Barley Free Green Tea Citrus Spritz

Total time45 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

5.0

(12)

This refreshing spritz is the kind of drink that looks like it came from a fancy café but comes together in your own kitchen with just a handful of wholesome ingredients. Brewed green tea forms a delicate, slightly grassy base that pairs beautifully with the brightness of fresh-squeezed orange and lime juice, while maple syrup adds just enough natural sweetness to tie everything together. The whole thing gets topped off with chilled sparkling water for a fizzy, effervescent finish that makes it feel genuinely celebratory. Barley shows up in more drinks than most people expect — from certain flavored teas to commercial mixers — so building this one from scratch with pure green tea bags and real citrus means you know exactly what's in your glass. Steeping the tea just right and skipping the squeeze on the bags keeps any bitterness at bay, so the flavor stays clean and bright. Garnished with a citrus slice and a sprig of fresh mint, it's as pretty as it is delicious. Whether you're serving it at brunch or just treating yourself on a warm afternoon, this spritz delivers serious refreshment without a single compromise.

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Ingredients

4 servings

For the green tea base

2 cups water
3 green tea bags
3 tbsp maple syrup
½ cup fresh orange juice (from about 2 medium oranges)
3 tbsp fresh lime juice (from about 2 limes)

To finish

2 cups sparkling water, chilled
1 cup ice cubes

For serving

4 thin orange or lime slices, for garnish (optional)
4 fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1
Bring 2 cups of water to a boil in a small saucepan, then remove from the heat. Add the green tea bags and steep for 3 minutes, until the tea is a deep golden-green. Remove and discard the bags — do not squeeze them, as this releases bitter tannins.
2
Stir the maple syrup into the hot tea until fully dissolved. Let the sweetened tea cool to room temperature, about 15 minutes, then refrigerate until cold, at least 15 minutes more.

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