Ginger Free Sparkling Lemonade Berry Iced Tea
Few drinks hit the way a tall, ice-cold glass of something fruity and fizzy does on a warm afternoon, and this one absolutely delivers. Fresh strawberries are muddled until they release their juice, then combined with a bright maple-lemon syrup and deeply steeped black tea for a base that's layered, complex, and genuinely refreshing. The whole thing gets strained smooth before sparkling water is added at the end, so every sip is clean and effervescent without any pulpy texture. Many store-bought flavored teas and sparkling drinks sneak in ginger as a background note, so making this from scratch means you stay in full control of every ingredient. The lemon syrup is a small but brilliant touch — maple syrup gives it a rounded sweetness that plays beautifully against the tartness of fresh-squeezed juice and zest. A sprig of mint and a lemon wheel on the rim make it look like something you'd pay too much for at a café, but it comes together right in your own kitchen.
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!