing goodness?

This sun tea medley will rejuvenate, nourish, and uplift your well-being. If you haven’t tried sun tea, you’re in for a treat. It’s one of my favorite parts about summer — and Berry Blast is one of our go-tos. 

Not only is it refreshing and satisfying, but it’s also bursting with health benefits. 

Refreshing rituals 

Sun tea is a healthy and proactive way to start your day, setting a positive tone effortlessly. When we begin our days with positive habits, we’re lining up the rest of our day for success. 

It’s an easy way to incorporate a healthy and nourishing ritual into your day. Sun tea makes it easy to prioritize your health and well-being. And if you’re interested in weight loss and overall wellness it’s a perfect addition. 

When an enjoyable beverage is ready and available, we’re more likely to skip the sugary drinks that hinder our progress. 

Hydrating with sun tea enhances our mood, increases focus and concentration, and gives us energy. Plus, healthy rituals add a touch of mindfulness and tranquility to the day. 

Easy and endless flavors

Prep is simple. In the morning, I simmer the elderberries for 15 minutes. And while that’s going, I prep a Mason jar with the ingredients. It’s easy and very hands-off.

Three hours in the sun and done.

One of the great things about sun tea is the endless possibilities and combinations. I love pairing citrus fruits with hibiscus and elderberry, but it also pairs well with raspberries, strawberries, pineapple, cucumber, lemongrass, and rose, to name a few. 

You can also keep it simple and allow the elderberries and hibiscus to shine on their own. This pairing highlights hibiscus's natural tartness and elderberry's fruity flavors.

Wellness wonders

The good-for-you benefits of Summer Berry-Blast Sun Tea are a powerful way to nourish your body.

The infusion of dried elderberries packs a powerful punch of antioxidants and immune-boosting properties. Elderberries help reduce inflammation, contribute to heart health, and alleviate cold and flu symptoms. They also contribute to radiant skin.

Hibiscus is rich in vitamin C, which enhances collagen production, promotes skin health, and supports your immune system. Hibiscus also supports healthy blood pressure and heart health.

Tangy lemons and juicy clementines offer an additional boost of vitamin C, boosting your immune system. The touch of ginger and mint also offers digestive benefits and antioxidants.

I hope you’ll give this delicious and healthy tea a try!

In the kitchen tips

1. Using filtered water improves overall taste and quality. 
2. Experiment with steeping time. A shorter time results in milder flavors, while a longer steeping time gives a more intense flavor. 
3. Try different herbal and fruit combinations. Sun tea is a perfect way to get creative with your flavors. Try chamomile, lavender, basil, or spices like cinnamon or cardamom. 
4. If you prefer a sweetener, try a touch of honey or maple syrup. Add while the sun tea is still warm so it dissolves naturally. 

📖 Recipe

Summer Berry-Blast Sun Tea

Infused with the immune-boosting power of elderberries and the tang of hibiscus, this sun-kissed beverage is a delight for your taste buds. Served chilled over ice, it's a refreshing elixir that will leave you feeling revitalized.

LEAVE A REVIEW PIN RECIPE PRINT RECIPE

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

  

• 2 tablespoons dried elderberries
• 8 cups water
• 2 tablespoons dried hibiscus, or 6 hibiscus tea bags
• 1 clementine, quartered
• 1 lemon, quartered
• 6 fresh mint leaves
• 1- inch piece of ginger, peeled

Instructions

 

• Bring 8 cups of water and the elderberries to a boil in a saucepan.
• Simmer for 15–20 minutes.
• While that is simmering, add hibiscus, clementine, lemon, mint, and ginger to a large glass jar with a cover. Set aside.
• Remove the saucepan from the heat once finished, and strain out the elderberries.
• Pour the elderberry-infused water into the glass jar, making sure all the ingredients are submerged.
• Cover and place in the sun to steep for 2–4 hours, depending on how strong you prefer it.
• Once finished, transfer to a pitcher filled with ice cubes and additional garnishes of fruit and mint. Alternatively, refrigerate it in an airtight container to keep it fresh and chilled.
• For the best taste, drink within 2 days.

Notes

1. Boiling the elderberries before preparing the sun tea helps extract the flavors and ensures safety.

Did you make this recipe?Mention @becomingyouwithjulie or tag #becomingyouwithjulie!

Author: Julie Gaeta