Low Sodium Sparkling Lemonade Berry Iced Tea
This drink is the definition of a warm-weather showstopper — bright, fizzy, and layered with real fruit flavor that tastes like it came from a fancy café. Fresh strawberries are muddled right in the pitcher, releasing their natural juice into a base of steeped black tea and a quick maple-lemon syrup that brings just the right amount of sweetness without any refined sugar. The whole thing gets a lift from chilled sparkling water poured in at the end, giving every glass that satisfying effervescence. Because the sweetness comes entirely from maple syrup and fresh lemon juice, there's no need to reach for anything processed or pre-packaged — every ingredient is clean and straightforward. It's naturally free of added sodium, which can sneak into store-bought iced teas and flavored sparkling drinks in surprising amounts. A lemon slice and a sprig of fresh mint on the rim make it look almost too pretty to drink — almost.
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Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the tea base
- 4 black tea bags
- 3 cups boiling water
For the lemon syrup
- ¼ cup maple syrup
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ¼ cup water
For the berry layer
- 16 medium strawberries, hulled and halved (about 200 g)
For assembling
- 2 cups sparkling water, chilled
- 2 cups ice cubes
For serving
- 4 lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
- 4 fresh mint sprigs, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Place the tea bags in a heatproof pitcher or large measuring cup. Pour the 3 cups of boiling water over them and steep for 4–5 minutes, until the tea is deep amber and full-flavored. Remove the bags without squeezing, then let the tea cool to room temperature, about 20–25 minutes.
- 2
While the tea steeps, combine the maple syrup, lemon juice, lemon zest, and 1/4 cup water in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir until the maple syrup is fully dissolved, about 2 minutes — the mixture should be smooth and slightly steaming but not boiling. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes.
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