Blackberry Iced Tea

Ingredients:
3 cups fresh or frozen blackberries, thawed
1 1/4 cups sugar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint (optional)
Pinch of baking soda
4 cups boiling water
2 family-size tea bags
2 1/2 cups cold water

Garnishes: fresh blackberries, fresh mint sprigs





Directions:

1. Combine blackberries and sugar in large container. Crush blackberries with wooden spoon. Add mint and baking soda. Set aside.
2. Pour 4 cups boiling water over tea bags; cover and let stand 3 minutes. Discard tea bags.
3. Pour tea over blackberry mixture; let stand at room temperature 1 hour. Pour tea through a wire-mesh strainer into a large pitcher, discarding solids. Add 2 1/2 cups cold water, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Garnish, if desired.