Celery Free Sparkling Blueberry Lemon Iced Tea
This drink is the kind of thing you make once and immediately want to serve at every summer gathering. Juicy blueberries are simmered down with maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest into a gorgeous deep-purple syrup that gets stirred into brewed black tea and finished with a generous pour of sparkling water. The result is fruity, bright, and just sweet enough — with tiny bubbles that make it feel genuinely special. Every single ingredient in this recipe is naturally free from celery and celery derivatives, so there's no label-scanning or substitution stress involved. The homemade syrup is the real star here, delivering way more flavor than any store-bought mix could, and straining it leaves you with a silky, jewel-toned liquid that looks stunning over ice. Garnished with fresh blueberries and lemon slices, it's as pretty as it is refreshing.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the tea
- 4 black tea bags
- 3 cups boiling water
For the blueberry-lemon syrup
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup maple syrup
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 ½ lemons)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
To finish
- 2 cups sparkling water, chilled
- ice, for serving
For serving
- fresh blueberries and lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the tea bags in a heatproof pitcher or large bowl. Pour 3 cups of boiling water over them and steep for 5 minutes, then remove the bags without squeezing. Set the brewed tea aside to cool to room temperature, about 20 minutes.
- 2
While the tea steeps, combine the blueberries, 1/2 cup water, maple syrup, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the blueberries burst and the syrup is slightly thickened, about 8–10 minutes.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!