Blackberry Iced Tea

Disclosure: I made this Blackberry Iced Tea recipe using SPLENDA® Sweeteners as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars #SplendaSweeties #SweetSwaps . All opinions are my own.

Are you watching your sugar intake but still want to be able to enjoy a refreshing glass of fruity iced tea this summer? Then this Blackberry Iced Tea recipe made with SPLENDA^®Sweetener Products is going to have you jumping for joy.

One of the things I love about the summer is all the fresh berries and fruits that are in season. In the past I have made a simple syrup flavored with fresh blackberries, blueberries or whatever fruit I might have on hand and would flavor my iced tea with it.

In the last year I’ve made some changes to my diet and giving up my blackberry iced tea really made me sad.

So one day when I bought a bunch of fresh blackberries I decided I was going to try to make my blackberry iced tea with SPLENDA^® No Calorie Sweetener.

Honestly I wasn’t sure if it would work because when you make a fruit flavored simple syrup you heat sugar, water and whatever fruit you’re using and cook it long enough that the fruit releases its juices and a syrup forms. I was determined to make the ultimate #SweetSwaps recipe (for me and hopefully you also) so I could still enjoy a blackberry flavored iced tea during the summer.

I wish you could have seen me doing the happy dance when it turned out so good!

I had to change the way I made the syrup just a bit. Instead of heating the sugar, water and fruit. I heated the fruit and water until it reduced and thickened a bit. I then mixed the SPLENDA^® No Calorie Sweetener into the warm berry mixture so it could dissolve.

Since then I’ve made blackberry syrup a couple of times, a blueberry syrup and a fresh cherry syrup to enjoy in my glass of iced tea. This recipe makes about two cups of blackberry syrup and will keep for about two weeks in the refrigerator.

How to make a Blackberry Iced Tea with SPLENDA^® No Calorie Sweetener

Ingredients

2 cups fresh or frozen blackberries
2 cups water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 1/2 cups SPLENDA^® No Calorie Sweetener
Iced Tea

Directions

In a saucepan bring the blackberries, water and lemon juice to a simmer.
Simmer until reduced by 1/2 cup, about 15-20 minutes.
Occasionally mash berries on the side of the pot with the back of spoon.
Once mixture has reduced allow to cool slightly then stir in the SPLENDA® No Calorie Sweetener until it dissolves.
Strain the syrup over a bowl with a fine mesh strainer.
Discard solids.
Store in a bottle or mason jar in the refrigerator until use.
Pour about 3 tablespoons of blackberry syrup into a glass of iced tea.