Black Pepper Free Sparkling Lemonade Berry Iced Tea
This drink is the definition of warm-weather refreshment — bright, fruity, and fizzy in all the right ways. 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 real secret here: maple syrup, fresh lemon juice, and a hit of zest come together into something smooth and fragrant that ties every layer of flavor together beautifully. Avoiding black pepper in savory dishes is one thing, but beverages can sometimes sneak in unexpected spice blends or flavored syrups — here, every ingredient is straightforward and easy to verify. The whole thing gets strained so you're left with a clean, jewel-toned liquid that looks stunning over ice. A splash of chilled sparkling water at the end gives it that satisfying effervescence, and a sprig of fresh mint on top makes it feel genuinely special. It's the kind of drink you'd happily serve at a backyard gathering or sip solo on a slow afternoon.
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!