Blackberry Iced Tea

I rarely order a drink if I'm out to dinner-there's just something wrong with a beverage costing half of what your meal is!  But occasionally, I'll succumb to one of these delectable fruit teas-just too hard to resist!  It's also fun to get ideas for what I'd like to try at home.  This delicious blackberry tea was a hit with my entire family!  

3 cups fresh or frozen blackberries, thawed
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint
pinch of baking soda
4 cups boiling water
3 family-size or 12 regular tea bags
2-1/2 cups cold water

In a large container, combine the 3 cups blackberries and the sugar.  Crush the berries with a potato masher or the back of a wooden spoon.  (Keep in mind the wooden spoon will now be stained :)  Add chopped mint and baking soda; stir well and set aside.  Bring the 4 cups of water to a boil in a tea kettle or microwave; add tea bags and let stand about 5 minutes, (longer for stronger flavor).  Discard tea bags.  Pour the tea over the blackberry mixture; let stand at room temperature 1 hour.  Pour tea through a fine mesh strainer into a large pitcher, discarding solids.  Add the 2-1/2 cups cold water, stirring until sugar dissolves.  Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.  Garnish with fresh blackberries, if desired.  Yield:  about 7 cups.