BHA & BHT Free Green Tea Citrus Spritz

Total time45 min

Prep time10 min

Cook time5 min

5.0

(12)

Bright, fizzy, and bursting with real citrus flavor, this sparkling green tea drink is the kind of refreshment that feels almost too pretty to sip — almost. Every ingredient here is straightforward and whole: brewed green tea, fresh-squeezed orange and lime juice, maple syrup, and chilled sparkling water. That matters more than it might seem, because many bottled teas, flavored sparkling waters, and commercial juice blends quietly contain synthetic preservatives like BHA and BHT to extend shelf life. Making this at home from scratch means you know exactly what's in your glass. The maple syrup dissolves right into the hot tea, giving a gentle, rounded sweetness that plays beautifully against the tart citrus without any artificial aftertaste. Steeping the tea bags for just three minutes — and skipping the squeeze — keeps the base clean and smooth rather than bitter. Finished with ice, a splash of sparkling water, and a sprig of fresh mint, this is the kind of drink that makes a regular afternoon feel like a little occasion.

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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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