Sparkling Mixed Berry Iced Tea

Mixed Berry Black Tea is practically made for iced tea pitchers — its tart-sweet flavor and deep red color hold up beautifully over ice, and the berry notes only become more refreshing when chilled. This version takes it further with a splash of sparkling water for extra lift and a bit of fizz.

Cold-brewing is the move for the cleanest flavor: steeping the tea in cold water overnight in the fridge extracts the fruity, sweet notes while leaving behind much of the tannin-driven bitterness that hot-brewed iced tea can develop once it cools.

A few muddled fresh berries at the bottom of the glass intensify the fruit flavor and look striking through the glass, while a splash of sparkling water right before serving keeps the drink light and lively rather than syrupy.

This is an easy make-ahead pitcher drink for warm afternoons, picnics, or backyard gatherings — brew a big batch of the cold-brew concentrate, then top individual glasses with sparkling water and ice to order.