Gut Friendly Sparkling Lemonade Berry Iced Tea
This drink is the kind of thing you make once and immediately want to share with everyone you know. Fresh strawberries are muddled until they release their juice, then combined with a bright maple-lemon syrup and deeply steeped black tea for a layered, complex flavor that feels genuinely special. The maple syrup keeps things naturally sweetened without refined sugar, and the fresh lemon juice adds a zingy lift that makes every sip feel clean and refreshing. Straining out the berry solids gives you a beautifully smooth, jewel-toned base that looks stunning over ice. Topping each glass with chilled sparkling water right before serving adds a gentle fizz that keeps the whole drink lively and light on the stomach. It's the kind of beverage that works just as well at a weekend brunch as it does on a quiet afternoon when you just need something that feels a little celebratory.
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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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