Ever had one of those scorching summer days when water just doesn’t cut it, but you’re not in the mood for anything alcoholic? That’s where this Bellini Peach Raspberry Iced Tea swoops in to save the day. Inspired by the classic Italian cocktail but transformed into a family-friendly refresher, this vibrant tea brings together the succulence of ripe peaches and the tartness of fresh raspberries in a drink that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
Why This Recipe is Awesome
What makes this Bellini Peach Raspberry Iced Tea truly special is its versatility and stunning presentation.
Unlike standard iced tea, this beverage delivers layers of sophisticated flavor without any alcohol, making it perfect for everyone from kids to non-drinkers to pregnant guests at your next gathering. The combination of fragrant peach nectar and raspberry puree creates a beautiful sunset effect in the glass that’s Instagram-worthy before you even take a sip. Plus, it comes together in minutes, can be made in advance, and serves as both a refreshment and a decorative element for your table setting.
It’s essentially summer in a glass—bright, refreshing, and guaranteed to impress.
Equipment needed: Pitcher, fine-mesh strainer, blender or food processor, ice cube tray
Bellini Peach Raspberry Iced Tea
Ingredients
- 4 black tea bags or 2 tablespoons loose leaf black tea
- 4 cups water
- 1 cup fresh or frozen peaches plus additional slices for garnish
- 1 cup fresh or frozen raspberries plus additional berries for garnish
- 3-4 tablespoons honey or simple syrup adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup peach nectar store-bought or homemade
- Ice cubes
- Fresh mint sprigs for garnish optional
- Sparkling water for topping optional
Instructions
- Brew the tea base. Bring 4 cups of water to a boil, remove from heat, add tea bags, and steep for 5 minutes. Remove tea bags, squeezing gently to extract flavor, and allow the tea to cool completely.
- Prepare the peach component. Add peaches to a blender with 2 tablespoons of honey or simple syrup and blend until completely smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any pulp or skin if desired.
- Make the raspberry puree. Blend the raspberries with 1 tablespoon honey or simple syrup and the lemon juice until smooth. Strain through a fine-mesh sieve to remove seeds.
- Sweeten the tea. Once the tea has cooled, stir in the remaining honey or simple syrup to taste. Remember the fruit mixtures will add sweetness, so you may need less than you think.
- Assemble in glasses. Fill tall glasses halfway with ice cubes. Pour the tea until each glass is about half full, then add about 2 tablespoons of peach nectar to each glass.
- Create the layered effect. Carefully pour 1-2 tablespoons of the raspberry puree over the back of a spoon held above the glass so it floats on top of the tea-peach mixture. This creates the beautiful layered effect.
- Finish and garnish. Top with a splash of sparkling water if using. Garnish each glass with fresh peach slices, raspberries, and a sprig of mint if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 24 hours.
Notes
- For a make-ahead option, prepare all components separately and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Assemble just before serving.
- Create beautiful ice cubes by freezing small peach pieces or whole raspberries in water in an ice cube tray.
- For a stronger tea flavor, use 5 tea bags instead of 4, or steep for 7 minutes rather than 5.
- If you prefer a uniform color rather than layers, simply stir all components together before serving.
- This recipe scales beautifully for parties—simply multiply ingredients proportionally and mix in a large dispenser.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Calories: Approximately 110 calories per serving
- Carbohydrates: 28g per serving (primarily from natural fruit sugars)
- Protein: 1g per serving
- Fat: 0g per serving
- Allergen Information: Free from all major allergens
- Dietary Suitability: Vegan, gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-steeping the tea: This creates bitterness that even sweetener can’t mask. Set a timer for exactly 5 minutes.
- Using boiling water with the fruit: This can dull the fresh flavor and vibrant color. Always use cool tea when combining with fruit purees.
- Not straining the purees: Seeds and pulp can create an unpleasant texture. Take the extra minute to strain for a smooth, elegant drink.
- Adding components too quickly: For the beautiful layered effect, pour slowly and use the back-of-spoon technique to prevent immediate mixing.
- Oversweetening: Natural fruit sugars add significant sweetness, so start with less honey/syrup than you think and adjust to taste.
Alternatives & Substitutions
- Tea variations: Green tea creates a lighter flavor profile, while hibiscus tea offers a gorgeous ruby color and tart flavor that complements the fruits beautifully.
- Sweetener options: Substitute agave nectar, maple syrup, or even monk fruit sweetener for honey. Each brings a slightly different flavor profile.
- Fruit alternatives: Try mangoes instead of peaches, or blackberries/blueberries instead of raspberries for different color and flavor combinations.
- Adult version: Add 1 oz of prosecco or champagne per glass for a true Bellini-inspired cocktail.
- Herb infusions: Add fresh herbs like basil, rosemary, or lavender to the tea while steeping for an aromatic twist.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe with tea bags instead of loose leaf tea?
Absolutely! Use 4 standard black tea bags in place of loose leaf. The recipe already accounts for this substitution, making it accessible regardless of which tea format you prefer.
How far in advance can I prepare this drink?
You can prepare all components separately up to 3 days ahead and store them in the refrigerator. For the best layered effect, assemble the drinks just before serving, though fully assembled drinks will still taste delicious for up to 24 hours.
Is this drink too sweet for adults who prefer less sugary beverages?
Not at all! One of the beauties of this recipe is its adaptability. Simply reduce the honey or simple syrup to your preference, or add a squeeze of extra lemon juice to balance the sweetness with more acidity.
Can I use canned or jarred peaches instead of fresh?
Yes, though drain them well and reduce any additional sweetener since canned fruits typically contain added sugar. Fresh or frozen peaches will give the brightest flavor, but canned work perfectly fine in a pinch.
What’s the best way to serve this at a party?
For an impressive presentation, set up a DIY tea bar with the tea base in a large dispenser, and the fruit purees in separate pitchers with spoons. Provide garnishes and let guests create their own layered drinks. Pre-filled mason jars with lids also make convenient grab-and-go options.
Final Thoughts
This Bellini Peach Raspberry Iced Tea bridges the gap between everyday refreshment and special occasion indulgence. Its beautiful sunset colors and complex flavors elevate a simple iced tea into something truly memorable. Whether you’re hosting friends or simply treating yourself on a warm afternoon, this drink delivers both visual delight and delicious refreshment with each sip.
