Homemade Raspberry Leaf Tea (Hot or Iced) – A Leafy Elixir You Must Try!

Hold onto your hats, tea enthusiasts, because we’re about to dive deep into the world of Raspberry Leaf Tea — a brew that doesn’t just dance on the palate but does a full-on jive!

Often overshadowed by its berry counterpart, the humble leaf of the raspberry plant is a hidden gem in the tea community, steeped in history and bursting with benefits.

In this guide, I’ll tell you how to make a healthy and simple raspberry leaf tea with a mild earthy flavor. But I also recommend trying different versions of this recipe — make it an iced drink for hot summer afternoons, add raspberries for sweetness and visual effect, or make it fulfilling milk tea with a creamy texture!

Why You Should Try This Recipe

• Nutrient-Rich Brew: Raspberry leaf tea is packed with vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, potassium, iron, and B vitamins. This makes it not only a nourishing drink but also a beneficial addition to your daily diet.
• Supports Women’s Health: Traditionally celebrated for its benefits during pregnancy, raspberry leaf tea is believed to help tone the uterus and ease menstrual discomfort, making it a supportive herbal remedy for women at various stages of life.
• Digestive Aid: This tea is known for its ability to aid digestion. Drinking a cup after meals can help soothe the stomach and reduce issues like bloating and discomfort.
• Antioxidant Properties: The leaves of the raspberry plant contain antioxidants that can help combat free radicals in the body, promoting overall health and potentially reducing the risk of chronic diseases.
• Subtle and Pleasant Flavor: Raspberry leaf tea has a flavor that is reminiscent of black tea but with a lighter, earthier tone. It’s less astringent and has a mild taste, making it a delightful choice for those new to herbal teas or those looking for a gentle yet tasty beverage.

Ingredients

The easiest option is to buy dried raspberry leaves and use them to make the tea. I recommend choosing a high-quality, pesticide-free product like the Zhivana Organic Raspberry Leaf Tea available on Amazon.

Another option is pick up raspberry leaves and use them fresh or dry them for later. You can use a food dehydrator to conveniently dry the leaves.

Ingredients for making 4 cups (32) oz of Raspberry Leaf Tea:

• 4 tablespoons dried raspberry leaves (or about 8 large fresh leaves)
• 4 cups of water
• Honey or sweetener of choice (optional)
• Fresh or frozen raspberries (optional)

When picking raspberry leaves from your garden for making tea, you’ll want to choose the best leaves to ensure a pleasant flavor and maximize health benefits.

Here are some tips on selecting the right leaves:

1. Age of Leaves: Choose young leaves, typically those that are vibrant green and fresh-looking. Young leaves are usually more tender and have a milder flavor compared to older, tougher leaves which might be more bitter.
2. Healthy Leaves: Look for leaves that are free from disease, spots, and insect damage. Healthy leaves ensure a cleaner, more pleasant tea without the risk of unwanted flavors or contaminants.
3. Harvest Time: The best time to pick raspberry leaves is in the morning after the dew has evaporated but before the sun is at its peak. This helps ensure that the leaves are not too wilted and still retain their natural oils and aroma.
4. Spring Harvest: Ideally, harvest raspberry leaves in the spring when the plants are in their vigorous growth phase before the berries have started to form. Leaves can be harvested until late summer, but the best flavor is obtained from spring leaves.
5. Organic Practices: If possible, ensure that no chemical pesticides or fertilizers have been used on or around the plants. Organic practices keep your tea natural and safe to consume.

How to Make Raspberry Leaf Tea

Step-by-step instructions for making 4 cups (32 oz) of Raspberry Leaf Tea:

1. Prepare the Leaves: If you’re using fresh raspberry leaves, rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or debris. If you’re using dried leaves, no preparation is needed.
2. Boil Water: In a small pot, bring the water to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Add Raspberry Leaves: Once the water is boiling, add the raspberry leaves to the pot.
4. Steep: Remove the pot from heat and cover it with a lid. Let the leaves steep in the hot water for about 5 to 10 minutes. The longer you steep, the stronger the flavor will be.
5. Strain: After steeping, use a fine mesh strainer or a tea infuser to strain out the leaves, leaving you with a clear infusion.
6. Sweeten (Optional): If desired, add honey or your preferred sweetener to the tea to taste. Stir until the sweetener is dissolved.
7. Serve: Pour the raspberry leaf tea into your favorite cup or mug.
8. Optional Flavor Enhancements: Feel free to add fresh raspberries for a fruitier taste and a nice visual effect. You can also add a squeeze of lemon juice or a sprig of fresh mint for more flavor complexity.

Note: You can adjust the strength of the tea by varying the amount of raspberry leaves used and the steeping time. Start with the recommended measurements and adjust according to your taste preferences.

Iced Raspberry Leaf Tea

To make an iced version of raspberry leaf tea, follow the steps to brew the tea as usual, using either dried or fresh raspberry leaves.

After steeping and straining, let the tea cool to room temperature. Once cooled, pour the tea over a glass full of ice cubes. For a refreshing twist, add a slice of lemon or a few mint leaves!

Iced Raspberry Leaf Milk Tea

If you want to make a luxurious and creamy summer drink, you can use whole milk or plant-based milk for this recipe. Follow instructions normally but use only 2 cups of water for brewing the tea. Then add 2 cups of milk after straining and sweetening the tea.

Tips & Variations

• Blend in Other Herbs: Combine raspberry leaf with other herbal teas like peppermint or chamomile to create a custom blend with unique flavors and added health benefits.
• Add Fresh Berries: Toss in a handful of fresh raspberries or mixed berries to the steeping tea for enhanced flavor and a burst of natural sweetness.
• Cold Brew Preparation: For a smoother, more mellow flavor, try cold brewing your raspberry leaf tea. Simply place the leaves in cold water and let them steep in the refrigerator overnight before straining.
• Spice It Up: Infuse your tea with a cinnamon stick or a few slices of fresh ginger during the steeping process for a warm, spicy note that complements the earthy taste of the raspberry leaves.