Barley Free Sparkling Lemonade Berry Iced Tea
This drink is the definition of a crowd-pleasing refresher — bright, fizzy, and layered with real fruit flavor that tastes like summer in a glass. Fresh strawberries are muddled right in the pitcher, releasing their natural juice and color into a base of steeped black tea and a silky maple-lemon syrup. That syrup is the secret weapon here: maple syrup dissolves smoothly into lemon juice and zest, giving you a rounded sweetness with a citrusy edge that plain sugar just can't match. A splash of chilled sparkling water at the end brings the whole thing to life with a satisfying fizz. Every ingredient in this recipe is naturally free from grain-based additives, so there's no need to scrutinize labels or worry about hidden fillers sneaking into your glass. It's elegant enough to serve at a backyard gathering but simple enough to throw together on a Tuesday afternoon. Garnish with a lemon slice and a sprig of fresh mint if you want to make it look as good as it tastes.
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 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.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!