Blackberry Sweet Tea

A cool and refreshing drink just made for a hot summer afternoon. From Southern Living magazine.

• Ready In: 20 mins
• Yields: 7 cups

Ingredients

• 3  cups fresh blackberries (or frozen blackberries, thawed)
• 1 1⁄4 cups sugar
• 1  tablespoon  chopped of fresh mint
• 1  pinch baking soda (optional)
• 4  cups boiling water
• 2  family-size tea bags (decaf is best)
• 2 1⁄2 cups cold water
•  fresh blackberries (to garnish)

Directions

1. Combine blackberries and sugar in a large container, and crush with a wooden spoon; stir in mint and baking soda(if using).
2. Boill 4 cups of water and pour over tea bags; cover and steep 5 minutes. Discard tea bags.
3. Pour tea over blackberry mixture; let stand at room temperature 1 hour.
4. 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 1 hour.
5. Garnish, if desired.